24
“We tried to hold him off,” said Bertha. “Whatever magic Oxworth is using this time is stronger than anything we've seen before.” She threw something at Max. He caught it with both hands. It was his bag with the hourglass and watch inside. Wunder helped her into a chair. Basil walked across the room and slipped his hand in Wunder's. The half-giant said nothing, but gave the small boy a slight nod. Celandine slowly approached Bertha.
“My father?” she asked, with watery eyes.
Bertha shook her head. “We couldn't find him or Hodgenock. I'm fearing the worst, child.”
Celadine placed her hands on her heart and bent with a heavy sob. “M-My people?”
“They made a great effort to fight and those that couldn't fight made a run for it,” said Bertha. “We won't know until the smoke clears.” A gn
