A Desperate Gamble
- The dark forest is creepy, and Kendra's not sure how much longer it'll take her to get back to the house—finally she sees the pond with the gazebos, which is a landmark she recognizes.
- The situation feels desperate—and then Kendra has an idea. The Fairy Queen has a shrine on the island in the pond, and she's supposed to be pretty powerful. Maybe she could ask for help?
- Of course, the risk is that Kendra could be turned into dandelion fluff like in the story of the guy who went to seek help from the Fairy Queen in the past—but even if that happens to Kendra, it's probably better than being torn apart by demons or imps.
- She manages to get a boat out of the boathouse and tries to get to the island in the middle of the pond. The naiads try to tip her, but she makes it to the island.
- When Kendra sets foot on the island, she doesn't turn into dandelion seeds, so that's a plus; she spots the tiny shrine to the Fairy Queen, and begins to speak to it.
- She relates what's happened to her family at the hands of Muriel, and asks for help because if Bahumat gets out, the preserve will be wrecked. Then she begins to cry.
- The tiny statue of a fairy weeps with her, and the tears fill a little silver bowl. Then a presence speaks to Kendra, saying that if she makes an elixir from tears, milk, and blood, the Fairy Queen's handmaidens will attend her.
- The naiads had steered the boat away from the island, but for some reason, it's back when Kendra tries to leave—and when she gets in it, she doesn't even have to steer it; the boat begins to bring her back to the shore.
- Waiting for her there is Mendigo. Asking for help from the Fairy Queen must've been an act of magic, so Kendra's no longer immune to harm.
- But when Kendra climbs onto the pier and carefully sets the bowl down, Mendigo isn't able to grab her. So apparently getting the bowl wasn't an act of magic… but making an elixir probably will be.
- Kendra grabs Mendigo's arms and unhooks them, throwing them into the water. He's able to knock her down, but when he tries to fish his arms out of the water using a leg, the naiads pull him in, and there he stays. Go team.
- Kendra continues on her way to the house.