The Pillars of Ponderay Read Free Page B

mailman, Bob Flynn really spent most of his days in the Core, overseeing the Calderon Realm. It was more than a full-time job. It was a way of life.
    â€œHey, at least there’s a wreath on the front door,”Albert said as he and Farnsworth jumped down from the truck.
    Inside, Bob Flynn’s house was warm and cozy, a fire crackling in the corner of the living room. There was Pap’s favorite recliner, a permanent indentation on its cushions.
    â€œDad! I’m here!” Albert set his bag down and raced to the kitchen, expecting to see Bob Flynn with his Kiss the Cook apron on, stirring up his favorite deer stew.
    Instead, the kitchen was empty. An untouched fruitcake was sitting on the wooden table, along with a single white envelope.
    Albert slumped into his usual chair, the one with the uneven legs that always sat crooked. “He’s not here? I thought we’d have dinner and watch TV. You know, the usual.”
    Pap hobbled into the room, Farnsworth on his heels. “He wanted to be here. But he has duties.” He crossed to the table and scooped up the envelope. “He did leave you this. An early Christmas present.”
    Albert looked at the envelope. Sure enough, Bob Flynn’s horrible handwriting was on the front, in bright red ink.
    Albert ripped open the envelope, and something fell into his lap. It was a silver key.
    â€œWhat’s this?” Albert asked Pap.
    Pap winked. “Read the letter.”
    So Albert did.
    Hey, Kiddo ,
    Sorry I couldn’t be there to greet you. Things are a little demanding right now in the Core, and you’ll understand soon enough. Take tonight and get some rest—you leave first thing in the morning. The rest of Hydra will meet you in the Core.
    Because there’s so much snow, you and Farnsworth will have a little trouble finding the Troll Tree. Which is why I picked up a little surprise for you. Pap will show you in the morning.
    See you soon!
    Love, Dad.
    P.S. Wear a helmet.
    Albert didn’t know what it meant.
    But if helmets were involved, tomorrow was going to be one of the best days of his life.

CHAPTER 3

The Race to the Core
    A lbert couldn’t sleep.
    He tossed and turned all night, holding the silver key. He imagined all sorts of things where a helmet would be required.
    Most of them, like skydiving, or bull riding, or snowboarding, wouldn’t be very helpful in getting Albert to the Troll Tree.
    But hey, a boy could dream, right?
    When morning came, Albert and Farnsworth wolfed down their eggs and toast. Pap stood there the whole time, patiently waiting.
    Finally, he spoke.
    â€œLet’s go to the garage, shall we?”
    Albert swallowed his last sip of milk, then threw onhis gloves, boots, and coat, and followed Pap out the back door.
    He almost tripped over his own feet.
    Sitting right across from him, parked next to his dad’s mail truck, was one of Albert’s dreams come true.
    A snowmobile.
    And not just any snowmobile. It was an IceBlitzer 3000, jet black and sleek as a stallion, just waiting for Albert to hop on and speed away.
    â€œThat’s for me?” Albert’s voice squeaked.
    Pap laughed. “If the key fits.”
    Albert crossed the garage in two steps, hopped up onto the seat of the IceBlitzer, and put the key in the ignition.
    It roared to life, louder than a lion.
    â€œCan I drive it?” Albert shouted to Pap over the sound of the rumbling engine.
    â€œIt’s yours for the day!” Pap nodded, then scooped a helmet off of the tool shelf up against the wall. It was black to match the snowmobile.
    â€œDon’t go too crazy, all right?” Pap put the helmet on Albert’s head and fastened it tight.
    He showed Albert how to work the controls, then guided him as he backed out of the garage.
    â€œHow about a hug for your old Pap before you go?” Pap asked.
    Albert put the IceBlitzer in neutral, then gave Pap the best hug he could. “You can’t