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up like an arrow aimed at the stars. “Have you ever climbed to the top of that, Pan?”
    â€œWhen I was a young man,” he said proudly. “I am the only person in this entire realm to scale it. It’s called the Point. It reaches all the way into outer space.”
    â€œCool,” Watch said.
    Adam was concerned. “This is a nice place but it’s so big. Is your castle far from here? We want to help you defeat the evil wizard, but we’d also like to be home in time for dinner.”
    â€œI have to cook tonight,” Cindy added.
    â€œIt is not far,” Pan reassured them. “We should be able to walk there in less than two hours. It was along the road between here and there that I threw away the crystal necklace.”
    â€œThen let’s hit the road,” Sally said “The sooner we get rid of Klandor—and those nasty leprechauns—the happier I’ll be.”
    â€œLeprechauns are not so bad once you get to know them,” Pan said as they stepped onto a wide dirt road that led through the trees. “They’re just boisterous.”
    â€œThere are many kids in the prisons across our country who would say the same thing,” Sally said.
    â€œThere are a few people on death row who would also say the same thing,” Watch added.
    They had gone about a mile when they were attacked.
    Arrows flew out of the trees. One struck Watch in the calf before they knew what was happening. Letting out a painful cry, Watch crumpled to his knees and grabbed his leg. Adam knelt down beside him.
    â€œCan you walk?” Adam asked.
    Watch shook his head, trying to pull the arrow out. Already the blood was staining his pants leg. “No. Take cover, save yourselves.”
    The arrows continued to fly from the woods.
    One struck Sally in her hair, where it got caught, and almost caused her to faint. Cindy hurried to Watch’s side and tried to help him up.
    â€œWe have to get him off the road!” she cried.
    â€œIt hurts too much!” Watch moaned. “Leave me.
    â€œWe won’t leave you,” Pan said, reaching down with a strong arm. “Help him onto my back before another of their arrows hits us.”
    Adam and Cindy lifted Watch under his arms and managed to get him onto Pan’s back. Without another word they all dashed into the woods on the opposite side of the road from the flying arrows. The trees were so dense—they were able to hide quickly. They helped Watch off Pan’s back and set him down on the moist earth. Crouching behind thick bushes, they peered back the way they had come. The arrows had stopped, and for the moment the attack seemed over. Pan bent over and studied Watch’s wound. The arrow was still stuck in Watch’s leg, but the bleeding was not too bad. Pan shook his head sadly.
    â€œWe were attacked by elves,” he said. “This is an elf arrow.”
    â€œBut I thought you said all the elementals followed you into Spooksville’s forest?” Adam asked.
    Pan was grim. “Most of them did. But a few didn’t want to leave their lands and were allowed to stay by swearing allegiance to Klandor. The evil wizard probably set them to guard the road beside the portal just in case I did return.”
    â€œWe have to get this arrow out,” Cindy cried, sitting beside Watch and holding his hand. “It’s hurting him.”
    â€œIt will hurt worse to pull it out,” Pan warned. “And then the wound will bleed more.” He studied Watch. “But it willhave to come out soon if it’s not to cause any permanent damage. Do you trust me to operate on you, Watch?”
    Watch grimaced. “I trust you more than I trust Sally and Adam.”
    â€œI have no plans to be a doctor when I grow up,” Sally joked, although it was clear she was shaken by the sudden attack, and by the injury to her good friend.
    â€œEven with the arrow out,” Pan said, “Watch