Magic in the Old Barn

Teri stared at the large, old, wood barn, the openings dark and ominous making her think of giant creatures with black hungry eyes and wide open mouths ready to swallow her in an instant. An involuntary shiver ran down her spine and the hair on her arms stood on end. Pushing the thought aside she started towards it, then hesitated remembering all the ghost and horror stories about this barn. No one went near it except on a dare and even then no one she knew had ever gone inside, rumor was, you’d never return if you did.

The thought crossed her mind that this was all just a big trick, it would not be the first time someone had pulled a prank on her or teased her into tears. “They are jealous because you're so dang brilliant,” her dad consoled as she cried in his arms. “You're just so gorgeous of course they have to find any perceived fault to poke at sweetheart,” her mom reassured in a silken voice as she combed her tight black curls back into a cute bun on the top of her head.

She didn’t think Rodrigo would be one to trick her, but she’d thought that about other friends before. She decided she would rather not find out if he was like others today, and was turning for home when she saw movement just inside the barn’s half door. As the movement caught her eye she also heard an excited, “Teri, you came!”

Rodrigo’s skinny yet muscular frame bounded out the door and ran towards her; his white teeth showing behind the huge grin. Teri giggled thinking of his one slightly crooked pointed tooth. He claimed it was because he was part shark any time someone gave him grief and tried to tease him about it. His method worked; eventually the others stopped poking fun at it and moved onto other differences. He always had a quick come back which annoyed the bully’s and amused the others, but still no one dared talk to him or invite him to play at recess out of fear of being marked as different and bullied as well. Having just moved to the neighborhood a few months ago, Rodrigo was still the new kid and hadn’t found his place in the rankings. Teri had run the gauntlet of bullies time and time again; she too had a quick wit and solid inner strength and peace, thanks to her parents, which always got her through. She and Rodrigo hit it off quite well and found friendship in their solitude of oddities.

She started towards him, a big smile spreading across her face as well. “I was going to change my mind and flee from the nightmares inside that place. Are you certain there isn’t anything to worry about in there?”

“Pfft, I’ve gone in there everyday since we moved here, there’s nothing to,” suddenly he cocked his head to the side, stuck his arms out, hands dangling and one foot dragging sideways. He continued now in a slurred and growly voice, “wo wo worrrryy abbbout.” He reached her and flopped his arms on her shoulders, his head bent down by her ear, “you’ll be one of us soon.”

Teri laughed and screamed, letting out one of her nervous snorts as he spun behind her and pushed her towards the barn. Rodrigo chuckled loudly, “I had you didn’t I…. just a little bit!”

“Maybe for a second, you're lucky I didn’t punch you in the face.”

“Oh lucky am I? Well, you are the lucky one today. We have an adventure waiting inside, let’s go see!”

He pushed her the last few feet, pulled the door open, and Teri held her breath as they crossed the forbidden threshold.

Her eyes took their time adjusting to the dimmer light inside, as her nostrils filled with the smell of musty old hay and dust.

“Ha,” She proclaimed triumphantly, “take that Landrom! I have definitely done something you never dared do!”

Rodrigo laughed and stepped out into the middle of the open space, spread his arms wide and spun slowly, “Well, what do you think?”

Her eyes fully adjusted to the light now she gazed around the place, dust particles dancing in the streaks of sunlight sneaking through the cracks. Animal stalls in various stages of ruin lined the walls filled with old hay. A loft above them was partially filled with broken down bales of hay and a pitch fork with half a weathered wood handle leaned against the wall. Several beaten up rusty milk cans and pails stood in a corner, and some frayed ropes hung on big nails nearby. The wood inside the barn was a darker color, not having been bleached by golden rays through the years.

“This is what everyone has feared! This is nothing,” she harrumphed.

“Nothing! Nothing!” Rodrigo bellowed “This place is magical, so don’t you go saying otherwise. The Dwarfs are pretty offended that you think so little of their home.”

“Oh the Dwarfs are upset are they?”

“Yes, they are, so you better apologize now.” He walked closer to her and in a low whisper muttered, “You do not want to get on the bad side of King Goldemar, he has a pretty nasty temper.”

A twinkle in her eye and glee in her voice Teri turned to her right, “Oh mighty”

“Psst”

Slightly annoyed she paused a second then ignoring Rodrigo’s interruption went on, “Oh mighty Dwarfs”

“Teri, the Dwarfs are over there,” Rodrigo declared, pointing in the opposite direction of where she faced. Leaning down to her ear he said softly, “Don’t take too long apologizing though, Goldemar can get very chatty. I promised Lloyd in Ninjago City we would help the lego people defeat the rampaging dinos today.”

Teri chuckled and as she turned to where Rodrigo pointed she noticed several toy dwarfs hidden in the hay. A beam of sunlight crossed her eyes and suddenly hundreds of dwarfs stood scattered amongst the hay. Beyond them a magnificent kingdom with a beautiful tall rock castle and various sized wooden cottages were splashed throughout green hills and valleys. The scene continued on, there was no old barn wall now, thousands of miles of forest and great snow capped mountains met her eye.

“Oh my” Teri exclaimed in awe.

“Oh my is more like it,” proclaimed King Goldemar in a deep booming voice with an accent Teri couldn’t quite place. “We’ve worked hard for centuries to build this kingdom and have been busy for days cleaning for your grand arrival.”

“You’ve done a marvelous job. I am sorry if I seemed underwhelmed I did not see you at first your majesty. I apologize greatly for my disrespect.”

“All is forgiven, great and humble Teri. We are pleased to finally meet you; Prince Rodrigo has spoken highly of you.”

“Has he now!” Turning to Rodrigo she mouthed, “Prince” and raised her eyebrows.

“Ja, he has told of the many battles you have fought together. Your wheels of destruction are more wondrous than he described. We are honored to have such a warrior in our presence.” He gave a deep nod of his head towards her, his long silver hair falling in front of his face.

A huge grin revealed her white teeth; she wiggled her wheelchair back and forth, “They are pretty amazing aren’t they!”

A slight look of concern crossed Goldemar’s face, and he took a half step back, “Ja, but we understand your wisdom and love is far greater.”

“That it is your majesty,” Rodrigo proclaimed with a slight bow.

Motioning towards his castle, Goldemar entreated, “Please come join us for a great feast. My cooks are masters in their art and my hunters have searched the mountains for the finest beasts to be served.”

Teri moved forward and took his hand in hers, “We would love to join you, but another time. We have been summoned to help save a village from fierce dinosaurs who are destroying homes and killing villagers.”

“Then off you must go mighty warrior, destroy these creatures before they find their way here. I will give to you a portion of fire dust carefully mined from Feuer Mountain; when released on an enemy it will turn them to ash. Use it wisely and be triumphant!”

They thanked him, waved goodbye, and headed towards the danger. “Did you bring your sword Teri?”

“No, I didn’t know I’d need one.”

Rodrigo reached down and grabbed two sticks from the ground, “It’s a good thing I brought two then isn’t it.”

Once Teri grabbed hold of the stick it began to transform, the pommel held a perfect white daisy encased in clear glass which was held fast in a loop of the finest steel. The steel extended to the sharp point on the other end, gorgeous etchings of daisies and vines twirled down the blade. The grip was wrapped with exquisite blue leather making it easy and comfortable to hold. The elegant looking cross-guard curved back into a circle on both ends; each held a white daisy, their beauty forever trapped in flawless glass.

Rodrigo led the way and as they passed another stall a voice called out “Good day Colonel Rodrigo.”

Rodrigo paused and saluted sharply, calling out, “Hello Captain Grid-Iron, how is the battle today?”

Teri looked out over an army, camp tents and makeshift buildings strung out under cover of dense trees. In the distance, planes flew in darkened smoked-filled skies; the sound of gunfire and explosions reached Teri’s ears along with the Captain’s reassurance that they had the enemy on the run. Rodrigo promised to come back and check on them later, and also let them be properly introduced to Teri, the remarkable soldier they had heard so much about.

Lloyd met them at the entrance to his world calling out as he ran and they followed, “At last you made it; just in time too, the beasts have moved to the city and are attacking the school!”

The scene was horrifying, screams of children inside the square building called for help, giant t-rexes beat the brick walls with their strong tails, and one jumped on the roof. The building was beginning to crumble under his weight. “Quick Rodrigo, come with me. There is an underground tunnel to the school where we can get the kids out. Teri, I am glad you have finally joined us, please go and help Nya and Zane distract the beasts and drive them away from Ninjago City!”

Teri sped towards the hungry dino's, a hunger of her own growing inside. “You will die today!'' she screamed. She found Nya and Zane jumping and yelling in vain at the t-rexes. They turned to her with shock and wonder in their eyes, “Is this the great Master Teri?”

“Yes it is, I came to help,” Teri boomed.

“Thank goodness, we feared we had lost this battle, but with you at our side we are sure to win!”

Teri used her sword and a slice of sunlight to direct a beam into the eyes of the dinosaurs. It worked and soon they were after the three ninja masters. They fled keeping the destructive pair following them, leading them away from the city and out in the open for their demise, the dino’s hopefully, not their own. The battle was long and hard, thankfully Lloyd and Rodrigo eventually joined them. Teri feared for a moment she would have to use the fire dust, but fighting together they beat the vicious predators.

Sitting with Sensei Wu, enjoying a cup of tea, Teri heard her name from far away.

“Oh no,” she sighed, “the evil goblin Everett has come for me. He can’t find out about this place, I better go.” She hurried off calling out goodbyes to all and excitedly proclaimed to Rodrigo, “Next weekend, we fly with fairies!”

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For more adventures with Rodrigo and Teri check this story out!

Or check out this cute story!