The Fellowship of the Band Nerds

Chapter Eight

"The halls of Morendo," Kristen said reverently once they stopped.

"There's a sign on the door," said Melissa. "What's it say, Elizabeth?"

"Play 'Henry' and enter," Elizabeth read. "Who's Henry?"

"I'm confused," Dennis said.

Megan rolled her eyes. "Tell us something we didn't know already."

Meanwhile, Sami stared at the sign thoughtfully. "Elizabeth," she said finally, "try playing 'Henry V'."

"But I don't have my marching baritone," she argued.

Eric lifted his trumpet to his lips and played the trumpet solo. As the notes echoed eerily through the empty halls, the door creaked open.

"Eric," Dennis said quietly, "we'll have to leave Bill behind. This is no place for a pit cart, even one as faithful as Bill."

Tears welled up in Eric's eyes as they left Bill behind.

"Don't worry." Megan patted him on the back. "Bill's a good pit cart. He'll survive.'

"Bye-bye, Bill." Eric waved, sniffling.

Melissa and Minh-Bao sat in the hall, playing a flute duet. Dennis reached over and grabbed their flutes.

"Do not disturb the rooms," he warned.

The company moved on into Morendo.

"Soon, you shall be in the hospitality of the French horns," Kristen announced. "This, my friends, is the home of my cousin Kristy. And they call it a mine! A mine!"

"This is no mine..." Jason said. "It's an empty concert hall."

Kristen looked around. "No!"

Katie picked up a shoe. "Dance team members!"

Jason backed up. "We must make for the Gap of Ritardando! We should never have come here. Go! Get out!"

Everyone turned and scrambled to get out. They ran down the hall, but as they passed the last door, the Watcher of the Band reached out and grabbed Sami.

"HELP!" she screamed, flailing about.

"Sami!" Minh-Bao, Melissa, and Eric cried.

"Jazzrunner! Help!" Eric took out his trumpet and began to play "An American Elegy".

Jason and Dennis pulled out their saxophones and hacked away at the various instrument parts that hung off the monster. A few reeds and mouthpieces went flying.

"AIEEEEE!" Sami shrieked as Dennis played a high D. The Watcher released her, and she landed in Jason's arms. Terrified, the Fellowship turned and fled deep into Morendo.

"We now have but one choice," Elizabeth said gravely. "We must face the long, dark halls of Morendo. Be on your guard. There are preppier and scarier things than cheerleaders in the deep places of the world."

Melissa and Minh-Bao exchanged frightened glances.

"Quietly now," Elizabeth cautioned. "It's a long journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed."

The Fellowship began to creep down the hall quietly.

Suddenly, Melissa slipped on a wet spot on the floor.

"Melissa!" Minh-Bao caught her by the sleeve before she hit the floor.

They reached a doorway with two paths ahead. Elizabeth, who was leading the group, stopped short.

"...I have no memory of this place," she said in a low voice.