The Fellowship of the Band Nerds

Interlude

"Well, well, well," Stephanie said, looking at Elizabeth. "Music rises from the Mountain of Tune, and Elizabeth the Euphoniumist marches to Teniralc seeking my counsel. For that is why you have come, is it not? My old friend..."

"Stephanie," Elizabeth said simply, bowing her head.

***

They sat in the lower bleachers together, talking and drinking Code Red Mountain Dew.

"You are sure of this?" Stephanie asked.

"Without any doubt," Elizabeth replied.

"So the Oboe of Power has been found..."

"All these long years, it was in the band room, under my very nose."

"Yet you did not have the wits to see it. Your love of the band nerds' Pixy Stix has clearly slowed your mind."

"But we still have time," Elizabeth protested.

"Time? What time do you think we have? Mullins has regained much of his former strength. Concealed within his office, the Director of Sdrendnab hears all. You know of what I speak, Elizabeth. A great monocle, rimless, wreathed in flame."

"The monocle of Mullins," Elizabeth whispered.

"He is gathering all instruments to him. Very soon he will summon a marching band great enough to launch an assault upon Gongdor."

"You know this? How?" Elizabeth questioned.

Stephanie paused, then said, "I have heard it." She led Elizabeth to the Chamber of the Long Ranger.

"A Long Ranger is a dangerous tool, Stephanie," Elizabeth warned.

"Why?" Stephanie challenged. "Why should we fear to use it?"

"They are not all accounted for, the lost Long Rangers. We do not know who else may be listening."

"The hour is later than you think. Mullins's forces are already moving. The Nine have left Dnab Reedgul."

"The Nine!"

"They crossed the River Teni, disguised as marchers in black."

"They've reached the band room?"

"They will find the Oboe," Stephanie grinned evilly, "and kill the one who carries it."

"Sami!" Elizabeth exclaimed. She ran to the door, but Elizabeth had already barred it with bass clarinets.

"You did not seriously think a freshman band nerd could contend with the will of Mullins. There are none who can. Against the power of Sdrendnab, there can be no victory." Stephanie paused and looked down. "We must join with him, Elizabeth. We must join with Mullins....it would be wise, my friend."

"Tell me...friend," Elizabeth added sarcastically. "When did you abandon reason for madness?"

Stephanie pulled out her bass clarinet and lunged at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth narrowly dodged the attack, picked up her baritone, and began to play the Chaconne theme from "First Suite in Eb".

However, Stephanie began to play the sixteenth notes that occurred later in the song. Elizabeth fell to her knees and covered her ears. Stephanie took her clarinet out of her mouth and grinned triumphantly.

"I gave you the chance of aiding me willingly. But you...have elected...the way of pain!" With that, she dragged Elizabeth to the top of the bleachers, imprisoning her in a cage made of stands.