"Gabe," said Mrs. Benson, "may we enter?"

"I guess," said Gabe, who watched as the door opened and the two adults entered his room. While Gabe was already seated at the head of his bed, Mrs. Benson sat down at the foot, while Grandpa sat down on Gabe's desk chair.

"Gabe, are you feeling alright today?" asked Mrs. Benson. "I mean, fighting with your sister in the pool. Do you know how immature that was?"

"She got the fairies to turn me into a seal and a donkey! How mature is that?"

"Callie said that you got the fairies wet too with your little prank. That's why they targeted you."

"That's right," said Grandpa. "You know full well that the fairies honor Callie and will do anything for her. And you should be aware of the consequences of aggravating the fairies, especially due to your status as a shadow charmer. Besides, Callie was kind enough to order them to change you back. She could've let you remain a seal if she so chose."

"And what about pawing through the suitcase?" added Mrs. Benson. "And grabbing the tome without even so much as asking?"

"I don't know," groaned Gabe. "It's just been so boring since the other knights left. It's the middle of summer, and we've mostly been confined to the property ever since we moved here. I thought the expedition would've had an amazing find. And when we learned it did, I guess I overreacted."

"Well, that doesn't excuse your behavior," said Grandpa, "but I'll forgive you."