The Frog-Prince Report
General Summary
Charles runs through the woods, soaking wet and freezing. He doesn't hear his pursuer, but that doesn't mean that they're not there. He doesn't stop until he sees Roseland in the distance, and half-runs down the hill as his side aches. Upon stepping into town, he soon finds some friendly faces: members of Baron Vasquez's court that are looking for the spriggan and therefore him. Amongst their group is a red-haired, angelic looking teenage girl, a preppy-looking college age man with a brown sweater tied around his shoulders, and an old man who looks to be retired military. They all rush to him to make sure he's okay, and once that's confirmed, the old man commands the teenager, Lisa, to take Charles back to Ashby Manor, which she promptly does. Meanwhile, Frank and Skulde attempt to find Charles on their own, going to William the White Rabbit for information on where their fellow kith may be. William is able to tell them that Charles is most likely out by the old mill, but before they can go and check on it for themselves, Charles returns to the manor with Lisa. It's a great relief to everyone, and soon the adult changelings also return to the manor. The spriggan, unfortunately, is nowhere to be found. At home that evening, Frank is tucked into bed by his dad. As he is, Frank admits to his dad that he's afraid that he's not strong enough to protect his friends and that they may get hurt because of that. Frank's dad reassures him, saying that Frank is too young to be concerned about that. In time, he will be old enough and strong enough for that to matter. But in the meantime, he should just be a kid. The next day, Charles, Hilda, George and Frank meet at school. Charles thanks them for their help, and the group get acquainted with one another before the bell rings. Sitting down in Mrs. Hutch's class, Hilda drops her school bag by her desk. She opens her desk to grab a pencil, but stops cold when she sees what is inside: a small frog with a crown resting upon its head.
