The Pillars of Ponderay by Lindsay Cummings Page B

Imbalance,” Professor Flynn said.
    He paced back and forth, totally in his element. Albertsmiled. How had he not known, all these years, that his dad was a part of something bigger and better than delivering mail in Herman, Wyoming?
    Professor Flynn began his lesson. “In Balance, Ponderay is an incredible Realm. As you already know, the Ten Pillars stand in the middle of what we call the Silver Sea, a massive expanse of water in the center of the Realm. Usually, those Pillars stand steady and strong. From our Core records, we also know that each Pillar has a Tile on top. We’re assuming those Tiles have something to do with maintaining Balance—hence all the climbing and grabbing of Tiles you’ve been doing. Last night, during a journey to the Silver Sea, Professor Asante also learned that there are slots on top of the Pillars that hold the Tiles. Today, you’ll be collecting Tiles from slots as well as putting Tiles into slots.”
    Birdie raised her hand and spoke. “Professor, you’ve been to Ponderay?”
    Professor Flynn laughed. “I have, a few times. Every Professor must enter and complete a small task in all of the Realms, before they are chosen to lead one. But that’s another story for another time.”
    Albert wanted to know that story now. But he had to focus on learning about Ponderay, if he and his team were going to end up going into the Realm at the end of the six days they now had left.
    Professor Flynn went on. “The Realm has its ownmagnificent creatures, ones that you’ll soon encounter in class under the supervision of Professor Asante. Those creatures work in perfect harmony with one another, each creature doing its own job to help keep the Realm in Balance. Typically, they’re peaceful creatures. But when the Balance is off and they can’t do their jobs, they might not be so peaceful,” Professor Flynn said, with a serious tone sliding into his voice. “And I’m afraid that’s where we’re at now, because as of last night, the Imbalance has progressed to what we’re calling Phase Two.”
    Albert put his head in his hands. Across the bleachers, Argon stopped their whispering.
    Professor Flynn continued. “The Pillars have begun to rotate at breakneck speeds. The creatures have become predictably hostile.”
    Albert exchanged a look with Leroy—he didn’t know what creatures lived in Ponderay, but he definitely didn’t like the word hostile.
    â€œUnfortunately,” Professor Flynn went on, “if the Pillars continue spinning like this, the tremors off the coast of California will get worse.” His eyes met Albert’s, and he swallowed hard before continuing. “The Core Watchers—the people responsible for monitoring Imbalances—believe that this will soon lead to tidal waves on the surface. Hurricanes, strong winds, raging storms.”
    â€œThat sounds terrible,” Birdie whispered.
    â€œBut what about my family?” Albert asked. His voice cracked as he spoke the words, and he couldn’t help but picture his mom and siblings, caught in the middle of an angry, roiling sea. What were they doing right now? Albert’s great-aunt Suze lived about thirty minutes from the coast, but from what Albert knew about hurricanes, half an hour was nothing in terms of safety.
    Professor Flynn seemed to notice the look on Albert’s face. “We have to trust the process, Balance Keepers, and train hard. Professor Asante and the Core Watchers are working around the clock to discover the Means to Restore Balance. I have faith that we may still be able to solve this. But in case, we must be ready. Should we come upon a Phase Three, the Core will be facing one of the worst Imbalances in history.”
    Just then, the door to the Pit sprang open. Tussy marched inside with a look of pure determination on her face. As always, she had fresh cuts, and she looked like she’d