Fablehaven by Brandon Mull - Chapter 2 - Collecting Clues

Summary

In this engaging script, Kendra and Seth spend their morning at their grandfather's house, where a mysterious world-class garden and a series of small keys lead to an intriguing discovery. They encounter a peculiar attraction of insects to a handheld mirror and milk, hinting at a deeper secret. Their adventures, including a playful water fight and a secret garden exploration, are filled with curiosity and a touch of rebellion against their grandfather's rules.

Takeaways

• 🍞 The story begins with Kendra and Seth having breakfast with their grandfather, where they discuss the rules of the house and the surrounding woods.
• 🕰 Kendra notices a wooden clock reading 8:43, indicating the time of day.
• 🌞 Seth uses a butter knife to reflect sunlight, and Kendra retaliates with a handheld mirror, showing their playful sibling dynamic.
• 🍽 Lena serves Cream of Wheat with homemade raspberry preserves, which is enjoyed by both Kendra and Seth.
• 🏊‍♀️ The children are informed about the swimming pool and the gardens, which are available for their enjoyment, but are warned to stay out of the barn.
• 🧴 Grandpa reminds them to wear sunblock if they decide to swim, showing concern for their well-being.
• 🏡 Kendra explores the beautifully manicured backyard, which is rich with flowers, fruit trees, and various wildlife.
• 🌞 Kendra and Seth engage in a water fight and races in the pool, highlighting their competitive and playful relationship.
• 🦋 Kendra discovers that insects are attracted to her handheld mirror, which becomes a point of curiosity and experimentation.
• 🔑 Kendra finds a small golden key hidden in a dollhouse, adding an element of mystery to the story.
• 🚶‍♂️ Seth decides to venture into the woods despite the rules, showing a rebellious streak.
• 🥛 Dale is seen placing milk out for insects, which he does secretly, believing it keeps the garden lively.

Q & A

What time does the clock on the wall show at the beginning of the script?

The clock on the wall shows 8:43.

What does Seth use to bounce sun rays at Kendra?

Seth uses his butter knife to bounce sun rays at Kendra.

What is served for breakfast and what does it consist of?

Cream of Wheat is served for breakfast, which consists of berries from the garden and homemade raspberry preserves.

What does Grandpa tell Kendra and Seth about the rules regarding the woods and the barn?

Grandpa tells Kendra and Seth to remember the rules about the woods and to stay out of the barn.

When is Grandma expected to return according to Grandpa?

Grandpa says that Grandma's return depends on her aunt Edna and it could be next week or a couple of months.

What does Kendra find when she opens the armoire in the dollhouse?

Kendra finds a piece of chocolate shaped like a rosebud wrapped in gold foil and a small golden key when she opens the armoire in the dollhouse.

What does Dale do with the milk he carries?

Dale leaves the milk behind a low hedge for the insects to consume, as part of his secret routine to keep the garden lively.

Why does Dale consider his milk-feeding routine a secret?

Dale considers his milk-feeding routine a secret because he believes Grandpa might disapprove and consider it wasteful.

What does Kendra notice about the attic playroom?

Kendra notices that the attic playroom consumes only half the space of the attic, suggesting there might be another part of the attic accessible through a secret passage.

What does Seth do when he goes into the woods against Grandpa's wishes?

Seth goes into the woods with his emergency survival kit, despite Kendra's warning about the potential dangers like Lyme disease from ticks and poison ivy.

What unusual behavior do the insects exhibit towards the handheld mirror and the milk?

The insects exhibit unusual behavior by being attracted to the handheld mirror, landing on it and even lifting it when flipped over. They also drink milk left out by Dale, which is not typical insect behavior.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Morning at the Manor

The script opens with Kendra and Seth having breakfast with their grandfather, who reminds them of the rules about the woods and the barn. A mysterious absence of Dale is noted, and the grandfather's odd behavior raises questions. The children are informed about the availability of a swimming pool and gardens to explore. Kendra's curiosity about her grandmother's illness is met with vague answers, and the grandfather leaves abruptly. Kendra then explores the beautiful garden and plays a prank on Seth with a handheld mirror before they engage in a playful water fight.

05:01

🏊‍♂️ Poolside Play and Insects' Enigma

Kendra and Seth continue their playful antics in the pool, with various swimming races and handicaps. Kendra eventually tires of the games and notices insects gathered around her mirror. Intrigued, they conduct an experiment to see if the insects are attracted to the mirror's reflection or the object itself. The experiment reveals that the insects are indeed drawn to the mirror's surface. Seth's curiosity leads him to take the mirror into the garden, but Kendra is concerned about the potential consequences of their actions.

10:02

🔑 The Search for the Miniature Keyhole

Kendra's quest to find what the three tiny keys she found open leads her to the Victorian dollhouse. She discovers a hidden compartment in an armoire containing a chocolate rosebud and a golden key. The chocolate proves to be an exquisite treat, and the golden key adds a new layer to her mystery. Kendra continues her search for the final key's purpose, considering the possibility of a secret passage in the attic playroom, which she decides to investigate further.

15:02

🌳 Dale's Secret and the Mysterious Milk

Kendra observes Dale leaving milk behind a hedge, attracting a crowd of insects. When confronted, Dale reveals that he's been leaving milk out for the insects to keep the garden lively, a secret he doesn't believe the grandfather would approve of. Kendra agrees to keep Dale's secret, and he shares his practice of placing milk around the property for the insects. The paragraph ends with Dale placing more milk near the woods, and Kendra pondering the implications of this secret ritual.

Keywords

💡Clues

Clues are pieces of evidence or information that help in solving a mystery or understanding a situation. In the script, the theme of collecting clues is central to the unfolding narrative, as characters observe and interact with their environment to uncover secrets. For example, Kendra's curiosity is piqued by the milk left for insects and the mysterious behavior of Dale, which she interprets as clues to a larger story.

💡Sunblock

Sunblock is a protective substance applied to the skin to prevent sunburn and other harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. In the script, sunblock is used to illustrate the characters' outdoor activities and the care they take to protect themselves from the sun, as seen when Kendra applies it before swimming.

💡Cream of Wheat

Cream of Wheat is a type of hot breakfast cereal made from wheat flour. It is mentioned in the script as a symbol of homeliness and comfort, with Lena serving it to Seth and Kendra, indicating the nurturing environment of the breakfast scene.

💡Garden

A garden is a planned space, usually outdoors, set aside for the cultivation and display of plants. The script describes a world-class garden that is a key setting in the narrative, filled with vibrant flowers and wildlife, reflecting the beauty and mystery of the natural world.

💡Mirror

A mirror is an object with a reflective surface that forms an image of whatever is in front of it. In the script, the handheld mirror plays a significant role as it attracts various insects, leading to a discovery about their behavior and hinting at a deeper mystery.

💡Insects

Insects are small creatures with exoskeletons, a three-part body, and typically six legs. The script features various insects, such as hummingbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies, which interact with the mirror and the milk, adding to the enigmatic atmosphere and possibly symbolizing nature's connection to the unseen.

💡Swimming Pool

A swimming pool is a structure designed to hold water for swimming or other recreational activities. The pool in the script serves as a place for leisure and sibling rivalry, showcasing the dynamics between Kendra and Seth.

💡Keys

Keys are devices that are used to open locked objects, such as doors or boxes. In the script, Kendra finds small keys that fit into tiny keyholes, suggesting hidden compartments or secrets within the dollhouse and the house, contributing to the theme of discovery and mystery.

💡Dale

Dale is a character in the script who is seen interacting with the natural environment, specifically with the insects and the mysterious milk. His actions and secrecy add an element of intrigue to the story.

💡Secret Passage

A secret passage is a hidden route or entrance, often used for privacy or to conceal something. The script hints at the possibility of a secret passage in the attic, which aligns with the theme of uncovering hidden truths and adds to the sense of mystery.

💡Rules

Rules are guidelines or instructions that dictate behavior or actions. In the script, Grandpa sets rules for Kendra and Seth regarding the woods and the barn, establishing boundaries and contributing to the sense of something being kept from them.

Highlights

Kendra and Seth enjoy a playful morning at their grandfather's house, with a focus on the unique breakfast of Cream of Wheat and homemade raspberry preserves.

Grandfather establishes rules for the children to follow while staying at the house, emphasizing safety and respect for property.

Kendra and Seth explore the beautifully manicured backyard, filled with vibrant flowers, fruit trees, and a variety of wildlife.

The children discover that insects are attracted to the handheld mirror, leading to a series of experiments to understand the phenomenon.

Kendra and Seth engage in a water fight and swimming races, showcasing their sibling rivalry and playful banter.

Dale, the caretaker, leaves out milk for the insects to keep the garden lively, revealing a secret he shares with Kendra.

Kendra finds a hidden key inside a dollhouse, which adds an element of mystery and exploration to her stay.

The children's curiosity is piqued by the diverse wildlife in the garden, including hummingbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies.

Seth's disobedience of the house rules is highlighted when he decides to venture into the woods despite being told to stay out.

Kendra's discovery of the milk left for the insects leads to a conversation with Dale about the importance of maintaining the garden's ecosystem.

The children's interactions with the wildlife and their environment demonstrate a sense of wonder and learning.

Kendra's search for what the remaining keys fit adds a layer of intrigue and mystery to the narrative.

The description of the dollhouse and its miniature details provides a glimpse into the imaginative world of the children.

The children's playful antics, such as using the mirror to create sunlight reflections, show their creativity and resourcefulness.

The narrative includes moments of humor, such as when Kendra teases Seth about the mirror damaging his eyes.

The story builds a sense of family and community through the interactions between the children, their grandfather, and Dale.

Kendra's observation of Dale's actions and her subsequent conversation with him add depth to the characters and their relationships.

Transcripts

chapter 2. collecting Clues

the next morning Kendra sat at breakfast

across from her grandfather a wooden

clock on the wall above him read 843

reflected sunlight flashed in the corner

of her eye Seth was using his butter

knife to bounce sun rays she was not

seated close enough to the window to

retaliate

nobody likes the sun in their eyes Seth

grandpa said Seth stopped where's Dale

he asked

Dale and I got up a few hours ago he's

out working I'm just here to keep you

company on your first morning

Lena set a bull down in front of Seth

and another in front of Kendra

what's this Seth asked Cream of Wheat

Lena replied

sticks to your ribs Grandpa added

Seth prop the cream of wheat with his

spoon what's in it blood

varies from the garden and homemade

raspberry preserves Lena said placing

the platter on the table containing

toast butter a pitcher of milk a bowl of

sugar and a bullet Jam

Kendra sampled the cream of wheat it was

delicious the berries in raspberry

preserve sweetened it to Perfection this

is good Seth said just think Dad is

eating snails

you kids remember the rules about the

woods grandpa said and to stay out of

the barn Kendra said

good girl there's a swimming pool out

back that we got ready for you all the

chemicals are balanced and whatnot there

are Gardens to explore you can always

play in your room just respect the rules

and we'll get along fine

when is Grandma coming back Kendra asked

Grandpa glanced down at his hands that

depends on her aunt Edna could be next

week could be a couple of months

good thing Grandma Got Over her illness

illness the one that kept her from going

to the funeral

right yeah she was still a little under

the wetter when she left for Missouri

Grandpa was acting a little peculiar

Kendra wondered if he was uncomfortable

around children

I'm sadly Mr Kendra said

she's sorry too well I better be off

grandpa had not eaten anything he pushed

his chair back stood up and stepped away

from the table rubbing his palms against

his jeans if you swim don't forget to

wear sunblock I'll see you kids later

at lunch Seth asked probably not until

supper Lena will help you with anything

you need he left the room

dressed in her swimsuit a towel over one

shoulder Kendra stepped through the

store onto the back porch she carried a

handheld mirror she had found at the

nightstand by her bed the handle was

Mother of Pearl studded with rhinestones

the day was a bit humid but the

temperature was pleasant

she walked to the railing of the porch

and gazed over the gorgeously manicured

backyard Paths of white stones meandered

among flower beds hedgerows vegetable

gardens fruit trees and flowering plants

Tangled grape Vines curled along

suspended lattices

all the flowers seemed to be in full

bloom Kendra had never seen such

brilliant blossoms

Seth was already swimming the pool had a

black bottom and it was fringed with

rocks as to make it seem like a pond

Kendra hurried down the steps and

started down a path towards the pool

the garden teamed with life hummingbirds

darted among the foliage Wings nearly

invisible as they hovered huge

bumblebees with fuzzy abdomens buzzed

from one Blossom to another

a stunning variety of butterflies

fluttered about on tissue paper wings

Kendra passed a small waterless Fountain

featuring a statue of frog she pauses a

large butterfly alighted on the rim of

an empty bird bath it had huge Wings

blue black and violet she had never seen

a butterfly with such vivid coloring of

course she had never visited a

world-class Garden

the house was not quite a mansion but

the grounds were Fit For A King no

wonder Grandpa Sorensen had so many

chores

the path finally deposited Kendra at the

pool

variegated flagstones paved the pool

area there were a few recliners and a

circular table with a big umbrella Seth

leaped from a stone outcropping into the

swimming pool legs curled up and hit the

water with a big splash Kendra set down

her towel and mirror on the table and

grabbed a bottle of sunblock

she smeared the white cream over her

face arms and legs until it disappeared

into her skin

while Seth was swimming underwater

Kendra picked up the mirror she angled a

face or reflected sunlight onto the

water when Seth's surfaced she made sure

a bright splotch of sunlight covered his

face hey he shouted swimming away from

her she kept the glare from the mirror

on the back of his head gripping the

side of the pool Seth turned to look at

her again throwing up a hand and

squinting to ward off the light he had

to look away

Kendra laughed cut it out Seth called

you don't like that

quit it I won't do it anymore Grandpa

already yelled at me

Kendra set the mirror on the table that

mirror is a lot brighter than a butter

knife she said I bet it already did

permanent damage to your retinas I hope

so then I'll sue you for a billion

dollars

good luck I have about a hundred in the

bank it might be enough for you to buy

some eye patches he swam toward her

angrily and Kendra walked forward to the

edge of the pool

as he started to climb out she shoved

him back in she was almost a full head

taller than Seth and could usually

handle him in a fight although if they

ended up wrestling he was pretty squirmy

Seth changed tactics and started

splashing her making quick scooping

motions across the surface of the pool

the water felt cold and Kendra recoiled

at first then leaped over Seth into the

water

after the initial shock she swiftly grew

accustomed to the temperature stroking

over to the shallow end away from her

brother he chased her and they ended up

in his flash fight walking his hands

Seth swung his arms in wide arcs

skimming the top of the water Kendra

pushed the water with both hands a

churning motion that generated smaller

but more focused splashes soon they grew

tired it was hard to win a water fight

when both participants were already

soaked

let's have a race Kendra suggested as

the splashing subsided they raced back

and forth across the pool first they

raced freestyle then backstroke

breaststroke and side stroke after that

they created handicaps like racing with

no arms or hopping across the whip the

shallow end on one foot Kendra usually

won but Seth was faster at backstroke

and some of the handicapped races

when Kendra grew bored she got out of

the pool walking towards the table to

retrieve her towel she stroked her long

hair and joined the rubbery texture as

the wetness made the strands cling

together

Seth climbed on top of a big rock near

the deep end watch this can opener he

jumped with one leg straight and the

other bent

good job Kendra said to placate him when

he surfaced shifting her gates to the

table Kendra froze hummingbirds

bumblebees and butterflies swirled at

the air above the handheld mirror

several other butterflies and a couple

of large dragonflies actually rested on

the surface of the mirror itself

Seth come look at this Kendra hissed in

a loud whisper what just come here

Seth boosted himself out of the pool and

patted over to Kendra arms folded he

stared at The Cloud of Life whirling

above the mirror what's their deal I

don't know she replied do insects like

mirrors these ones do

look at the red and white butterfly it's

enormous

same with that dragonfly Seth pointed

out I wish I had a camera I dare you to

go get the mirror

Seth's rugged sure he trotted over the

table grabbed the Mirror by the handle

and dashed to the pool and dove in some

of the insects scattered instantly the

majority drifted in the direction Seth

had gone but dispersed before reaching

the pool

Seth surfaced and he bees after me

get the mirror out of the water you'll

ruin it

settle down it's fine he said stroking

over to the side

if it Timmy she took the mirror from him

and wiped it dry with her towel they

looked undamaged let's try an experiment

Kendra placed the mirror face up on the

lounge chair and backed away think

they'll come back

we'll see

Kendra and Seth sat down at the table

not far from the lounge chair after less

than a minute a hummingbird glided over

to the mirror and hovered above it soon

it was joined by a few butterflies a

bumblebee alighted on the surface before

long another swarm of small winged

creatures crowded the mirror

go turn the mirror face down Kendra said

I want to see whether they like the

reflection or the mirror itself

crept towards the mirror the little

animals took up no apparent notice of

his approach he reached forward slowly

flipped the mirror over and then

retreated to the table

the butterflies and bees that had landed

on the mirror took flight when it was

overturned but only a few of the winged

creatures flew away most of the Swarm

lingered a pair of butterflies and a

dragonfly landed on the lounge chair at

the edge of the mirror Taking Flight

they flipped the mirror over nearly

sliding it off the chair in the process

with the reflective surface showing

again the Swarm pressed close several of

the creatures landed on the face

did you see that Kendra asked that was

weird Seth said how could they be strong

enough to lift it

there were a few of them want me to flip

it again no I'm scared the mirror will

fall off and break okay he draped his

towel over his shoulder I'm gonna go

change

would you take the mirror

fine but I'm running I don't want to get

stung Seth moved towards the mirror

slowly snatched it and ran off into the

garden towards the house part of the

swarm gave lazy Pursuit before

scattering Kendra wrapped the towel

around her waist picked up the sunblock

Seth had left behind and started towards

the house

when Kendra reached the attic playroom

Seth was dressed in jeans and a

long-sleeved camouflage shirt

he picked up the cereal box that served

as his emergency survival kit and headed

for the door

where are you going none of your

business unless you want to come

How will I know whether I want to come

if you don't tell me where you're going

Seth give her a measuring stare promise

to keep it a secret

let me guess Into the Woods

wanna come you'll get Lyme disease

Kendra warned whatever ticks are

everywhere same with poison ivy if

people let them stop them nobody would

ever go anywhere

but Grandpa Sorensen doesn't want us in

the woods she protested Grandpa isn't

going to be around all day nobody will

know unless you blab don't do this

Grandpa's been nice to us we should obey

him

you're about as Brave as a bucket of

sand

what's so brave about disobeying grandpa

so you're not coming Kendra hesitated

no

will you tell on me

if they ask you where you are

I won't be long

Seth walked out the door she heard him

tromp down the stairs Kendra crossed to

the nightstand the handheld mirror

rested on it beside the ring with the

three tiny keys she'd spent a long time

the night before trying to find what the

keys fit the biggest key opened a

jewelry box on the dresser that was full

of costume jewelry fake diamond

necklaces pearl earrings Emerald

pendants sapphire rings and Ruby

bracelets she had not yet discovered

what the other two opened

she picked up the keys they were all

small the smallest was no longer than a

thumbtack

where could she find such a minuscule

Keyhole

the night before she had spent most of

her time on the drawers and toy chests

some of the drawers had keyholes but

they were already unlocked and the keys

did not fit same with the toy chests

the Victorian dollhouse caught her

attention

what better place to find tiny keyholes

than inside a tiny little house

she unlatched the clasps and opened it

revealing two floors and several rooms

full of miniature furniture

Five Doll people lived in the house a

father a mother a son a daughter and a

baby

the detail was extraordinary the beds

had quilts blankets sheets and pillows

the couches had removable cushions the

knobs in the bathtub really turned

closets had clothes hanging inside

the armoire and the dollhouse's master

bedroom made Kendra suspicious it had a

disproportionately large keyhole in the

center Kendra inserted the tiniest key

and turned it the doors of the armoire

sprung open inside was something wrapped

in gold foil opening it she saw it was a

piece of chocolate shaped like a rosebud

behind the chocolate she found a small

Golden Key she added it to the key ring

the golden key was larger than the key

that opened the armoire but smaller than

the key that opened the jewelry box

Kendra took a bite of the chocolate

Rosebud it was soft and melted in her

mouth it was the richest creamiest

chocolate she had ever tasted she

finished in three more bites savoring

each mouthful

Kendra continued scouring the tiny house

investigating every piece of furniture

searching every closet checking behind

every miniature painting on the walls

finding no more keyholes she closed the

dollhouse and fastened the clasps

scanning the room Kendra tried to decide

where to look next one key was left

maybe two if the golden key also opened

something she had been through most of

the items in the toy chests but she

could always double check she had

searched through the drawers in the

nightstands dressers and wardrobes

thoroughly as well as the knickknacks on

the bookshelves there could be keyholes

in unlikely places like under the

clothes of a doll or behind a bed post

Kendra ended up beside the telescope

improbable as it seemed she checked it

for keyholes nothing

maybe she could use the telescope to

locate Seth opening the window she

noticed Dale walking along the lawn at

the outskirts of the woods he was

carrying something in both hands but is

backwards to her impeding a view of what

he held

he stopped and set it down behind a low

hedge which continued to prevent her

from seeing the object Dale walked off

at a Brisk Pace glancing around as if to

ensure nobody was spying and soon passed

out of you

curious Kendra rushed downstairs and out

the back door Dale was nowhere in sight

she trotted across the long to the low

hedge beneath the Attic Window grass

continued for about six feet beyond the

Hedge before stopping abruptly at the

perimeter of the forest

on the grass behind the Hedge rested a

large pie tin full of milk an iridescent

hummingbird hung suspended over the pie

tin Wings a faint blur several

butterflies flit around the hummingbird

occasionally one would descend and

splash in the milk the hummingbird flew

away and a dragonfly approached it was a

smaller crowd that the mirror had

attracted but there was still much more

activity than Kendra would have expected

around a small pool of milk

she watched as a variety of tiny winged

animals came and went feeding from the

pie tin did butterflies drink milk did

dragonflies

apparently so it was not long before the

level the milk and the pie tin had

markedly fallen Kendra looked up at the

attic it had only two windows both

facing the same side of the house she

visualized the room behind those gabled

windows and suddenly realized that the

playroom consumed only half the space

the attic should fill

abandoning the tinful of milk she walked

around to the opposite side of the house

on the far side was a second pair of

attic Windows she was right there was

another half to the attic but she knew

of no other stairway granting access to

the uppermost story which meant there

might be some sort of secret passage in

the playroom maybe the final key

unlocked it

just as she decided to return to the

attic and search for a hidden door

Kendra noticed Dale coming from the

direction of the barn with another pie

tin she hurried towards him when he saw

her coming he looked temporarily

uncomfortable then put on a big smile

what are you doing Kendra asked just

taking some milk into the house he

replied changing direction a bit he had

been heading towards the woods really

why'd you leave that other milk behind

the Hedge

oh they're milk he couldn't have looked

more guilty yeah the butterflies are

drinking it

Dale was no longer walking he regarded

Kendra shrewdley

can you keep a secret

sure

Dale looked around as if someone might

be watching we have a few milking cows

they make plenty of milk so I put some

of the excess out for the insects keeps

the garden Lively

why is that a secret I'm not sure your

grandfather would approve never asked

permission he might consider it wasteful

seems like a good idea to me I noticed

all the different kinds of butterflies

in your garden more than I've ever seen

plus all the hummingbirds he nodded I

like it adds to the atmosphere

so you weren't taking that milk to the

house

no no this milk hasn't been pasteurized

full bacteria you could catch all sorts

of diseases not fit for people insects

on the other hand they seem to like a

best this way you won't spoil my secret

I'll keep quiet

good girl he said with a conspiratorial

wink where are you putting that one

over there he jerked his hands towards

the woods I said a few on the border of

the yard every day does it spoil I don't

leave it out long enough some days the

insects consume all the milk before I

collect the plants thirsty Critters

see you later Dale

you seen your brother here about I think

he's in the house that's so she Shrugged

Maybe

she glanced back as she mounted the

stairs to the rear porch Dale was

placing the milk behind a small round

bush