A Sudden Attack    

"R-right!" Nori stammered, her hands trembling as she attempted to untie the magical rope. 

After a moment, tears welled up in her eyes, and she admitted, "I . . . I can't seem to untie it."

"What do you mean you can't?" Evie asked urgently, though her face was the epitome of calmness. 

Lorelai was blunter, "Hoi! Brat, I swear I'll squeeze your little cheeks once I get out of here, so don't mess with me right now!"

"Waagh! This is a magical rope crafted by the Elder! No magic or weapon could untie this; only the Elder has that power!"

"WHAT?!" 

Ren and the others exclaimed simultaneously, their expressions a mix of surprise and frustration.

Nori wiped her tears and declared, "Don't worry, I'll bring the Elder back here!"

"Hoi, Nori!" Ren called, but she had already dashed upstairs, leaving them to contemplate their predicament.

Elena turned to Ren with a worried expression. "What are we going to do now?"