The third last bit!

These 853 words came easily. It's actually getting a little bit exciting to write! So here is the beginning of the end, as it were!
**


The stranger swept past the group of seemingly sleeping children. He paid no attention to them, striding off down the pebbled path. As soon as he had gone, Charlotte and the others jumped to their feet. Charlotte put a comforting hand onto Sixpence’s back. The cat’s fur stood on end and his eyes were as wide as dinner plates. The deep growling noise still sounded in his throat.
“I know, I know,” said Charlotte, soothingly. “We are going, Sixpence. Don’t worry.” She signaled to the other children, who stood ready to follow her, already assembled in the two lines that they had planned. Clara stood next to Charlotte, holding onto the older girl’s skirts for comfort, as Charlotte’s hands were full carrying Sixpence’s squirming body.
“You must be quiet,” Charlotte whispered to Sixpence, “or we will be discovered.” Sixpence seemed to understand and the growling noise stopped, although his fur still stood on end and his eyes remained wide and wild. Walking as quietly as they could, the group followed in the direction of the stranger.
****
Did you think I had forgotten you?
James looked into the eyes of the owl that sat on the tree above him. He nodded.
I would never forget you, continued the voice. You are the most important of all of the chosen children.
“I am?” whispered James in amazement. “Why?”
Beside him, Hannah looked alarmed. “James, who are you talking to?” she asked. James paid her no attention. His eyes were fixed on the owl’s face. Suddenly, Hannah realized what was happening. “It’s the stranger, isn’t it?” she said. “He is talking to you!” Once again, James did not answer.
I was waiting to greet you, continued the voice that spoke to noone but James. You have had to endure much in your life so far. You have had to watch while others played? Your patience will be rewarded, James. When you enter my land, you will be the leader. Others will watch you. They will look to you for help. I had to prepare everything for your arrival. It wasn’t ready before. But it is now.

“When can I come in?” James’ eyes were shining with unshed tears. He couldn’t believe the kindness of the stranger’s voice.
As soon as you hear the music, came the reply. Come closer to the rock, James. Come forward now.

“Look!” said Hannah, to the others who had followed them up the hillside. James had stood and was limping slowly and painfully towards the largest rock in front of them.
“Why isn’t he listening to us?” asked Richard, as he and Sarah came to stand next to Hannah. “Is he bewitched or something?”
“I fear so,” said Hannah. “We will need to be ready. We cannot hear the voice, so we don’t know what he is being told. But if we want to get through that rock, we will need to be fast.” She turned and looked at the other adults, forming a huddle behind them. “I don’t think the rock will be open for long,” she said. “We won’t all fit through.”

Richard nodded and turned to the others. “The three of us will go in to rescue the children,” he said. “The rest of you will need to wait here.” He held up his hand to quiet the complaints that followed his announcement. “I know that you all want to come in,” he said. “But we need to move quickly. Would you want to lose the only chance we may have? Besides, if there is danger on the other side of the rock, we may need others to follow later. If we all go through at once, there will be noone to do that.”

Reluctantly, the rest of the group nodded and backed away. Richard, Sarah and Hannah took their place behind James. No one spoke. The tension flowed through the group. Everyone waited.

****

Troy’s stomach flipped as he recognized the tall shape coming towards him. The stranger! Troy pressed his body closer to the trunk. I must not be seen yet, he thought. Desperately, he scanned the horizon looking for Charlotte and the others. If only I can see them first, he thought. If I can make eye contact, I can remind them about the music!

The stranger came closer. He stopped only a few steps from the tree that Troy stood behind. Troy’s heart was pounding so hard he was sure that the stranger would hear it. But the man just stood there with a menacing smile on his face. From underneath his cloak, he pulled the wooden pipe. The stranger stood, stroking the rough wood. He was waiting too.

***
Charlotte and the others rounded the bend in the path and immediately Sixpence began to growl. The stranger was up ahead! Charlotte motioned to the others. They broke from their lines and assembled in a tight group with Charlotte in the lead. Her eyes looked for Troy. Where was he? He had to give the signal to run!

Suddenly, the stranger moved. He raised an object to his lips and began to play.