by Brandon Mull
“Right,” Knox said.
“Should I look for a flashlight?” Tess asked.
“Maybe later.” Squinting, Knox checked which keys looked to be the right size for the keyhole in the iron door. The first two he tried would not quite go in. The third slid in perfectly and turned with little effort.
He opened the door to reveal a long hallway. It was too dark to see how far it extended, but the cool draft hinted that it might go a long way.
“That’s dark,” Tess said at his side. “Light switch!”
Naked lightbulbs illuminated at intervals down the long corridor. The barrel stood not ten paces away. Just beyond the barrel, a scrawny, greenish, humanoid creature with bat-wing ears sat on a short three-legged stool. He sprang to his feet and shook a fist.
“Why the light?” the creature asked with a snarl. “Is this an emergency?”
Knox slapped off the light and stood frozen. What had he just seen? Some kind of monster!
A match flared to life, and then a lantern was glowing. As the scowling creature marched toward them, one hand on the lantern, the other on his hip, Tess slipped behind Knox.
“What’s your business down here?”
Knox wondered if he should bolt. Maybe the door was made of iron for good reason. But though the creature looked fearsome, he wasn’t very big, and he seemed more disgruntled than enraged. Some kind of guard? Protecting the barrel, probably. If Knox wanted to get into the barrel, it was now or never.
“We’re supposed to go to Wyrmroost,” Knox said.
The creature stopped a pace or two away and held out the lantern toward him. “Human kids. Not the ones I normally see, though it’s hard to tell—you all look so much alike. Why is the little one hiding?”
“I’m not really hiding,” Tess said, looking around Knox. “You just look kind of scary.”
The creature puffed out his chest. “You bet I do.” He snorted and spat. “First lick of good sense I’ve heard all day. Not much is more intimidating than a goblin in his prime.”
“What’s your name?” Tess asked.
“You’ve never heard of Slaggo?” the goblin asked. “You must be new around these parts.”
“We’re just passing through on our way to Wyrmroost,” Knox said.
“I had no knowledge of that,” Slaggo said. “I’m supposed to watch this barrel. Nobody comes out except the Sorensons. Nobody goes in without word from Hank or Gloria.”
“Hank and Gloria are our grandparents,” Knox said. “Who do you think gave us the keys? We’re supposed to catch up with Seth and Kendra.”
“I just need word from Hank,” Slaggo said.
“He’s sleeping,” Knox said. “He had a hard day.”
“Gloria sleeping too?” Slaggo asked.
“Everybody,” Knox said.
“Why are you still up, then?” Slaggo asked.
“Because this is when we were supposed to go to Wyrmroost,” Knox replied.
“To see the castle,” Tess chimed in.
Slaggo rubbed his bony chin. “Well, I suppose if you don’t belong, they won’t let you through on the other side. I don’t see what harm a couple of kids could do. I’ll need to hold those keys, though. Can’t have those going off to some other preserve.”
“Sure,” Knox said, handing over Dale’s key ring. “Can we get going?”
“I suppose,” Slaggo said, stepping aside. “I get sick of speaking English. Twists my mouth up in terrible ways.”
“You do a good job,” Tess said.
“’Course I do,” Slaggo said. “Been practicing. Who knows why, though? Hideous language. Come along.”
Knox hoped the guards on the far side would let him through. With some luck, whoever greeted him would recognize him from his previous visit. “I better go first,” Knox said.
“Suit yourself,” Slaggo said, waving a dismissive hand. “I’ll be relieved to douse the lantern.”
“How will you see?” Tess asked.
“Goblins see best in the dark,” Slaggo said. “It varies with other amounts of light. Who needs it?”
“I do,” Tess said.
Knox climbed into the barrel. “Tess, after I disappear, get into the barrel and squat down.” He squatted down. “Wyrmroost,” he said, like he had when he had crossed over with Seth.
A hand grabbed his shoulder and stood him up. It was another goblin, this one taller, beefier, and more apelike. Knox was in a new room, the same place he had arrived on his previous visit. “You again?” the goblin asked. “I don’t have word about visitors.”
“I’m supposed to see the Sorensons,” Knox said. “I’m just following instructions.”
The goblin helped him step from the barrel. “That was incredible you got the scepter. We might have been roasted without it.”
“My little sister is coming too,” Knox said.
The goblin looked into the barrel. “So she is.” He lifted her out. Tess stared at the goblin with wide eyes.
“Thanks,” Knox said.
“I need to report your arrival,” the goblin said. “It’s my neck on the line if this is some kind of mischief.”
“Sure,” Knox said. At least he had made it here. And this time he could see the goblin for what he was. On his previous visit, the occupants of the castle had all looked like people. What a difference the milk made.
“Brunwin!” the goblin cried. “We have visitors!”
On the Road
As Kendra made her way along the dirt road winding down from Skyhold, dragons circled high above, shadowy forms with moonlit highlights. Tanu had a flashlight, but suggested that the moon provided enough light. He kept refusing to converse, so they walked quickly, using the downhill slope to stay at a brisk pace. The air was chilly but not insufferable, and between the exertion and her coat, Kendra stayed warm.
What she most wanted right now was distance from the dragons. They had overtly declared war! No more pretending. How were she and her brother and their few allies supposed to fight dragons? Kendra wanted to be within the walls and barriers of Blackwell Keep. Would simply hiding behind protections be enough to win a war? She supposed it was better than nothing. She felt so exposed. Would standing on the road really shield her from dragon fire?
When they heard a clatter behind them, Kendra was so startled she nearly jumped off the road. She, Seth, and Tanu moved to one side to allow the gnome leader, Karzal, to approach in his little chariot pulled by five large dogs. “Whoa,” the gnome called, tugging his reins to pull the wolfish canines to a halt.
“Nice ride,” Seth said.
“Not a bad way to travel,” Karzal conceded in English. “I’m sorry about your griffins. It can be a dirty business dealing with dragons.”
“Is your kingdom far?” Kendra asked.
“A fair distance,” Karzal said, staring out into the night. “Getting to Skyhold takes considerable planning. I left my kingdom as soon as the invitation arrived to get here on time.”
“Why not fly?” Seth asked.
Karzal winced. “Gnomes were never meant for the skies. Close to the earth for me. I’m sorry this vehicle is insufficient for big folk or I would gladly offer a ride.”
“I’m not sure the dragons would smile at that,” Kendra said, glancing skyward.
“Why should I care?” Karzal asked. “Dragons only smile about gnomes if they are hungry.”
“Do gnomes use the roads a lot?” Kendra asked.
“Now and again,” Karzal said. “These roads provide valued protection for the inhabitants of the five territories, particularly when we need to travel beyond our borders.”
“So nothing can bother us on the road,” Kendra said, hoping it was true.
“Not until Midsummer Eve,” Karzal said. “On the festival night the defenses on the roads fall. Only the defenses around the territories and the keep remain. And, in a pinch, the occasional roadhouse. With only two days left, you’ll want to hurry.”
“Unfortunately, we can’t
use the shorter way to the keep,” Kendra said. “The bridge is out at Thirsty Gulch.”
“Really?” Karzal asked. “Then you’re heading the same way as me. Careful when the road nears Stormguard Castle. I prefer to pass by there at full speed under broad daylight.”
“Why?” Seth asked.
“You don’t know the legend of the cursed castle?” Karzal asked.
“No,” Seth said, glancing at Tanu. “You?”
The potion master shrugged. “No details.”
“Nobody has the full story,” Karzal said. “And nobody is likely to learn it. Not often does a thriving castle go silent overnight. Those who investigate either don’t get close enough to learn anything or never return.”
“This longer road goes by there?” Kendra asked.
“’Course it does,” Karzal said. “Used to be the heart of Wyrmroost. The castle predates the sanctuary.”
“Did the dragons curse it?” Seth asked.
“Hard to know for sure,” Karzal said. “Not likely, though. The castle isn’t scorched or damaged. There was no obvious attack. It just fell silent.”
“How recently?” Kendra asked.
“Centuries ago,” Karzal said. “Before my time.” He looked back up the mountain. “I had best be off. You as well. Try to make the nearest roadhouse tonight. They’re spaced regularly. At least you’ll have beds. Best of luck. I need to inform my people of the latest developments. The gnomes are with you!” He shook his reins. “Yah!”
The dogs scampered quickly to a run, and the little chariot clattered out of view. Kendra, Seth, and Tanu started walking again.
“Think the gnomes can help much?” Kendra asked.
“Maybe if the dragons get hungry,” Seth said. “Snacks can be distracting.”
“What are we going to do about Midsummer Eve?” Kendra said. “If we’re still on the road, we’re in trouble.”
“We’ll hope Creya delivers our message and Blackwell Keep sends aid,” Tanu said. “If not, it sounds as though these roadhouses might work like safe huts.”
“I have a map,” Seth said.
“Me too,” Tanu said. “We’ll check them when we have more light.”
“What if the dragons try to block us from the safe huts?” Kendra asked.
“We’ll fight our way past them,” Seth said, patting his sword.
“I wouldn’t get too cocky,” Kendra said.
“It’s the potion talking,” Tanu reminded them.
“I wish we had dog carts,” Seth said. “Those dogs were fast!”
“Griffins would be faster,” Kendra said.
A few minutes later they heard hoofbeats approaching from behind. They moved to the side of the road again, and Amulon raced by. The rumitaur did not pause or acknowledge them.
“Too bad elk boy won’t give us a lift,” Seth said. “He seems really fast.”
“I’m not sure he likes us much,” Kendra said.
“’Course not,” Seth said. “He isn’t shorter than my waist. We need taller allies.”
“Hey!” Calvin complained from his pocket.
“We’ll take what we can get,” Seth amended.
“For now, let’s get down the mountain,” Tanu said.
“Want to tell us about raiding Madrigus?” Seth asked.
“I want to be farther from Skyhold,” Tanu said. Lowering his voice, he continued. “It was beautiful, though. The only problem was my limited carrying capacity. I emptied all I could from my pack. Still, imagine being in the richest treasure room in the world, tons of gold, heaps of jewels, and only your two hands and a pack to carry stuff out. One trip.” He shook his head. “So much was left behind.”
“Not that cooked tear duct,” Calvin said. His tiny fist knocked against Seth. “There can be advantages to short allies.”
“I was glad to have our little helper,” Tanu said. “He went places I could not have reached with so little time.”
“You got good stuff, though?” Seth asked.
“What I left behind may haunt me forever,” Tanu said. “Riches a potion master can only dream about. But I got so much. My pack is stuffed with abundant ingredients I never imagined obtaining. It has been decades since anyone brewed with jellied dragon pancreas.”
“Can you do much with it now?” Kendra asked.
“A little, perhaps,” Tanu said. “Much more if I set up a proper brewing environment. I wish I could get some of my haul on ice!”
Kendra led the way as they continued down the road, walking faster than before. What would it look like when the war officially began? What preparations were needed? They needed more time. The night got slightly warmer as they descended, but the air remained chilly. Moonlit dragons continued to glide above them against a backdrop of bright stars.
The road finally leveled out and then ended at an intersection. “Right or left?” Kendra asked.
“This is the Outer Road,” Tanu said.
“One of the five main roadways,” Seth added.
“Right is the quicker way back to the keep,” Tanu said. “With the bridge out, I think we need left.”
“You need help,” a voice called from behind.
Kendra turned to find Eve approaching out of the night, trotting quietly.
“What are you doing here?” Kendra asked.
“I gave my father the slip,” Eve said. “Listened to his lecture. Acted compliant. Then ran off while he was making preparations at the stable.”
“Lord Dalgorel will be furious,” Tanu said.
“Isn’t he looking for you?” Seth asked.
Eve smiled and looked at the sky. “He keeps swooping around up there. I just duck off the road when he gets near.”
“Unwise to leave the road,” Tanu said.
“I’ve never had a real adventure,” Eve said. “I read about so many. Always wanted one.”
“We’re in real trouble,” Kendra said.
“Exactly,” Eve replied. “Not just sneaking pastries from the kitchen or exploring a creaky old windmill. Actual danger!”
“I understand the itch,” Seth said.
Kendra swatted her brother on the shoulder. “You’re not helping.”
“Good to see you,” greeted Calvin from Seth’s pocket, his head poking out and one arm waving.
“Is that Calvin?” Eve asked, leaning forward. “How are you?”
“A little soaked in dragon guts,” Calvin said. “Are you sure you should run away?”
“I can help,” Eve said. “You’re all new here. Are you really going left? Past Stormguard Castle?”
“Until we get aid from Blackwell Keep,” Tanu said.
Eve clapped her hands. “How thrilling!”
“What do you know about it?” Seth asked.
“So many rumors,” Eve said.
“The castle was here before Wyrmroost?” Kendra asked.
“Long before,” Eve said. “It was originally a secret domain of the Fair Folk. That’s why so many Fair Folk still reside here. Good King Weldon, ruler of the Fair Folk in this part of the world, allowed the founders of Wyrmroost to create the sanctuary around his ancestral home, and the territory of Terrabelle was reserved for the Fair Folk not of the castle.”
“But the castle was cursed,” Kendra said.
“King Hollorix was the last ruler of Stormguard Castle,” Eve said. “He had three sons—Tregain, Heath, and Lockland. There used to be regular interactions between the citizens of Terrabelle and the castle folk. One day the castle went silent. We don’t know what happened. We only know that nobody ever came out, and none who have ventured inside ever returned.”
“Maybe we can ring the doorbell and run,” Seth teased.
Kendra wanted to pinch him for never being serious.
“I wouldn’t risk it,” Eve said. “Those who do a close examination of the castle do not return.”
“Sometimes little people can slip in and out of places unnoticed,” Calvin suggested.
“Not a bad idea,
” Eve murmured.
“Are there any guesses what happened?” Kendra asked.
“Nothing that really fits,” Eve said. “There was no visible damage. From one day to the next, the whole castle went quiet.”
“Maybe a plague?” Seth asked.
“If so, it acts fast enough that nobody ever returns with information about it,” Eve said.
“I don’t know of any plague that incapacitates so quickly,” Tanu said. “Some kind of magical curse is the more likely culprit. Which means we should stay far away.”
“How do you beat a curse?” Seth asked.
“Depends on the curse,” Tanu said. “A curse that paralyzed or destroyed an entire castle? You don’t ask how to beat it. You figure out how to avoid it.”
“We have enough problems without chasing after curses,” Kendra said.
“This road will take us right by Stormguard Castle, though,” Eve said. “We’ll get closer than we probably should.”
A griffin whooshed by not more than ten feet above their heads. Eve froze and held a finger to her lips as the creature soared up the road. After a moment it passed out of view.
“Your dad?” Seth asked.
Eve nodded.
“How did he miss us?” Seth asked.
“He should know he won’t find me,” Eve said.
“Did he go blind?” Seth asked. “And the griffin too?”
“I have a talent,” Eve said quietly.
“What do you mean?” Kendra asked.
“All of the Fair Folk have a gift,” Eve said. “At least one. A magical talent.”
“You can make people blind?” Seth asked.
Eve giggled. “Almost, sometimes. I can help others see what I want them to see.”
“What did you make your dad see?” Seth asked.
“I wasn’t focusing on him specifically,” Eve said. “I was covering us so we would blend in with the road to any onlookers. Worked on both my father and the griffin.”
“You never hid off the side of the road to avoid your dad,” Seth accused.
“No,” Eve said. “Griffins are too fast and quiet. How would I have known when he was coming?”
“How long can you hide us?” Kendra asked.