by E. G. Foley
Anywhere but at the four dear adults who usually had charge of them.
A skilled diplomat, Aunt Claire knew exactly how to take them apart without even raising her voice.
Henry was red-faced, with a hangdog look. Miss Helena was ashen, as though she had received a threat of being sacked.
Derek’s scowl was guilt-stricken; he also looked a little shocked that he was being yelled at.
Not even Aunt Ramona escaped a tongue-lashing from her angry kinswoman. Jake had long since noticed that the Elder witch always pursed her lips when she was displeased. It made her high cheekbones jut out like knife hilts, and, right now, her thin lips were as puckered as tightly as if she’d been sucking on lemons.
Blimey, thank goodness Red was there.
The stoic presence of the Gryphon, quietly seated next to Jake’s armchair, at least brought some calming effect to the rigid tension in the room. He continued petting the animal, anxiously playing with Red’s feathers. At the end of the day, though, he was just glad that he wasn’t the one in trouble for once.
Adding to the awkwardness were the occasional outbursts of muffled cheers and laughter coming through the ceiling.
It was parlor game night at Merlin Hall, Jake remembered, and, as usual, the after-dinner fun took place in the salons and music rooms of the second floor, directly above them in the palace.
Normally, Jake somewhat scoffed at it all, being thirteen, but at the moment, he’d have much rather been up there amid the ruckus. It was kind of fun, after all. Something to do, watching people make fools of themselves.
The ghosts and clairvoyants loved guessing games like Squeak Piggy Squeak. The shapeshifters (naturally) ruled at charades. The witches and wizards favored chess, while the Guardians played darts or held arm-wrestling matches.
The dwarfs adored a good, rousing sing-along. But the wood elves withdrew to the music room to play flutes and harpsichords and perform their elegant dances; their symmetrical figures shifted and turned like the patterns in a kaleidoscope.
Unfortunately, Parlor 16 seemed to lie right beneath the room where the centaurs were playing their favorite: table tennis. Their hooves stomped back and forth noisily as they wielded their paddles.
After another burst of cheers and a muffled whinny of victory, Aunt Ramona could tolerate no more of Aunt Claire’s dressing-down.
“Very well, then.” She folded her arms with an air of sour impatience. “Richard, Claire: exactly what do you propose?”
Aunt Claire glanced at her husband. “Well, Richard and I have been talking, and since we all know Jake cannot stay at Merlin Hall for reasons we need not discuss—”
Jake knew she meant because of the mole in their midst. Actually, he was surprised they hadn’t managed to catch the traitor yet, in the full three weeks he’d been away. The person must be a very devious individual.
“And,” she continued, “since we can’t send him home anymore, now that Griffon Castle has been compromised, we feel it would be best to take our nephew with us—all the children, actually—on the diplomatic mission the Elders just assigned us.”
Dani and Jake looked at each other, wide-eyed.
“We’ll keep them on the move,” Aunt Claire continued. “That way, the Dark Druids will have a harder time pinpointing Jake’s location.”
“You’ll make yourselves a target,” Derek said uneasily.
“A moving target is harder to hit.” Uncle Richard cocked the Guardian a glance. “We’ll double our security, as well. That should more than suffice. And don’t worry about the expense to the Order. As I’ve already told the Elders, Master Crafanc has graciously agreed to let us fund the mission from the gold vault at the Everton mine.”
Red snuffled and nodded in full approval.
“Whatever it takes,” Lord Bradford declared, “I will not allow those warlock scoundrels to disrupt these poor youngsters’ lives any more than they already have. Children should not have to live out their days under this dark cloud of dread. They deserve to live as normal a life as possible under the circumstances, and that shall be our goal.”
He glanced around at the kids reassuringly. “You may continue your studies on the road. I’m sure there’ll be time. The trip itself will be an educational experience, one I daresay you will enjoy. Rest assured, children, we will endeavor to help you put this unpleasantness out of your minds and just enjoy…being a youngster.”
Right, Jake thought, doing his best to hide his skeptical expression.
How strange it was to grow up for so many years with no father whatsoever, and now, suddenly, he had more of them than he could handle. Not just Derek and Henry, who had become father figures to him in different ways over the past year and a half. Now Uncle Richard wanted to take charge of him, too.
To say nothing of Wyvern’s bizarre invitation to become his son and Black Prince.
That had been so unsettling (and oddly embarrassing) that Jake hadn’t even told anyone about it yet.
Meanwhile, for the first time, he finally had a shred of actual evidence that his own, true father really could still be alive.
As much as he hated to get his hopes up prematurely, Jake could hardly wait to meet him.
Aunt Claire was nodding. “Lord Bradford is right. You needn’t worry anymore. Leave everything to us. We will keep you safe. The Order will see to the spy in the palace while we’re away, I’m sure. After all, they’ve had three weeks.” She regarded Aunt Ramona from the corner of her eye, then gave a sniff of restrained indignation. “They can’t need much more time in sorting it out, I should hope.
“In the meanwhile,” she continued, “we want you with us, where we can see you. I will not have my children living in a state of terror, left open to attack by the foulest of creatures!”
“We’re not terrified, Mother!” Isabelle finally burst out, glancing at each parent in exasperation. “We did chase them off, you know.”
“Yes, dear, and we’re very proud of you—”
“But you should not have been put in that position,” Uncle Richard finished.
“Your success today does not change the fact that we are your parents, and you are our responsibility. It’s our job to protect you, and we shall,” Aunt Claire said, brooking no argument. Then she looked at Jake. “Now, I realize, dear nephew, that you, in particular, have good cause not to trust the adults in your life. But if ever there was a time for us to show you that we can and will take care of you, that time has come. The same goes for the rest of you.”
As Aunt Claire glanced around with an air of compassion, Nixie sent Jake a skeptical look. She, too, had fended for herself during much of her life.
Well, if the adults wanted their trust, they were going to have to earn it, Jake supposed. But it was nice that at least they wanted to try.
“You see, children,” Uncle Richard said somberly, glancing around at the kids, “I am sorry to say that we have to assume not just Jake, but the lot of you have come to the Dark Druids’ attention because of your friendship with him.”
Maddox sent Jake a droll look that seemed to say, But I don’t even like him that much.
Jake hid his answering smirk, for, in truth, the two boys enjoyed not getting along.
“For that reason,” Lord Bradford continued, “you all will be traveling with us when we go abroad.”
“But sir?” Dani said meekly, lifting a finger. “I have my Lightrider classes.”
“This will qualify as hands-on training, Miss O’Dell,” he replied. “I’ve already discussed it with Master Finnderool. He has agreed to count it as an extended field trip. What better opportunity than to see real missions in motion? You’ll be quite safe. Besides our additional security, we’ll have two Lightriders with us to handle so large a traveling party.
“Agent Ranjit Singh will serve as our primary Lightrider, as usual. But Agent Munroe will also be coming along, now that he is on the mend. I’m sure ‘Tex’ will be happy to answer your questions as we undertake our jo
urney.”
“And the security team?” Derek asked, clearly feeling skeptical about this plan.
“Our usual Guardians are very good,” Lord Bradford replied. “But we’ve been authorized to bring ten good, battle-tried soldiers with us. That will give us plenty of protection even if we split up. The children may wish to do some sightseeing, but my wife and I have very important diplomatic meetings to attend.”
“What sort of meetings, Dad?” Archie asked.
Uncle Richard sighed. “Since it’s now sadly clear that war is, indeed, looming on the horizon, we will be traveling to the courts of various key allies to explain they must prepare their defenses and to find out what they might need to be ready.”
Jake had sat up straight in his chair; his pulse quickened. He thought it sounded incredibly exciting. But he had a question and lifted his hand.
His uncle nodded to him. “Yes?”
“Sir, aren’t many of those rulers already here at Merlin Hall?”
Lord Bradford shook his head. “No, most of the top leaders returned while you were away, Jake. They couldn’t neglect their own lands for too many days. And, besides, after the alarming information that Guardian Vambrace, Agent Munroe and Aleeyah brought back from their ordeals and presented to the Fey Parliament, most felt an urgency to return to their own people. We just want to check in on them and see if they have everything they need to secure their lands.”
Jake nodded.
“Um, excuse me, sir?” Nixie said. “That is, are we all going? Even, um, me?”
Archie’s whole demeanor lit up. “Oh yes, Mother, Father—Nixie must come along! She’s a crucial member of our team.”
His parents seemed amused at his insistence, apparently well aware of their son’s partiality to the equally eccentric young witch.
“Of course you will join us, Miss Valentine,” Aunt Claire said, then swept a motherly glance over them. “But, mind you, children, this won’t be all fun and games. Consider it part of your education as future members of the Order.”
“Just like your Grand Tour with Aunt Ramona,” Uncle Richard agreed. “Only, this time, you’ll be with us. So…we expect no calamities.”
Aunt Ramona inhaled sharply through her nose, her nostrils flaring. Jake half expected her to go storming out of the room, but the Elder witch stayed.
He frowned to see his beloved old curmudgeon looking upset. Why were his aunt and uncle blaming her for Wyvern’s attack? She’d had nothing to do with it. She wasn’t even there.
Besides, he was the one who had nearly been kidnapped, and if he didn’t blame her, then why should they?
On the contrary, Jake was worried about the ol’ girl. Though only three weeks had passed, she looked very tired and worn out. She seemed much older than when he had left.
He had to say something in her defense. “The important thing, sir, is that Wyvern didn’t get what he came for. We found the vault and now Uncle Waldrick will never get his firepower back.”
“Yes. I suppose there is that to be grateful for,” Uncle Richard said. “There’s no question you children did well today. Especially you, nephew.”
“Thank you, sir, but the real credit goes to Isabelle.”
The viscount smiled at his daughter, and Izzy smiled back. “I’m very proud of every one of you. But here, now, right at the outset, let us lay down a few ground rules for our journey to keep everybody safe. My standards are simple. Each and every one of you will obey any orders you are given at all times. Our safety may depend on it. Understood?”
Jake’s eyebrows rose; the kids nodded warily.
“Good. We leave tomorrow morning after breakfast, so you must pack tonight. Our first stop,” he added, “will be the land of the giants.”
“Jugenheim!” Archie yelled.
The meeting turned into chaos as the boys whooped with glee.
Jake turned to Dani. “Oh, you’ve got to see this place!”
The girls hadn’t come along on their previous visit. Maddox hadn’t been with them either; even he smiled at the prospect of seeing the land of the Norse giants.
It was one thing to watch their oversized friends feasting on the lawn at Merlin Hall for a few days, but it was something else entirely to visit their land, where everything was huge and you were tiny.
“This is going to be fun!” Jake declared, looking around at his friends with a jovial smile.
Archie waggled his eyebrows and nodded.
“Now, now, there will be no adventures, you two! Do you understand me?” Aunt Claire said, pointing at Jake and Archie. “This is a very serious situation, and I expect you all to do as you’re told.”
Right, Jake thought, stealing another roguish peek at his cousin.
“Yes, ma’am,” Archie said, barely concealing his grin of anticipation.
“Humph.” Aunt Ramona sent Richard and Claire a sardonic smile, seemingly wishing the pair of diplomats good luck keeping the lot of them in line.
“Now then,” Uncle Richard said, planting his hands on his hips. “While we finish assembling our team for the journey”—he nodded at the other adults, and then glanced back at the kids—“I want you to go up to your rooms and start packing for a week’s travel. Tomorrow’s a big day, so get a good night’s sleep. I recommend you go to bed early. And, Isabelle, do not over-pack, please.”
“Who, me, Papa?”
“You needn’t bring everything you own,” he said with affection. “We’ll be traveling light so we can easily stay on the move. That is all. You youngsters may go.”
The kids rose and headed for the door while the adults congregated at the front of the room to discuss logistics.
Jake and Archie exchanged another grin.
“Do you think we’ll get to see Odin and Thor while we’re there?” Archie asked as they headed for the exit, but before Jake could answer, the door of the parlor flew open ahead of them and Janos burst in.
“I just heard the news,” he said, looking rather wild and unkempt. “I’m coming with you.”
Derek furrowed his brow. “I’m not sure that will be nec—”
“You need me,” Janos said. “I’m not asking, Stone. I’m telling you.” He glanced at the adults. “Either take me willingly or I will follow of my own accord and kill anything that comes near you.”
“Janos,” Aunt Ramona chided with a frown.
“What else have I got to do?” he shot back, then nodded at Jake. “I just heard Wyvern attacked Griffon Castle. Unacceptable! You need me. I’m coming, and that’s that.”
“Now, look here, monsieur—” Aunt Claire started.
“Madam, with all due respect, Wyvern murdered my children. I’m not going to let him kill yours.” Janos sent Derek a piercing stare. “Come on, Stone. Whatever my faults, I’m still the best you have. I’ll take the night watch.” He swallowed hard, hesitating. “Please.”
Jake gave Derek a hopeful look. He could well imagine that Janos desperately needed some sort of task to take his mind off his loss.
“He is practically immortal,” Archie pointed out.
“Aye, and he saved my life in Italy,” Jake reminded them.
Isabelle said not a word. Veiling her gaze behind her lashes, she stared down at the floor.
Janos looked at Uncle Richard. “Well, Bradford?”
Apparently, he was in charge of this mission. And like everyone else at Merlin Hall, he had heard of the vampire’s exploits, both good and bad.
“Caw!” Red said, as though reminding Lord Bradford it was Janos who had freed him.
“Hmm.” The diplomat flicked a dubious glance over the vampire. “Guardian Stone is still Jake’s head of security. If he approves you, then, I suppose, so do I.”
Janos turned back to his old team leader. Derek gave him a long, searching stare. “Come on, man. Give me another chance.”
“He did save Guardian Vambrace,” Isabelle spoke up, much to Jake’s surprise.
Dani nodded. “And Dr. Celestus.”
Janos gave the carrot-head a grateful glance.
“Fine,” Derek grumbled. “Night watch it is.”
“Good.” Janos gave him a terse nod and marched right back out again, presumably to make his preparations for the journey.
Relieved, Jake nodded his thanks to Derek. But in truth, the Order would be foolish not to accept the help of such a vicious fighter. Even Jake felt safer knowing Janos would be there.
Isabelle still kept her gaze downward as they filed out the door, but Aunt Ramona held up a finger. “Miss O’Dell, I’d like a word with you, please.”
“Oh!” Dani turned around. “Yes, ma’am?”
While Dani stayed back to see what Aunt Ramona wanted, Jake slipped out of the room and ran after the vampire to ask how he was doing. He spotted the ex-Guardian striding down the stone corridor ahead.
“Janos! Wait up!”
The vampire stopped and pivoted slowly as Jake jogged up to him. “Yes?”
“Hey. Thanks for volunteering,” Jake said. “I’m bloody glad you’ll be coming with us.”
Janos just looked at him, remote and withdrawn. There was no trace of his usual cocky humor, not even a smile.
“You all right?” Janos asked tersely. “After Wyvern’s attack, I mean.”
Jake shrugged. “We survived.”
Janos stared intensely at him. “How’d you do it? How’d you beat him?”
“I didn’t. Isabelle did.”
“What?”
Jake nodded. Now he had the fighter’s full attention.
Janos snorted and rested a hand on his hip. “And how exactly did she do that?”
“She summoned the unicorns. The stampede scared Wyvern away.”
“Is that right?” Janos first looked startled, then begrudgingly impressed. “Well, good for her.”
Jake hesitated. “You kind of hurt her feelings, you know. I heard you were really mean.”
“I’m a vampire. I’m supposed to be mean!”
“Not to her,” Jake said.
Janos scowled but slowly lowered his head and let out a weary sigh, scratching his cheek.