by Brandon Mull
“You’re sure?” Kendra asked. Grandpa and Grandma Sorenson had suspected his participation.
Agad nodded. “Your grandfather used a hearing stone to contact me, and he told me what happened to Seth. I dropped everything and followed my intuition to Goblin Town.”
“Is that a real place?” Kendra asked.
“It’s in Nevada,” Agad said. “Not a standard sanctuary, mind you. No caretaker. Without the milk, it looks to humans like a large ghost town. In reality, the ramshackle settlement is infested primarily with goblins, along with a roguish assortment of hobgoblins, kobolds, gremlins, and imps.”
“Sounds lovely,” Kendra said.
“Wonderful place to lose an eye,” Agad said. “Or a tooth. Or your life. Fortunately, goblins and their sort have a healthy respect for wizards.”
“What did you find out?” Kendra asked.
“I found Slaggo,” Agad said.
“He got there quickly,” Kendra said.
“I’m sure the Sphinx helped him,” Agad said. “The Sphinx didn’t want anyone talking to Slaggo or Voorsh. It isn’t his style to kill an accomplice. He wants those who aid him to be rewarded. I counted on the Sphinx deciding Slaggo and Voorsh could blend in better in Goblin Town than anywhere else.”
“How did Slaggo escape Fablehaven?” Kendra asked.
“I suspect the wizard Vernaz is helping the Sphinx,” Agad said. “Vernaz helped reconstruct Mendigo, which explains why the puppet was following secret instructions. Vernaz has the know-how and authority to take creatures across preserve boundaries, and also to transport individuals over great distances.”
“Slaggo and Voorsh brought the barrel to the Sphinx?” Kendra asked.
“That much we know,” Agad said. “When Knox inadvertently left them the keys, the goblins fled the dungeon with the barrel and exited Fablehaven through the front gate. Apparently some time ago the Sphinx gave Voorsh means to contact him. When the Sphinx heard about the barrel, he came immediately.”
“The Sphinx has been to Fablehaven before,” Kendra said. “It never crossed my mind he might have made a deal with the goblins in the dungeon.”
“He is a dangerous opportunist,” Agad said. “I fear it was a mistake to make him an Eternal.”
“He has to die for anyone to open the new demon prison,” Kendra said. “He’s good at staying alive. It makes sense for him to be part of the lock.”
“And it preserves him,” Agad said. “Keeps him around, perhaps for centuries more, unless he is killed.”
“Did you track him down?” Kendra asked.
Agad shook his head. “I tried. I checked with insiders. But the Sphinx has disappeared. So has Vernaz.”
“Did Slaggo see Vernaz?” Kendra asked.
“A hooded figure was with the Sphinx,” Agad said. “There was no confirmation on the identity. But based on the description and the circumstances, it was very likely Vernaz.”
Kendra knocked her head back against the wall of the stall a few times, hard enough to sting a little. “What would the Sphinx want with Seth?”
Agad raised his eyebrows and spread his hands. “I can only guess. Obviously, they are both shadow charmers. Or the Sphinx may have been working with somebody else who has an interest in your brother.”
“Celebrant?” Kendra asked. “Ronodin?”
“It’s guesswork at this point,” Agad said.
Kendra picked up a brittle piece of straw from the floor of the stall and twisted it between her fingers. “The Sphinx originally allied himself with the demons. That door is closed, so now he might be scheming with the dragons?”
“Maybe,” Agad said.
“Or does he think he can train Seth as a sidekick?” Kendra asked. “Could he have known Seth lost his memories? He had barely lost them when he was kidnapped.”
“I don’t know,” Agad said.
“That plan could work,” Kendra said bleakly, straw crunching in her grasp. “Whoever is behind it. Seth doesn’t know who he is. He could be retrained from scratch. Reprogrammed by our enemies.” Her eyes stung. “Agad, we could end up fighting my little brother.”
“We’ll try to recover him before it comes to that,” Agad said.
“But we don’t know where to look,” Kendra said.
“Not yet,” Agad replied.
“Didn’t you have a tracker on the Sphinx?” Kendra asked.
“As part of becoming an Eternal, the Sphinx has the right to move and hide where he chooses,” Agad said. “He had two minders—one we told him about and one we didn’t. This is the first time we know of that he eluded both.”
Kendra squeezed her eyes shut. This just kept getting worse. Would there ever be good news?
“I’m sorry that you kids were drawn into this crisis,” Agad said.
“If this keeps up, the whole world will be drawn in,” Kendra said.
“There is uncertainty and devastation all around,” Agad said. “All of Dragonwatch is working overtime on problems across the globe. We managed to win back a portion of Crescent Lagoon. It seemed the whole archipelago had fallen, but the caretaker reestablished a foothold on one island. Your friends Warren and Vanessa played a key role.”
“Are they all right?” Kendra asked.
“Last I heard they were safe and healthy,” Agad said.
“I guess one less fallen sanctuary is a relief,” Kendra said.
“It’s a desperate fight,” Agad said. “We’ll take what we can get.”
“Are people looking for Bracken and Seth?” Kendra asked.
“All of our agents are on the lookout,” Agad said. “And I am making it my personal mission to find your brother.”
That brought Kendra some relief. At least Agad considered Seth a top priority.
“What about the sanctuary that completely fell?” Kendra asked.
“Soaring Cliffs?” Agad asked.
“Yes,” Kendra said. “Where Bracken was held for a time. Are those dragons rampaging? Destroying cities?”
“Nothing like that yet,” Agad said.
“Why not?” Kendra asked.
“It’s complicated,” Agad said.
“Isn’t that why we’re fighting to keep these sanctuaries from falling? So dragons won’t run wild?”
Agad furrowed his brow. “I suppose as a caretaker you should know about our last lines of defense. Someday this knowledge may prove necessary. These secrets should not be repeated except to the most trusted ally at the greatest need.”
“I know how to keep secrets,” Kendra said.
“I would not share this otherwise,” Agad said. “Three of the seven dragon sanctuaries contain Dragon Temples. Each temple houses numerous priceless artifacts, along with one talisman of extreme importance. Here at Wyrmroost, that item is the Sage’s Gauntlets. A wizard who masters the gauntlets can gain control over dragons.”
“That would be amazing,” Kendra said.
“For our side,” Agad said. “Do not forget that like all wizards, I was once a dragon. Using arts that are all but forgotten, I became mortal in exchange for greater magic. Though I have not been a dragon for a great while, I still remember how the existence of the Sage’s Gauntlets offended me. All dragons feel likewise. There is also a shield that allows the bearer to repel dragons, and a harp that can soothe dragons to sleep. These talismans helped defeat the dragons long ago. As part of the treaty that brought the dragons to the sanctuaries, the dragons were allowed to guard these items in their temples. If we were to recover any of the three talismans, it would frighten and enrage the dragons, because the talismans make them vulnerable.”
“Do we have any of the talismans?” Kendra asked.
“No,” Agad said. “To pursue them would have been an act of war.”
“But the dragons already declared war,” Kendra said.
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“Exactly,” Agad said. “So now, getting the talismans has become a priority.”
“How does that explain why dragons are not attacking cities?” Kendra asked.
“I’m getting there,” Agad said. “Another line of defense is the legendary Dragon Slayers.”
“Like the Somber Knight?” Kendra asked.
“Each sanctuary has a Dragon Slayer,” Agad said. “But there are five legendary Dragon Slayers abroad in the world. They are lost at present, but when Celebrant declared war, the door was opened for us to recruit them.”
“Do you know how to find them?” Kendra asked.
“We’re working on it,” Agad said. “Finding them may not be easy after such a prolonged retirement. Aside from the legendary Dragon Slayers, we have a final line of defense between dragons and the mortal world.”
“What?” Kendra asked.
“The Sovereign Skull,” Agad said. “The fabled skull of Abraxas, the first dragon.”
“It’s really a skull?” Kendra asked.
“Of the very first dragon,” Agad said reverently. “A pristine relic of crystalline beauty, more heavily enchanted and ensorcelled than any physical object in the world.”
“What does it do?” Kendra asked.
“Listen, the unbelief of humanity provides a degree of protection from the magical world,” Agad said. “The skull amplifies that effect, making human unbelief toxic to dragons. As long as the skull exists, mortals ignorant to the magical world are difficult for dragons to target, and unbelieving communities are impossible to invade.”
“Where is it kept?” Kendra asked.
“For the safety of the world, that must remain a secret,” Agad said. “The place was created by wizards, and only a few of us know the location.”
“Are you one of them?” Kendra asked.
“I should not say too much,” Agad said.
“The dragons that escaped Soaring Cliffs can’t attack the nonmagical world unless they destroy the skull,” Kendra verified.
“Correct.”
“But they can get up to other mischief?”
“That is a definite concern,” Agad said. “The world has some defenses left as these preserves fall. But unless we defeat the dragons and get them back into sanctuaries, this will not end well. The longer the conflict rages, the more likely it becomes that the dragons will discover how to overthrow our last defenses.”
“There is so much to do,” Kendra said.
“We start by protecting the sanctuaries we still control,” Agad said. “You have done a remarkable job here, against terrible odds. I must say that you and your brother performed beyond all expectations.”
“I just hope we can get him back,” Kendra said.
“We need him back,” Agad affirmed. “Sentimentality aside, he is a caretaker of Wyrmroost. This sanctuary is safer with him here.”
The long, low bellow of a horn reached Kendra’s ears. “The proudhorn,” Kendra said.
Agad stood. “A dragon approaches.”
“I hope it’s Raxtus,” Kendra said, getting up as well. “Did you know he joined us?”
“I heard,” Agad said, exiting the stall. “Not a moment too soon, from what I understand.”
“He saved me,” Kendra said.
They trotted out of the stable to see a gilded coach gliding through the air, pulled by a team of winged rams. Dragons flanked the coach to either side, flying a bit behind it.
“There is a sight Wyrmroost has not seen in centuries,” Agad said.
“Flying rams?” Kendra asked.
“The coach of Stormguard Castle,” Agad said. “After all this time, the curse is broken. Let’s go see what they want.”
Agad and Kendra hurried to the courtyard where the coach landed. The handsome driver reined the six rams to a halt.
“They just flew over the wall,” Kendra said. “Did they have permission?”
“The Blackwell Keep defenses don’t repel the coach,” Agad said. “It’s part of an ancient treaty.”
Kendra noticed that the dragons tracking the coach had veered away. “Dragons can’t attack the coach?” she asked.
“The coach of Stormguard Castle enjoys immunity on all diplomatic missions,” Agad said. “Even in wartime. The neutral status of the Fair Folk has some serious advantages. I’m sure the dragons would have attacked if it were possible.”
Grandpa and Grandma Sorenson were coming down stairs to the courtyard, as was Brunwin the minotaur. Marat and Henrick approached from a different direction.
The door to the coach opened and Tanu emerged, along with Knox and Lockland. Tanu and Knox looked tired but healthy, and no parts of them were silver or gold.
“Knox!” Kendra called. “Tanu! You’re all right!”
“Kendra!” Knox called back, waving and hustling toward her. “We wondered where you were! Did you get the prize?”
“No,” Kendra said.
“Did Tregain?” Lockland asked.
Kendra winced. “Tregain was killed while trying.”
Lockland closed his eyes and pressed a fist to his forehead. Knox seemed to be resisting a grin.
“How did he fall?” Lockland asked.
“He touched the stone and turned to ashes,” Kendra said. “Obregon too.”
Lockland composed his features. “My family and all of Stormguard Castle will rue these tidings. But casualties were to be expected in such a contest. What of your brother?”
Kendra saw Knox and Tanu looking at her expectantly. She tried to tell them, but words wouldn’t come. Only tears.
“Seth lost his memory and was kidnapped by the Sphinx,” Agad said on her behalf. “We are working to find him.”
“Kidnapped?” Knox asked.
“Taken away through the barrel,” Grandpa Sorenson said, an edge to his voice.
Knox blanched. “Oh no.”
“The goblins at Fablehaven gave the barrel to our enemies,” Grandpa said, “who used it to abduct Seth.”
“No!” Knox said, eyes staring wildly. “No, no, no. I gave them the keys to the dungeon.”
“It’s not entirely your fault,” Grandpa Sorenson said. “You didn’t take Seth, nor did you understand the risks of using the barrel.”
“I’m an idiot,” Knox said. “I’m the worst.”
“We all make mistakes,” Grandpa said.
“Not that cause kidnappings,” Knox said.
“True,” Kendra mumbled. Then she raised her voice. “I know you’ve been trying to help. Right now our focus is getting him back. Where are Lomo and Patton?”
“Lomo remains at Stormguard Castle against his wishes,” Lockland said. “My father refused to let him come. I will return with the coach. As Fair Folk, we can’t get directly involved in helping you.”
“And Patton is helping the mounts return safely,” Tanu said. “Calvin is with him. But we have another problem.”
“Fabulous,” Kendra said. “What?”
“We stopped by Terrabelle in the coach to pick up Tess and the satyrs,” Knox said. “Tess was gone. The satyrs too. I guess Newel came here, but Doren, who was watching Tess, has disappeared. Along with Eve.”
“Disappeared?” Grandpa asked. “Where did they go?”
Knox lowered his eyes. “Nobody knows.”
How could a dragon fit in there?” Tess asked, pointing at what looked like a pair of wooden cellar doors on the ground within the sequoia grove. “Is he tiny?”
“He should be huge,” Eve said, climbing down from her horse. “I wonder if he has another way in.”
“I guess one of us should stay with the animals,” Doren said, swinging down from his gray mare.
“I thought you didn’t like horses,” Tess said.
Doren held up a finger. “I never bad-mouthed hors
es. I was a little hesitant to steal three of them.”
“We borrowed them,” Eve corrected.
“We borrowed them without permission,” Doren amended. “In order to sneak away from Terrabelle against the wishes of everyone in charge.”
“You complained nonstop,” Poza said.
“I mentioned I had never ridden a horse before,” Doren said. “And that I was worried I would feel like a centaur.”
“Did you?” Tess asked.
“A little,” Doren admitted. “Look, satyrs don’t ride horses. I’ve never heard of it happening before. I broke protocol for you girls.”
“Now you want to stay with the horses because you’re afraid of the dragon,” Eve said.
“I’m trying to be a good leader,” Doren said. “We need smart strategy. A peaceful dragon might be nice to two little girls. Kendra did fine with her visit. But the dragon might not like a satyr. Some creatures are biased against us.”
“He makes a convincing argument,” Poza said.
“Plus, somebody really should watch these borrowed horses,” Doren said. “It would be a long walk back. And it’s getting dark.”
“You’ll be out here without the cloak of innocence,” Eve told him.
Doren shrugged. “I’m still part of the group. It might still cover me.”
“It might not,” Eve said.
Doren scratched his elbow and glanced around the grove. “In an emergency, I could follow you in.”
“And leave the horses?” Tess cried.
“The horses could get away faster without me,” Doren said.
“We do need to hurry,” Eve said. “And it probably makes sense to leave a guard for the horses.”
“I brought you here,” Poza said. “May I excuse myself?”
“What about finding our way back?” Tess asked.
“Simply return the way we came,” Poza said.
“But we came here without a path,” Eve said. “What if we get lost?”
“You’ll be fine,” Poza said. “That cloak works perfectly.”
“Nothing would attack us, but we might starve,” Tess said.
“And it will get dark,” Eve added.
“Let the satyr find the way,” Poza said. “As part animal, he should have some instincts.”