by Brandon Mull
Hermo tugged on Seth’s sleeve, leading him down a long, narrow alleyway. Somewhere above him a baby cried. A puddle in a depression had a faint glow and a sweet, rotten odor. They came out onto a less populated street where a small band of centaurs laughed loudly.
Seth kept his eyes down and followed Hermo. Hoping to find a wraith or phantom who could give him information, Seth reached out with his power, but he still sensed no undead nearby, though several of the dilapidated townhouses on the street had a peculiar energy, and he suspected he was being watched by someone who meant him harm.
Hermo led them on a winding route down other streets, including a shabby dirt footpath behind some noisy inns. When they reached a street lined with identical brick residences, Seth noticed a street sign that labeled it Pinnacle, and he pointed it out to Hermo.
“Yes,” Hermo said, stopping in front of a doorway. “Number forty-nine.”
Seth pulled out the envelope addressed to Virgil and confirmed that Hermo had the correct number. “Let’s go,” Seth said, starting toward the door.
Do I know Virgil? Reggie wondered.
“I think we’re all meeting him for the first time,” Seth said.
Can I try introducing us? Reggie asked.
Seth stared at the crude dirt figure. “I think only I can hear you.”
I am your assistant, Reggie conveyed. I should speak. I should be heard. I’ll do my best.
“Go ahead,” Seth invited.
Reggie took the lead and knocked. As he was raising his hand a second time, a satyr answered, holding a sandwich. The goatman might have been in his twenties, with thick, messy hair and a green, unbuttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
“Can I help you?” the satyr asked.
We are looking for Virgil, Reggie communicated earnestly.
The satyr glanced past Reggie to Seth. “Small for a golem,” he commented.
I am Reggie. My master wishes to speak with Virgil.
“Are you all mute?” the satyr asked.
He doesn’t hear me, Reggie concluded.
Seth motioned at the dirtman. “Reggie is my assistant.”
“And a hermit troll?” the satyr asked. “How’d you lure him out of hiding?”
“We’re looking for Virgil,” Seth said.
“You found him,” the satyr said, seeming a little more guarded. “You’re not here about the Games, are you?”
“We’re new to Titan Valley,” Seth said.
“You’re a kid,” Virgil said. “And a hermit troll. And a dirt guy.”
“I have a letter for you,” Seth said, handing over the envelope.
Virgil held it up. “Dante?” He gave Seth a more interested look, then opened the envelope and started reading. He looked up from the page. “You’re a shadow charmer?”
“Yes,” Seth said.
“Why come to Humburgh?” Virgil asked. “We have no undead.”
Seth glanced at Reggie. “I came to learn about the Games.”
“That’s what I live and breathe,” Virgil said. “Dante has a good track record with me, but I would hate to encourage a kid toward the Games. Those who get involved in the Games tend to die.”
“I’m involved with or without you,” Seth said. “Dante thought you might be able to give me a better chance.”
Virgil swatted the letter from Dante against his palm, glanced up and down the street, then gave a nod. “All right. Come inside. And prepare to have your mind blown!”
Kendra stood near the edge of the enormous desk, tossing bits of wax she had broken off a candle and watching them fall to the floor. The study door opened and Dectus swept back into the room.
“Good news,” the giant declared. “When I brought up your name to the Giant Queen, the giant killer showed interest in meeting you. I have been instructed to bring you to the audience chamber at once.”
“In the throne room?” Kendra asked.
“Yes, it will afford you a chance to see the paramour in action,” Dectus said. “I might be biased, but I don’t trust him.”
“Let’s go,” Kendra said.
Dectus picked up a silver chain attached to a silver cage. When he placed the cylindrical cage in front of Kendra, she saw a cushioned chair inside.
“We giants carry honored guests in such containers,” Dectus said, opening the door to the cage. “The chair is firmly attached to the base for your comfort, and the bars are there for your safety. Most prefer it to being transported by hand. The way you wish to travel is your decision, including if you would rather walk. I offer this receptacle for your convenience.”
“All right,” Kendra said, uncertain about voluntarily entering a cage. She ducked inside and sat on the chair. Dectus carefully fastened the chain around his neck, wearing the container like a pendant.
From her cushy chair, Kendra watched Dectus exit the room and head down a hall. He strolled smoothly, but the cage still wobbled. He entered the audience chamber through a side door, where other gigantic members of the court were gathered.
The Giant Queen presided from her throne, eyes attentive to her armrest. Her demeanor was different from the last time Kendra had seen the monarch. Gone was the stiff formality. Her cheeks were flushed, and she seemed to be resisting a girlish smile. Her eyes twinkled.
Kendra was not close enough to see clearly the little fellow lounging on a chair situated on the armrest of the queen’s throne. Clad in black, he appeared to be human-sized.
The Giant Queen glanced at Dectus and straightened slightly. “I see you have brought our visitor,” the queen said, her voice softer and more melodious than Kendra recalled. “Bring her forward.”
Prince Doranio rose from his chair and pivoted to face Kendra as Dectus drew nearer. Kendra gasped. She knew that self-satisfied grin. The last time she had seen this face was amid horrible peril in the Under Realm. She could not believe it was Ronodin! He wore courtly attire fashioned from black leather, embellished with golden accents.
“Kendra Sorenson!” he greeted grandly. “How charming to see you again!”
“Hello,” Kendra said, fighting to keep her voice steady.
“What have we here?” the Giant Queen asked with a delighted clap. “Am I to understand you two are acquainted? My prince is so shrouded in mystery.”
“Many women have sought my attention over the years,” Ronodin said. He raised his eyes to meet the queen’s gaze. “I have sought only one.”
Kendra’s head swam at his audacity. She hardly knew what to say.
“Tell me, how is your family?” Ronodin inquired politely.
Kendra knew she should have the advantage. She could expose him at her whim! Ronodin was operating under a false identity and undoubtedly up to no good. But the dark unicorn was keeping her off-balance. Shouldn’t he be worried about what she might say?
“My family is well, though the war places a strain on everyone,” Kendra said.
“Almost everyone,” Ronodin corrected with a glance at the Giant Queen. “There are those with presence enough to rise above such disputes.”
The Giant Queen’s eyes shone as she relished the praise. She turned her attention to Kendra. “Little one, you have found the greatest oasis in the world. You need only visit my highest battlement to behold safety and prosperity as far as the eye can see.”
“You are truly fortunate to be here,” Ronodin told Kendra, sipping from a goblet. “But how have you been? I am curious to hear all your news.”
“You’ve always taken such an interest in my family,” Kendra said.
“Why not?” the Giant Queen said. “He is enamored by news of all variety.”
“You know me well,” Ronodin said with a gallant bow. “And yet news comes and goes. Only you hold my prolonged attention.”
“You flatter me,” the Giant Queen said.
“Is it flattery if I proceed to while away my hours at your side?” Ronodin asked.
“You have done so on many occasions,” the Giant Queen said warmly.
“I live to enjoy you,” Ronodin said.
“You are awed by my scale, like all who encounter me,” the Giant Queen said.
“Your size is but one facet of a perfect jewel,” Ronodin professed. “Deeper examination endlessly yields more to admire.”
“Enough,” the Giant Queen declared with a satisfied smile. “There are children present.” She gave a pointed glance at Kendra. “Go babysit my guest while I attend to royal affairs.”
Ronodin bowed deeply. “I am yours to command,” he vowed.
“Dectus, you may take the pint-sized prince away,” the Giant Queen said. “Be careful with him. He is precious.”
“Perhaps he should be careful of me,” Ronodin said with bravado. “I can be a lot to handle.”
The Giant Queen snickered delightedly. “My feisty prince.”
Ronodin strode forward and kissed the queen’s ring with a bow. Dectus approached and let Ronodin leap onto the palm of his hand. “My regular parlor would be preferred,” Ronodin directed crisply.
“We will go there at once,” Dectus said.
The giant exited the audience chamber, passed through a corridor full of mirrors, and set Ronodin down beside a human-sized door. Kendra gripped the arms of her chair as Dectus took the chain from around his neck, rocking her cage. He set the container on the floor and opened the door.
Ronodin extended his hand to help her step out, but Kendra ignored it. He looked dashing in his perfectly tailored outfit, but his good looks did nothing to charm her.
“I will place a servant outside the door should you require anything, Kendra,” Dectus said.
“Thank you,” Kendra replied.
Ronodin opened the door, and Kendra entered a lavishly appointed parlor that could have comfortably seated ten. After closing the door, Ronodin plopped down on a sofa and put his feet up on a low table with an air of casual ownership.
“Prince Doranio?” Kendra asked flatly.
“Not a perfect anagram of my real name,” Ronodin said. “But I like the ring of it.”
“Will we be overheard in here?” Kendra asked.
“A prudent question in this fortress,” Ronodin said. “I have taken measures to make this parlor secure, so long as we do not raise our voices.”
“How much time do you spend here, flirting with her majesty?” Kendra asked.
“Enough,” Ronodin said. “You know the servants are all dragons.” He pantomimed a choker around his neck.
“Thanks for the obvious,” Kendra said. “What’s your game here, Ronodin?”
“I’ve always gravitated to the highest circles,” Ronodin said.
“Only to disrupt them,” Kendra said. “You look absurd romancing her.”
“Ours is primarily a love affair of words,” Ronodin said. “I have kissed her hand on occasion.”
“She giggles like a schoolgirl around you,” Kendra said.
Ronodin winked. “They don’t call me the giant killer for nothing. The bigger they are . . .”
Kendra rolled her eyes. “Who are you working with? Celebrant?”
“I have allies everywhere,” Ronodin said. “I build bridges, Kendra. And if I burn one, I repair it.”
“You were a crow the last time I saw you,” Kendra said.
“After butting heads with your boyfriend,” Ronodin said.
“My boyfriend?” Kendra asked.
“Bracken has never taken any girl to meet his parents,” Ronodin said.
Kendra felt her face grow hot. “I needed to return something.”
“I know my cousin,” Ronodin said. “He has it bad for you.”
Kendra had done her best to bury her feelings for Bracken, but she secretly wanted Ronodin to be right. “How do you know he took me to the Fairy Realm?”
“Little escapes my notice,” Ronodin said. “Beings from the magical realm have romanced mortals. Ask Patton. It’s unconventional, it requires sacrifice, but it can be done.” Ronodin dropped his feet to the floor and leaned forward. “How did it feel to wear the Fairy Queen’s crown?”
Kendra hesitated to answer.
Ronodin closed his eyes. “It must have been an exquisite rush.”
“I didn’t keep it very long,” Kendra said.
Ronodin opened his eyes. “Just long enough to accomplish your purposes. How did you squander such an opportunity? You realize that with the crown on, by definition, you were the Fairy Queen?”
“I wasn’t after her job,” Kendra said.
Ronodin shook his head. “You and I are very different. That crown would have been mine forever.”
“Which is why she didn’t give it to you,” Kendra said.
“Bracken’s mother is no fool,” Ronodin said. “But she is having trouble purifying her realm.”
“What do you mean?” Kendra asked.
Ronodin stayed silent, nonchalantly checking his fingernails.
“Where is Seth?” Kendra asked.
“I wondered when that topic would arise,” Ronodin said. “You know, as an apprentice, Seth left much to be desired.”
“You know so much,” Kendra said. “Where is he?”
“I’m suddenly drawing a blank,” Ronodin said. “I remember he was at the volcano.”
“Did he cause Baga Loa to erupt?” Kendra asked.
“He had the chance,” Ronodin said. “But your little brother chickened out. I sent another agent after the Everbloom, who became an unfortunate casualty.”
“What if I tell Dectus all I know about you?”
“I would become much less cooperative,” Ronodin said. “Do you think we would be having this conversation had you not played along?”
“I want answers,” Kendra said.
“Take a seat,” Ronodin said. “Have some fruit from that bowl. I don’t know where they source the pears, but you will find them surprisingly refreshing.”
“I would rather stand,” Kendra said. “If you want me to keep quiet, start with where I can find Seth.”
“Somewhere on this preserve?” Ronodin guessed. “He meant to come here. How should I know? Seth has served his purposes.”
“As your slave,” Kendra accused.
“As my willing apprentice,” Ronodin said. “I did want Seth to free the undead from the Blackwell. He performed perfectly. Everything else was a bonus.”
Fighting back tears, Kendra clenched her fists. Ronodin had overthrown Wyrmroost. He had imprisoned Bracken. He had abducted Seth. And here he sat in comfortable luxury. Suddenly the bowl of fruit held new appeal. She crossed to the bowl, picked up an apple, and hurled it at him.
Shrinking and raising his hands, Ronodin deflected the fruit. Kendra pelted him in the side with a pear, narrowly missed his head with an orange, and then he caught the next apple, tossing it aside. Ronodin leaped over the back of the sofa, crouching out of sight. The moment his head popped up, Kendra chucked a kiwi at him.
“Seriously, Kendra?” Ronodin said. “This is very unlike you.”
She dumped out the fruit, then charged the sofa, wielding the golden bowl. Ronodin scrambled away as she drew near, then picked up a pillow off a chair and used it to block a swing of the bowl. Kendra lunged at him, but he dodged aside. Her momentum carried her down into the corner of a marble tabletop, opening a long gash on her forearm.
“What have you done?” Ronodin accused.
Kendra staggered to her feet, blood oozing between the fingers clutching her injury. “You’re a monster,” Kendra accused, panting. “You do evil wherever you go. You’re going to destroy Titan Valley.”
“I’ll do as I see fit,” Ronodin said.
“So
will I,” Kendra said. “Help!” she yelled. “I’m being attacked!”
The door flew open and a brawny man wearing a silver choker entered.
“Out!” Ronodin demanded. “Or I will make your life an endless misery.”
The brawny man glanced at the overturned bowl, the scattered fruit, and Kendra’s bleeding arm, and his gaze landed on Ronodin.
“Sorry, Giant Killer,” the servant said, approaching. “I am under strict orders to protect the caretaker.”
“She attacked me,” Ronodin accused.
The brawny servant looked from Ronodin, polished and calm, to Kendra, disheveled, clutching her injured arm with tears in her eyes.
“You damage everything you touch,” Kendra spat, still fuming.
“I’ve seen enough,” the servant said. “Her wound requires attention.”
“Be wise in what you share,” Ronodin said to Kendra.
“Be wise in who you cross,” Kendra replied as she exited.
Have a seat,” Virgil said. “Are you hungry?”
“Actually, yes,” Seth said, sitting down on a bench beside a table cluttered with dishes, mugs, utensils, papers, maps, spent candles, and several books. The satyr slid some hefty tomes aside to clear a space in front of Seth.
“You like fish?” Virgil asked.
“I like anything,” Seth said. “Except turnips.”
“Have you been going hungry?” Virgil asked.
“Yes,” Seth said.
“Then you get the works,” Virgil said. “Hungry young adventurers deserve some breaks.”
The room connected to the little kitchen was overcrowded. Seth counted five ottomans, four clocks, three globes, two hat racks, and an abundance of pillows on the worn furniture. Rows of paintings leaned against the base of a wall. An easel in one corner supported a half-finished landscape.
“Your hermit troll isn’t going upstairs, is he?” Virgil asked.
Seth hadn’t noticed, but Virgil was right. “Sorry. Hermo, where are you going?”
“Me look around,” Hermo replied.
“What are you hoping to find?” Virgil called.