Recruits
Seth stared out from the battlements atop the outer wall of Blackwell Keep at the dragons wheeling in the sky, their shadows fluttering across the ground. Enormous and fierce, any one of them would have sent the population of a village running for their lives. It was a sight he had hoped to enjoy ever since learning that dragons were real. At the battle of Zzyzx he had been too busy fighting demons to properly observe the colossal predators, and the dragons had departed soon after the combat ended.
Today he could stare as long as he wanted. Eve would be so jealous.
But he couldn't really enjoy the experience.
Henrick was trapped in the safe hut with the scepter. Nobody had a plan to get him out.
Almost nobody.
Seth had a really good idea.
Even just thinking about the plan that was forming in his mind made Seth glance around guiltily. Grandpa and Grandma were not in sight. Neither was Kendra. Seth had deliberately separated himself from them.
Placing his hands against the rough stone wall, he sighed.
Grandpa wouldn't like this plan. Neither would Grandma. Neither would Kendra. They would stop him if they knew what he wanted to do.
Should he stop himself? Was he being reckless? Kendra seemed to think he followed any crazy thought that crossed his mind. But he was supposed to protect Wyrmroost. He was the caretaker. Doing that job wouldn't always be safe. Getting the scepter in the first place had been extremely dangerous.
The more Seth pondered his strategy, the more certain he became that his family would be wrong. They wouldn't like it, but it should work.
The plan would not put Kendra, Grandma, or Grandpa at risk. Not at all. And it might protect them. Seth would suffer the greatest risk by far. If anybody died, it would be him. Only one other person would really be exposed to danger.
Seth wished he could pull this off alone. But there was no way to do it without one other person. And he would need a little extra help.
He turned and looked down into the courtyard. Who could he trust? If somebody blabbed to Grandpa, he suspected his plan would never get implemented. He needed an accomplice who would carry out his orders quietly. Ideally, it would also be somebody who could confirm his strategy.
Simrin was walking across the courtyard. Seth had noticed that she seemed very close to Marat. If Marat learned the plan, he could go to Grandpa. And that would be the end of the plan.
Seth descended a staircase to the courtyard. As he reached the bottom, Brunwin, the reddish minotaur, exited a door on the far side.
Bracken had described Brunwin as reliable but with a bad temper. Seth seldom saw him talking with others. Maybe the bad temper would help encourage the minotaur to take matters into his own hands to get the scepter.
Unable to think of a better candidate, Seth hurried across the courtyard to Brunwin. "Can I ask you something?"
The minotaur stopped and looked down at him. "You're the boss. What is it?"
"I know a way to help Henrick," Seth said.
"We're trying to formulate a strategy," Brunwin said. "I'm not sure there is any realistic way to succeed. Not with ten times our resources."
"If I figured out a way, would you keep it secret?" Seth asked.
"Depends why you want it kept secret," the minotaur replied.
"Grandpa won't like it," Seth said. "Neither will Grandma or Kendra. They'd try to stop me. But I know it will work."
Brunwin snorted. "You think you can get to the safe hut and back?"
"No," Seth said. "But I think I know somebody who can."
"Really? Who?"
"Will you keep it a secret?"
"You're the caretaker," Brunwin said. "You can order me to keep it a secret."
"If I do, you can't say anything?"
"I could. But I'm supposed to follow orders, and I probably would do so. Who is it?"
"A person who wouldn't suspect he is at a dragon sanctuary," Seth said. "If I sent someone like that, wouldn't the treaty protect him?"
"You're talking about a mortal?"
"Yes. A boy who has no idea that magical creatures are real."
Brunwin's nostrils flared. "Well, if he had no suspicion there were dragons here, and he was only acting under your orders, yes, I suppose he would be protected. But if he caught on to what was really happening, he could be ripped to shreds."
"I don't think he would catch on," Seth said. "His imagination doesn't work that way. What if he had the scepter?"
"It's neutral ground," Brunwin said. "If he is oblivious to where he really is, following instructions in good faith, the boy should be protected, even with the scepter in hand, even against scores of dragons. Of course, that is all theory. Nobody has ever tested the treaty against so much power. And there is nobody here like the boy you describe."
"But there is back at Fablehaven."
Brunwin stared at him. Then he gave a nod. "If you give the boy his orders, the dragons could come after you across any boundary at Wyrmroost. Including into Blackwell Keep."
"I know," Seth said. "I would have to run. Or fly, actually. Can you have one of the dwarfs ready Tempest?"
Brunwin stared at him again. "Where could you hide?"
"Let me worry about that," Seth said. "I don't want to say it out loud until the last minute. If the dragons cut me off, I'll be a goner."
"Tempest is fast and skillful," Brunwin said. "But dozens of dragons watch the keep. Chances are you won't make it no matter where you go."
"I know," Seth said. "I'm willing to risk it to save Henrick and protect the keep. If the keep falls, we all die. If the dragons get free, the whole world is in trouble. Even if the dragons get me, this should work. I have to try."
Brunwin rubbed his hands together. "Seth, this is by far the best solution I've heard. Ingenious, really. It could work. But the price could be steep. Are you sure?"
"It's my job to protect the sanctuary," Seth said. "Help me do this."
Brunwin extended a hand. Seth shook it. "I admire your courage," the minotaur said.
"To somebody who hasn't had any milk, do you look like a guy or a cow?" Seth asked.
Brunwin glared.
"I mean bull," Seth amended. "A guy or a bull."
"Eyes closed to magic normally recognize me as a man."
"Perfect," Seth said. "Go tell whatever dwarf you most trust what we need. Then meet me at the barrel."
Seth found the sole goblin at Blackwell Keep guarding the door to the room where the barrel was kept. The creature was shaggier and more apelike than most goblins Seth had seen, with big hands and black fingernails. Seth could not recall his name, so he just gave the goblin a nod and proceeded down the hall and around a corner to wait for Brunwin. Hopefully the minotaur could help him gain access to the barrel.
"You're going after Knox?" came a sneaky voice from his pocket.
"I wish I could think of another way," Seth said.
"It's a clever plan," Calvin assured him. "Exciting! But if things go wrong . . ."
"I'll be dead," Seth said. "They can scold me at my funeral."
"What if Knox gets hurt?"
"He should be safe. When we tried this with the ogre, it was kind of a mess for me, but not for him. I have to trust that, or I couldn't do it."
"How are you going to convince him to come?" Calvin wondered.
"I'm working on it," Seth said. "All I know for sure is I can't tell him the truth. Not knowing about the dragons is part of his protection."
They waited until Seth heard Brunwin addressing the goblin guard. Then Seth came around the corner.
"Tell nobody of this," Brunwin was saying. "This is a secret mission for the good of the sanctuary."
The goblin gave a salute. "As you wish." He took out a key and opened the door. Brunwin ushered Seth inside and closed it.
Seth peeked into the empty barrel, then turned to Brunwin. "The boy is named Knox. When he comes through, he'll think we're playing a game. Treat it like the game is important. Take him to the door Kendra used to visit Raxtus. When I fly over the wall, send him to the safe hut."
"Understood," Brunwin said.
"What about the dwarfs?" Seth asked.
"Obun will help. He and Didger are preparing Tempest as we speak."
Seth climbed into the barrel and squatted down. "I need to get to Fablehaven," he said. Inside the barrel, he was at both places at once. He knew that if anyone at Fablehaven was near the barrel, they would hear his voice. All he needed was for somebody at Fablehaven to reach inside and touch him, and he could exit there.
A pair of hands helped him out of the barrel. The hands belonged to Doren! Suddenly he was in the living room at Fablehaven. Newel was there too.
"So good to see you!" Doren said. "It gets dull around here without you."
"What a surprise," Newel said. "Is everything all right?"
"Should we get old man Larsen?" Doren wondered.
"No, please," Seth said. "I'm glad you guys are guarding the barrel. I'm here on a secret mission."
Doren pumped a fist. "Helping with a secret mission tops watching an empty barrel any day."
"Good," Seth said. "I have to borrow Knox."
"By borrow, you mean . . . ?" Newel asked.
"I need to bring him to Wyrmroost for a few minutes," Seth said.
Newel folded his arms. "We're supposed to get permission from old man Larsen before letting anyone go from Fablehaven to Wyrmroost."
"What's this old man Larsen business?" Seth asked. "His name is Hank."
Doren shrugged. "We like the ring of it."
"Don't change the subject," Newel said. "You're asking us to ignore our duty."
"We can't explain this to Grandpa Larsen," Seth said. "I'm the new caretaker of Wyrmroost. Do it under my authority. I'll take any blame."
"You're what?" Doren asked. "The what-taker of what, now?"
"Caretaker of Wyrmroost," Seth said, showing them the medallion.
"Looks fancy," Doren conceded.
"Did Stan and Ruth disappear or something?" Newel asked. "And every other possible candidate?"
"They needed dragon tamers," Seth said. "Kendra and I qualified."
"You're serious," Newel said.
"Dead serious," Seth said. "And we really have an emergency."
Newel nudged Doren. "Hear that? We know the caretaker of Wyrmroost."
"We could rule that place now," Doren said. "Can you imagine? A caretaker on our side? One who doesn't care at all about the rules?"
"Hey," Seth said. "I care about the rules."
Newel and Doren both laughed. Doren slapped his woolly thighs.
"Nobody is watching," Newel finally said. "You can deal straight with us."
"I want to be a really good caretaker," Seth said. "But first I have to save the sanctuary."
"With Knox?" Doren asked. "Come on. What's the real story? Need to snatch some more treasure?"
"Kind of," Seth said. "That's not important. Listen, unless you let me take Knox, Wyrmroost will fall."
Newel and Doren grew serious. "We're at Fablehaven, Seth," Newel said. "The caretaker of Wyrmroost doesn't call the shots here. Why not run it by Hank?"
"He won't want me to do it," Seth said. "But it has to happen!"
Doren gasped and covered his mouth. "Are you sacrificing Knox to the dragons?"
Newel placed a hand on Seth's shoulder. "There are other ways to deal with annoying cousins."
"Knox will be fine," Seth said through gritted teeth. "If anybody dies it will be me. Are you two going to trust me or not? You're supposed to be my friends."
Newel placed his hands behind his back and avoided eye contact. "See, Seth, the thing is, old man Larsen, er, Hank, trusted us with this post so we can earn television time."
"Said he'd block our cable signal if we didn't stand watch," Doren said. "Stan promised us a television, but there were no guarantees about the signal. Old man Larsen got us on a technicality."
"You won't help me because it might interrupt your shows?" Seth asked.
"We promised to be good guardians," Newel said. "It's a sacred trust. And, yeah, if Hank gets mad, what will become of us? I can't go back to an antenna, Seth. It isn't civilized."
"I'll tie you up," Seth offered. "You can say you had no choice."
"But we'll look like wimps," Doren said.
"Wait a minute," Newel said. "Hank won't want wimps watching the barrel."
Doren smiled. "Good point."
"I promise you won't get busted," Seth said. "I'll take all the blame. You can say I had permission from Grandpa Sorenson."
"Do you?" Newel asked.
"Um, sure," Seth said.
"You have to lie better than that," Doren said. "Everyone will see right through it."
"I mean, yes, Grandpa Sorenson sent me to get Knox," Seth said. "Grandma too. Absolutely. Happy now?"
Newel sighed. "Seth, are you sure you know what you're doing?"
Seth took a deep breath. "I'm sure."
"It's a good plan," Calvin called from his pocket.
"Are you still toting that little guy around?" Doren asked. "I was sure a sparrow would have eaten him by now."
"Don't tease him," Seth said. "Calvin has already helped save the day."
"Must have been a short day," Newel muttered.
"This really is an emergency," the nipsie asserted.
"My new friend Calvin is on my side," Seth said. "Are my old friends big enough to help?"
"We'll help," Newel said.
"We aren't the Supreme Gigantic Overlords for nothing," Doren maintained.
"Are Grandma and Grandpa Larsen nearby?" Seth asked.
"With Stan and Ruth gone, the Larsens moved in here with Knox and Tess," Newel said. "I think it was partly to be near the barrel. And partly to be near the yard and the front gate and the cow out in the barn."
"Are they around?" Seth asked.
"Gloria is on a shopping trip," Newel said. "Hank is out inspecting something with Hugo."
"What about Knox and Tess?" Seth asked.
"Out by the pool," Newel said.
"Have you seen a basketball with writing on it?" Seth asked.
"I know right where it is," Doren exclaimed. "In the hall by the front door."
"Could you hide the ball for me?" Seth asked. "Someplace
where Knox won't find it."
"No problem," Doren said.
"I'm going to go get Knox," Seth said. "I'll be right back."
Seth ran to the kitchen and out the back door. Dale was working in the garden. He stopped pushing his wheelbarrow and waved at Seth. "Everything all right?"
"I'm good," Seth called. "I just have a question for Knox. Then I'll be gone again."
"Okay," Dale said, returning to his task. "Good to see you."
Seth hustled to the pool. Tess splashed in the shallow end, giggling at the flock of fairies attending her. Knox sat on the patio, using a magnifying glass to make a wood chip smoke.
"Hey," Seth said. "That's my magnifying glass."
Knox looked up. "Seth breath? I thought you were at camp."
"I'm not back for long," Seth said. "Just a quick visit."
Knox held up the magnifying glass. "I found this in the attic."
"You can keep it," Seth said. "My better one is in my emergency kit."
"I have a big one at home that can cut through stone," Knox bragged.
"I bet," Seth said. "Look, I need your help with something."
"I can recommend some extra-strength mouthwashes," Knox said.
"I'm serious," Seth replied. "I'm playing a game at camp. And you can help me win."
"Oh, no," Knox said, shaking his head. "I'm not going to summer camp. Being bored is bad enough. I don't want to be told how I have to be bored by a bunch of counselors."
"You'll just help our team win a game," Seth said. "No counselors."
"Why would I want to help your team?" Knox said. "Can I be on the other team?"
"I thought you might want to win your basketball back," Seth said casually.
"My basketball?"
"The one signed by Jordan and LeBron and everybody? What's it worth to you?"
Knox threw his head back and laughed. "What? Are you holding it hostage?"
"It's in a safe place," Seth said. "For now."
Knox laughed again. "You're so dumb! Do you actually think all those players really signed it?"
Seth just stared. There was nothing to say.
Knox kept chuckling. "I wrote those names myself. I didn't even check what their real signatures look like. Do you think I would actually play with a ball like that? It would be in a vault."
Seth tried to reformulate his strategy. "Just come. This camp will blow your mind. I'll give you an awesome prize if you help our team win."
"What awesome prize?"
"I don't know," Seth said. "Gold or something. Maybe jewels."
Knox laughed again. "How dumb do you think I am? You don't have gold. How far away is this camp?"
"Have you heard about VR?" Seth asked.
Knox gave a huff. "Virtual reality? I probably know a hundred times more about it than you do."
"It's a virtual reality camp," Seth said. "We can get there from the living room."
"You're such a liar," Knox said.
"Prove me wrong," Seth replied.
Knox twirled the magnifying glass in his hand. "Only because I'm bored."
"Hey, Seth!" Tess cried from the pool. "I thought you were gone!"
"Just a quick visit," he replied.
"Aren't the fairies beautiful?" Tess asked.
"They look like bugs to me," Seth said.
"If you say so," she said with a wink.
"Those bugs really do follow her around," Knox said. "It's weird."
"Is she okay if we leave her here?" Seth asked quietly.
"Dale is keeping an eye on us," Knox said. "No unsupervised swimming is a big rule for Grandpa and Grandma Larsen."
"Follow me," Seth said.
He led Knox into the house, through the kitchen, and into the living room. Newel and Doren stood near the barrel.
"What is with Grandpa letting these goats roam the house?" Knox said. "I can't believe they haven't eaten the furniture."
"Maybe you should sacrifice him," Newel suggested.
Seth pinched the back of Knox's neck.
"Ow!" Knox cried. He punched Seth on the shoulder hard enough to make it ache. "What was that for?"
Seth rubbed his shoulder. "I was giving you a VR implant."
"You make up the worst lies ever," Knox said, looking around. "Do you have a headset?"
"Headsets are old school," Seth said. "The newest tech goes right into your nerves."
"Nice try," Knox said. "They don't have anything like that yet."
"Really?" Seth asked. "Climb in that barrel and say, 'Wyrmroost.'"
Knox glanced at the barrel and snorted. "Yeah, right. It looks pretty high tech."
"Prove me wrong," Seth challenged again.
"Want to make a bet?" Knox asked.
"Sure," Seth said. "Anything."
Knox stared at him. "Let's just see." He climbed into the barrel and stood there. "What do I say again?"
"Squat down and say, 'Wyrmroost.'"
"I'm not squatting," Knox said. "You're going to tip me over or something."
"I could tip you over now," Seth said. "You have to get the implant closer to the sensors. Squat and say it. If nothing happens, you're right, I'm wrong."
Knox squatted out of sight. "Wyrmroost."
Seth moved forward and peeked into the barrel. It was empty.
"Want me to tie you up?" Seth asked the satyrs.
"We'll settle for ratting on you as soon as we're asked," Newel said. "Go save Wyrmroost."
"And, seriously," Doren said. "Don't get your cousin killed."
"I'll do my best," Seth said, climbing into the barrel.