Gambit
"Brunwin?" Seth called.
The minotaur lifted him out of the barrel.
Knox was looking around the room in astonishment. "How are you doing this?" he asked.
"I told you, virtual reality," Seth said. "Cool tech, right? You've met Brunwin?"
"Just barely," Knox said. "But this can't be happening."
"And yet it is," Seth said. "Hard to argue with that. Now, we really do need to win this game. Are you listening?"
"Okay, yeah," Knox said.
"This is a big environment," Seth said. "It's called Blackwell Keep. Looks totally real. The game is like capture the flag. This fort is our base. Brunwin will take you to a door. When he gives you a signal, you'll go to a dome on a ridge and get a golden scepter guarded by a moose."
"A moose?" Knox asked.
"It's a weird game," Seth explained. "The programmers are kind of insane. Anyhow, tell the moose you were sent by Seth to get the scepter and then bring it back to the fort."
"Won't the other team try to get me?" Knox asked.
Seth shook his head. "You're not officially part of the game. They can't get you. You may see weird stuff. Animals. People. Just hurry back to the fort. They shouldn't be able to mess with you."
"They may try to tell you things to trick you," Brunwin said. "They might make offers. Don't listen. Bring the scepter to the fort."
"Doing this right is a big deal," Seth said. "This is the championship. I saved this loophole for when we really needed it. The other team is full of complete jerks. Worst of the worst. Whatever they offer, they're lying. And whatever they offer, tell us and we'll triple it. This game is the whole point of the
camp. I'm serious. You'll be a hero."
"Okay," Knox said. "You're sure the other team can't tag me?"
"Try to avoid them," Seth said. "But yeah, I'm sure. I'm going to go cause a distraction. Brunwin will take you to the starting point. Are you good?"
"I guess," Knox said. He looked around the room. "I still don't get how this works."
"Maybe we'll show you the technology after the game," Seth said. "It's really incredible. Brunwin, we need to disguise him somehow."
"I'm well ahead of you," the minotaur said. "We don't want him recognized before we send him on his mission. I have a robe for him."
"Then we're ready?" Seth asked.
"Go to the stables," Brunwin said. "I'll await your signal."
They exited the room. Brunwin thanked the goblin and reminded him to keep quiet about their visit to the barrel.
"Who is this?" the goblin asked, indicating Knox. "I'm supposed to inform Marat and Stan if anyone comes through."
"I approve it," Seth said.
"I'm supposed to be told in advance," the goblin complained.
"You weren't informed because this newcomer is a secret of the highest priority," Brunwin said. "This is happening on Seth's authority and mine. We'll make sure all who need to know are informed."
The goblin growled softly. "I don't like it. I was given specific orders. I'm not taking the fall for this."
"No authority at Blackwell Keep can overrule Seth," Brunwin said harshly. "And I'm your superior too. You risk trouble only if you divulge our secret. Understood?"
Mumbling unintelligibly, the goblin waved them away.
After parting from Brunwin and Knox, Seth walked briskly to the stables. He wanted to run but was worried it would draw too much attention.
"This is so exciting," Calvin said from his pocket. "I thought the ogre was good. And the Path of Dreams. But sixty dragons? That wins easily."
"You can't come with me," Seth said.
"Oh, no," Calvin said. "Don't even try. We've been over this. If you go down, I go down."
"Not this time," Seth said. "My only chance to get away is going to a certain place. I don't want to say where that is until the last minute. If you come, it could mess up my chances."
"Are you making this up to protect me?" Calvin asked suspiciously.
"No," Seth said. "I'll explain afterward. You'll understand."
"Explain now," Calvin challenged.
"I don't want to say it out loud," Seth said. "Just in case the dragons are somehow spying. But there is something you can do for me."
"I'm listening," Calvin said.
"Think you can make it to the safe hut ahead of Knox?" Seth asked. "It would be nice if somebody could tell Henrick about our plan to make sure he'll hand over the scepter."
"Consider it done," Calvin said.
As Seth crossed the yard outside the stables, he heard a voice call out his name. Turning, he found Simrin hurrying to catch up to him.
"Your grandfather is looking for you," the snakelike woman informed him. "As is your sister."
"Okay," Seth said. "I just want to check on Noble. That horse did an amazing job getting me back here."
"Perhaps it can wait until later?" Simrin asked. "Stan is anxious to speak with you."
"Tell him I'll be right there," Seth said. "We're in a stalemate with the dragons. I'm already at the stables. He can wait an extra minute."
Simrin paused. "Stan noticed you were missing. There has been some concern you might take rash action to help Henrick."
Seth forced his best imitation of an incredulous laugh. "Against all those dragons? Are you kidding? What am I going to do, try to get the scepter on horseback?"
Simrin's eyes narrowed. "There are griffins in the stables."
Seth huffed and shook his head. "I would never risk the scepter by trying to steal it with a griffin. I promise."
"Let me accompany you to visit Noble," Simrin said. "Then I will escort you to your grandfather."
Seth frowned. "Listen, I'm the caretaker here. I'm going to the stable and I don't need a babysitter. Tell Grandpa I'll be there soon."
Simrin gave a nod, then turned and ran. She was fast!
Seth realized she was going to tell on him.
He dashed into the stables and ran down the aisle. "Hi, Glory," he said as he sprinted past the mare. "Hey, Noble!" he said when he reached his mount. "Great job today! You're the best."
Farther down the aisle, Seth saw the two dwarfs. They held tethers connected to Tempest.
"Are you ready?" Seth called.
"We put the training saddle on Tempest," Obun announced.
"Training saddle?" Seth asked, skidding to a stop as he reached the dwarfs, wondering how long he had before Simrin returned with Grandpa.
"It's a tad bulkier than a standard saddle or a racing saddle," Didger said. "But it provides the rider more support. A griffin in training might turn too sharply and break your back or send you flying from the saddle."
"Okay," Seth said. "I do want sharp turns. How do I mount up?"
"Haven't you ever ridden a griffin?" Obun asked.
"I flew with one before," Seth said. "Never in a training saddle."
Seth reached into his pocket and took out Calvin. Then he crouched, pretending to check his shoelace as he set the nipsie on the ground. Calvin gave a thumbs-up and rushed to hide in some straw.
"Do you know your destination?" Didger asked. "We should make sure Tempest knows where to go before she takes off. It could prove important with so many dragons out there."
"Let's tell her last minute," Seth said. "We should hurry. I'm running out of time."
Obun and Didger helped Seth into a saddle with a high back, then secured straps around his legs and waist. "This isn't super comfortable," Seth said.
"The back of the saddle is less rigid than it seems," Didger said. "Under enough pressure it will bend. It could save your spine today."
"How do I get out of the saddle?" Seth asked.
"Ingenious, really," Obun said. "Just tug these two releases at the same time." He showed Seth the straps he meant. "Tug hard, lad, and you'll be free."
"Brunwin told us you were sure about this," Didger said. "But are you really? There are so many dragons out there."
"We'll outrun them," Seth said. "Right, Tempest?"
The griffin gave a screech.
"She's fast," Obun said. "And inventive. And still half wild. Normally I would say riding her on a clear day with no enemies would be a significant risk. But I don't think any of our other griffins would have as good a chance against these terrible odds."
"I should go," Seth said.
"The destination?" Didger reminded him.
"The Fairy Queen's shrine," Seth whispered.
"The shrine?" Obun exclaimed. "Doesn't matter if you're caretaker. You'll be obliterated for setting foot there."
"Maybe," Seth acknowledged. "But my sister is becoming friends with the Fairy Queen. The Queen has helped her before in emergencies. I'm hoping she'll help me. I can't think of any other options. I better go."
"Fairy Queen's shrine," Didger repeated loudly. "Do you understand?"
Tempest bobbed her head and screeched.
Obun and Didger untethered the griffin. Tempest flexed her wings.
The door at the far end of the stable opened. Simrin stood there. Seth could see Grandpa, Grandma, Kendra, and Marat following behind.
"Stop that boy!" Simrin ordered.
"Seth!" Grandpa called from behind her.
"Go, Tempest," Seth urged. "Now! Fly!"
Apparently fly was the magic word.
Tempest raced down the aisle to the nearest door. It burst open, and the griffin sprang into the air, rising in a spiral, wings flapping aggressively. The protests from the ground quickly faded out of earshot. Looking down, Seth saw Blackwell Keep shrinking below him. He realized that the spiraling climb enabled Tempest to gain altitude without passing beyond the barriers protecting the keep.
After some time, the griffin swung to one side, tucked her wings, and entered a steep dive. Seth felt like his insides rose to his shoulders, and he couldn't help laughing as tingles coursed through him.
Still diving, Tempest passed beyond the barrier.
And then the real ride began.
Several dragons came at them, but Seth could only barely track what was happening. It was like riding a roller coaster designed by a mad genius. And the train kept jumping off the tracks, only to land back on them again.
Seth squinted against the wind roaring over him. They looped and dove and swerved and climbed and spiraled. Often Seth had no sense of direction, not even up and down. Dragons flashed in and out of view. He could hear their bellows over the wind in his ears.
He tried to see if he could spot Knox moving beyond the wall, but when he tried to look at the ground, he was lucky to catch sight of a greenish grayish blur. Otherwise he saw sky.
They darted in and out of danger so quickly that Seth had no time to fear specific threats. Almost every dip and roll came as a jarring surprise. Their erratic movements were like hang gliding in a hurricane, whipping from one direction to another without warning. Some of the turns made the edges of Seth's vision darken. A dragon wing brushed by close enough to touch. Scales of different colours blurred around him. Tempest dove, falling faster than seemed possible, only to swoop up again and bank in a spiraling curve.
Enormous teeth snapped, and wicked claws slashed, but the griffin bobbed and weaved and plunged, remaining unscathed. Tempest shrieked. Seth yelled. The wind of their speed tore away the sound.
As if they had reached the eye of the hurricane, the flight suddenly evened out. They climbed steadily. Seth was so dizzy that it took a moment for him to realize they weren't turning or corkscrewing anymore.
Looking around, he found all the dragons behind and below him. None seemed able to keep up. Blackwell Keep was shrinking in the distance. There was no chance of seeing Knox. Seth hoped his cousin was all right.
Kendra reached the walls of the keep in time to watch Seth and his griffin weaving through the host of dragons. As dragons pursued, converging from all directions, the griffin looked trapped several times, only to narrowly avoid destruction with its unpredictable maneuvers. Her eyes had difficulty following the acrobatics, as a bank to the left became a dive to the right interrupted by a tight loop and then a corkscrewing plunge. No toddler could have scribbled a wilder route.
The adroit griffin used the quantity of dragons as an advantage, cutting between them to create congestion, often almost causing collisions. As the dragons corrected to avoid one another, Seth and his griffin knifed through the openings.
Kendra kept waiting for the griffin to try to make it to the safe hut. A multitude of dragons had gathered around the dome on the ridge, apparently anticipating the same eventuality. But the griffin never attempted to get close. Seth and his winged mount were disappearing into the distance. Against all odds, they were getting away.
Kendra became aware of Grandpa Sorenson at her side. "What is he doing?" she asked.
"Oh, no!" Grandpa exclaimed in alarm. "He wouldn't. What am I saying? Of course he would!"
"What?" Kendra asked.
Grandpa pointed at the ground beyond the wall, and Kendra saw a figure jogging away from the keep. "Is that . . . ?" she asked hesitantly.
"Your cousin Knox," Grandpa said.
A huge white dragon with smooth, pearlescent scales swooped at Knox, only to draw up short. Other dragons followed suit, closing as if to attack, then veering away, either gaining altitude or landing off to one side. A big red dragon planted itself directly in front of Knox, blocking his way forward, only to shift out of his path as the boy drew near.
"He's going to the safe hut," Kendra said. "Why aren't the dragons stopping him?"
"That little rogue," Grandpa muttered. "He's pulling the same trick they used on the ogre."
Understanding dawned for Kendra. "Knox doesn't know."
"Somehow Seth brought him here and talked him into fetching the scepter," Grandpa said.
Kendra watched her cousin trotting forward. What did he see instead of dragons? Did he have any inkling how near he was to death? "Will it work?" she asked.
"I would never have tried it," Grandpa said. "The theory is sound. But to risk an innocent child? Without his knowledge? I would have let Blackwell Keep burn. I would have let the dragons lay siege to the safe hut. Henrick would have starved or made a run for it. Running would have failed. If the alcetaur perished from hunger, the dragons could have accessed the hut; its magic operates only if there is a living being to protect within its walls. Wyrmroost would have fallen." Grandpa became silent for a moment. "I would have never let Seth do this, Kendra. I would have stopped him. But it might work."
"If Knox is protected, wouldn't other people be protected if the dragons eventually got loose?" Kendra asked.
"There are specific rules at this sanctuary to protect ignorant mortals," Grandpa replied. "The unbelief of mortals can help repel magical creatures out in the world at large, but it carries no specific protections beyond that. If the dragons get loose, all of humanity will be in danger, as they were long ago."
A gasp announced that Grandma Sorenson had arrived and seen Knox on his way to the safe hut. Marat stood with her.
"That can't be Knox," Grandma said.
"It's him," Kendra said.
Grandma's hand covered her mouth. "The poor boy!"
"The founding treaty of Wyrmroost appears to be protecting him," Grandpa said. "That and his ignorance." He looked to the sky. "Save your worry for Seth."
"The ogre trick," Grandma said. "Seth gave the order. Now the dragons can follow him anywhere."
Grandpa turned to Marat. "If Seth ordered an innocent to retrieve the scepter, could the dragons follow Seth outside the borders of the sanctuary?"
"Absolutely," Marat said. "They could and they would. And once outside, they would be under no mandate to return."
Grandpa teared up. A sob escaped him. "That foolish, brave boy. He knew exactly what he was doing. He sacrificed himself to save the sanctuary."
"Marat could have stopped him," Grandma said, "when Seth fled on the griffin. Before he passed beyond the protective barrier. Marat could have taken dragon shape and stopped him."
"Perhaps," Marat said. "Tempest is extremely fast. If she saw me in pursuit, she may have fled beyond the barrier at a less advantageous altitude. And do not forget, your grandson is the caretaker. None of us have the right to override his decisions."
"We have a duty to protect him," Grandma said.
"From foolishness, perhaps," Marat said. "This plan is not foolishness."
"How long could that griffin elude the dragons?" Grandpa asked.
Marat squinted into the distance. "Celebrant would clearly prefer to take Seth alive. None of the dragons used their breath weapons. Tempest is our fastest, wildest, most skillful griffin. She could probably last another twenty minutes if she makes good use of the available space."
"Can the dragons hunt Seth indefinitely?" Grandma asked.
"No," Marat said. "Once his innocent pawn is back behind safe barriers, the dragons have until sunrise the following day to exact their revenge. After that, all barriers at Wyrmroost will guard Seth as they did before."
"Is there any chance of him lasting that long?" Kendra asked.
Marat gave a small smile. "There are perhaps three places at Wyrmroost where Seth could successfully hide, assuming he could get access. All of them would take him to a place beyond the regular parameters of the preserve. Tempest appeared to be heading toward one of them."
"Where?" Grandma asked.
"The Fairy Queen's shrine," Marat said.
"That clever boy," Grandpa muttered.
"Would the Queen admit him?" Grandma asked Kendra.
"I can't say for sure," Kendra said. "They met at Zzyzx. I hope so."
Everything went white as Tempest soared into a cloud. The cold, onrushing vapor quickly dampened Seth. He tucked his head to breathe easier.
They swooped down out of the cloud but soon darted into another. And a third. Tempest climbed up into the blue sky as if heading for outer space, then began to plunge. The air rushing over Seth became a howling gale as they gained velocity, sacrificing altitude for speed.
The dragons from Blackwell Keep were even farther back, but others were converging from different parts of the sanctuary, coming from the left and the right. The dive steepened, arrowing toward a mountainside. Seth saw a high waterfall that split in two around an outcrop.
Of the several dragons coming toward them, none were close yet, so Seth assumed Tempest was streaking toward their destination. His eyes scoured the mountainside for signs of a shrine. He had never visited a Fairy Queen shrine, but by Kendra's description, he knew it involved a spring and a bowl and a little fairy statue.
As the mountainside drew nearer, Seth tightened his grip on the saddle. Once they landed, the dragons would not be far behind. His life might be almost over. Trespassing at the shrine could kill him. If it didn't, the dragons could still get him unless the Fairy Queen answered his pleas.
Tempest zoomed toward a projection of dark grey stone. The griffin's wings spread, slowing them at the last moment. They landed at the base of the grey stone. Seth fumbled with the release straps, panicking as nothing happened. He did not want
to get roasted by dragons because he couldn't get out of his saddle.
After a few tugs, he got it right, and the straps binding him to the saddle went slack. Tempest bobbed her head toward a wide shelf of rock ahead of them. Water trickled from the shelf. It had to be the shrine.
"Go, Tempest," Seth said. "Get away. Escape the dragons."
The griffin took two steps back and screeched, looking hesitant.
Seth waved his arms. "Go!"
He turned and ran to the shelf. When he glanced back, Tempest was flying away. At least five dragons were closing in. He didn't take time to give a good look.
"I'm sorry!" Seth cried, running across the shelf to the spring. "Sorry, Fairy Queen! Don't kill me! This is an emergency!"
He saw a little golden bowl beside a tiny statue of a fairy. He dropped to his knees in front of the statue. The fact that he was still alive seemed like an encouraging sign.
"This is Seth Sorenson," he said, speaking quickly, unsure if anybody was listening. "You know my sister? Kendra? I'm friends with Bracken? I met you at Zzyzx. I gave Kendra the sword that killed the Demon King?"
A light breeze wafted over him, smelling like fresh snow and ripe fruit. Then he caught the scent of evergreen sap, and a salt-tinged hint of the sea.
"I need a huge favour," Seth continued. "Dragons are coming. I need to enter the fairy realm. The dragons can follow me anywhere. But I bet they can't go there. You let Kendra visit. Please hide me!"
Seth heard mighty roars above and behind him. Glancing up, he saw several dragons closing in, moments away, jewel-bright scales gleaming, teeth flashing.
"Please!" Seth shouted. "They'll kill me! Please!"
Shimmering whiteness temporarily filled his vision. Still on his knees, Seth felt like he was sliding and turning. Then the whiteness vanished and Seth knelt in a green field under a clear sky streaked with warm colours, as if a sunset had leaked and filled the entire expanse. No mountainside. No dragons. No spring. No little statue.
Just a man.
He was extraordinarily pale but not sickly. His ageless features held a serene expression with a slight smile. His hooded robe shimmered between silver and grey.
His eyes were kind, with a hint of sadness. He stared at Seth with interest.
"You're not the Fairy Queen," Seth said.
"I am not," the man replied, his calm voice matching the emotions in his gaze.
"Did she bring me here?" Seth asked.
"I brought you here," the man said.
Seth stood up. He had knelt so hurriedly at the shrine that both knees were bleeding. He hadn't felt the scrapes at the time. He was still unwinding from the near-death experience. Part of him had not expected to survive. But now he was evidently safe. "Thank you so much."
"It was the least I could do, Seth Sorenson."
"Do I know you?"
The man's smile increased a fraction. "You brought your sister the sword that ended my bondage."
Seth's eyebrows went up. "You're him! The Fairy King!"
"I am," he said.
"I thought you didn't talk anymore," Seth said. "I mean, I heard . . ."
"I haven't had much to say," the Fairy King said slowly. "It has been a difficult transition."
"You saved my life," Seth said.
The Fairy King stepped forward and embraced Seth. "It was nothing. I can never repay you, Seth. Not in a thousand lifetimes."
The embrace ended and the Fairy King stepped back. Seth felt a little woozy. Pure love and appreciation had seemed to flow into him during the hug.
"How did you know I would be here?" Seth asked.
"I didn't," the Fairy King said simply. "I seldom leave the palace, but today I went for a stroll. I ended up here. And I heard your cry." The Fairy King placed a hand on Seth's shoulder. "This is a realm of purity. Those who have been touched by darkness do not belong here. We share a peculiar bond, Seth. I have been touched by darkness. As have you."
"I'm a shadow charmer," Seth said.
"And I wallowed in darkness through ages of relentless torment," the Fairy King said. His eyes became faraway, his voice nearly emotionless. "I did not believe there would be an end. I had lost myself in ways I could never explain. Through the haze of my limited faculties I assumed I must have joined the undead." His eyes returned to Seth. "And then it ended. And now I am free. No more chains. My prison, my hell, is becoming a paradise. And I hardly know how I fit in. But I know I am grateful to you and your sister. I will never forget."
The Fairy King stepped back.
"I need one more favour," Seth said.
"Not one," the Fairy King admonished. "Endless favours. I can never repay you."
"Can you send me to Fablehaven?" Seth asked. "To the shrine there? I need to get back to Blackwell Keep at Wyrmroost. I have a way there from the house at Fablehaven. My family needs me. I have to help my sister. And I need to make sure my cousin is all right."
"As you wish," the Fairy King said with a small nod. "Follow me."