Chapter 11
An Uninvited Guest
I don't own fablehaven
Grandpa leaned back in his wheelchair, tapping his lips with the safe end of a fountain pen. Kendra and Seth sat in the oversized armchairs, and Grandma was behind the desk. Kendra and Seth had not seen Grandpa the previous night-Grandma had taken them to a fondue restaurant after their meeting with the Sphinx, and so they had not returned until well after dark.
Our story is that you were fairystruck, and that there were some residual effects from the incident, Grandpa said, ending the contemplative silence. It sounds perfectly plausible, and will make you less of a target than if word gets out you are fairykind. Obviously we never let on that the diagnosis came from the Sphinx-we do not mention him at all, to anyone. Coulter already knows we went to see him, Kendra confessed.
What? Grandma leaned forward.
He already told me, Grandpa said. Ruth, he was trying to teach the lesson that spies could be anywhere, eavesdropping on conversations, and in the process learned about the Sphinx. The secret will be safe with Coulter. But he need not hear further details. No discussing it outside of this study.
So if anyone asks, Kendra was fairystruck, Seth said.
"Aw yes good times. Again so much easier having everyone assume I'm fairystruck not fairykind." Kendra said.
"Suck up" Seth said.
"Seth what?" Vanessa said "that doesn't even make sense in this situation"
"Eh spur of the moment" he responded.
If someone knows enough to ask, and deserves an answer, that is our story, Grandpa reiterated. Now I hope we can get back to business as usual. Tanu is off scouting some unexplored territory. Coulter has an outing specifically for Seth. And Kendra can assist Vanessa with research.
Research? Kendra asked. Here in the house?
Seth bit the side of his hand. He was choking back laughter, which only served to inflame Kendra's indignation.
"Hmmmph" Kendra said. She turned to Bracken and said. "They never let me have any fun"
She's going through some journals, Grandpa said.
Following up on some hints left by Patton Burgess.
Why can't I go with Coulter? It's sexist! Can't you make him take me?
Coulter is one of the most stubborn men I know,
"Facts"
Grandpa said. I have serious doubts whether anyone could make him do anything. But I'm not sure today need be an issue for you, Kendra. I suspect you would rather skip this outing of your own accord. You see, a certain fog giant snared a valuable lead with us. In return, we promised him a live buffalo. So Coulter, Seth, and Hugo will be handing over a buffalo to the brute to be instantly devoured. It willbe a gruesome sight.
"I mean I didn't and still don't want to see that but leaving me out was not cool"
Awesome, Seth whispered reverently.
Okay, well, I guess I don't mind skipping that, Kendra admitted. But I still don't like the idea of being left out of
Coulter's excursions.
Complaint noted, Grandpa said. Now, Seth, I don't want this Olloch the Glutton business keeping you up at night. The Sphinx is right, the walls of Fablehaven will be sufficient protection, and if he says he will help us take care of the glutton once the demon shows up, then I see no cause for worry.
Sounds good to me, Seth said.
Well, then, Grandpa said. Off you go.
Seth kept glancing over his shoulder at the buffalo they were leading along the path. Huge shaggy head, short white horns, bulky body, plodding gait. He had never appreciated what large animals they were. Had Hugo not been leading the beast with a bridle, Seth would have scrambled up a tree.
"Nope. You don't get to say anything" Seth said quickly.
They had started out on paths Seth knew, but quickly turned down unfamiliar roads. Now they had reached lower, wetter terrain than Seth had ever seen at Fablehaven. The trees had more moss and vines, and the first shreds of unexpected mist eddied close to the ground.
Seth clutched his emergency kit. Alongside the more conventional contents, Tanu had added a small potion that would boost his vigor if he became exhausted. This morning Coulter had added a lucky rabbit's foot and a medallion that-was supposed to repel the undead.
"Ya I'm kind of like a magnet to them." Seth said.
Is this rabbit's foot really lucky? Seth asked, fingering it.
We'll see, Coulter responded, eyes scanning the trees.
Are you superstitious?
I like to cover my bases, he said softly. Keep your voice low. This is not a hospitable area of the preserve. Now might be a good time to put on that medallion.
Seth fished the medallion out of his emergency kit and slipped the chain around his neck. Where did Hugo find a buffalo in the first place? he asked quietly.
There's a complex of corrals and stables on the preserve,
Coulter said. Not filled to capacity, but with plenty of animals for Fablehaven to remain self-sufficient. Hugo does most of the upkeep. He brought the buffalo from there this morning.
Do you have any giraffes?
"Seth this is Connecticut"
The most exotic it gets are ostriches, llamas, and buffalo,
Coulter said. Along with more traditional livestock.
The mist was getting thicker. The air remained warm, but the cloying smell of decay was increasing. The terrain became soupier. Seth began spotting clusters of fuzzy mushrooms and rocks slick with slime.
Coulter pointed to a path diverting off to one side.
Normally in Fablehaven you are relatively safe if you stay on the path. But that is only true of the real paths. That path, for example, was created by a swamp hag to lead the unwary to their doom. Seth stared at the narrow trail meandering off into themist, trying to memorize it so he would never make the mistake of following it. They did not go much farther before
Coulter stopped.
We are now at the edge of the great marsh of
Fablehaven, he whispered. One of the most perilous, least explored areas of the preserve. A likely region for the inverted tower to be hidden.
"Really hate that tower" Vanessa said.
Come. Coulter stepped off the path onto muddy ground. Seth squelched after him, with Hugo and the ill-fated buffalo bringing up the rear. Up ahead, through the shroud of white mist, a geodesic dome came into view. The grid of triangles that comprised the dome appeared to be composed of glass and steel. In form, the structure was similar to the domes of interlocking metal bars Seth had seen on playgrounds.
What's that? Seth asked.
A safe hut, Coulter said. Glass domes strategically placed in some of the more threatening areas of the preserve.
"Just like the ones at Wyrmroost "
They provide the kind of refuge we enjoy back at the main house. Nothing can enter uninvited.
They walked about ten yards past the hut. Hugo, picket the buffalo here, Coulter ordered. Then stand watch from behind the hut.
Hugo produced a stake the size of a fence post and thrust it deep into the ground with a single powerful motion. The golem then fastened the buffalo to the stake. Coulter shook something from a pouch into his palm, then cupped his hand near the buffalo's muzzle. This will anesthetize him,' Coulter explained. Next he produced a knife and slashed the buffalo on the shoulder. The buffalo tossed its heavy head.
A deep roar came echoing out of the mist. To the hut,
Coulter murmured, wiping the knife clean before stowing it.
He tossed the rag that he had used to wipe the knife near the buffalo.
The symmetry of the glass dome was broken only by a small hatch in one side, also made of glass and framed in steel. Coulter opened the hatch and crawled in after Seth.
The hut had no floor-just the bare earth. Hugo waited outside.
We're safe in here? Seth asked.
As long as we don't break the glass from the inside, no creature can get us, even a fog giant in a blood frenzy.
"That thing was soooooo gross" Seth said.
Blood frenzy?
You'll see, Coulter assured him. Fog giants go mad around blood. Worse than sharks. This tribute is the price we agreed to pay for information Burlox gave us about the marshland. After the tribute, he has promised us one more piece of information.
Burlox is the giant?
The most approachable of them, yes.
What if the wrong giant takes the buffalo?
Coulter shook his head. Fog giants are highly territorial.
Another would not encroach on Burlox's domain. Their borders are clearly defined.
Despite the condensation on the glass and the intervening mist, Seth had a good view of the buffalo. It was grazing.
I feel bad for the buffalo, Seth said. Like most livestock, it was born to be slaughtered,Coulter said. If not by a fog giant, by your grandfather. The anesthetic will dull its senses. The fog giant will administer a quick death.
"See Seth you just have to understand the fact animals eat each other. You see it's a process called the life cyc-" Warren said.
"Oh shut up." Seth told him back.
Seth frowned, staring through the glass. What had sounded like fun back at the house was no longer very appealing, now that he recognized the buffalo as an actual living thing. I guess I eat hamburgers all the time, he finally said.
This isn't much different, Coulter agreed. Somewhat more dramatic.
What about the rules of the treaty? Seth asked. Won't you get in trouble for killing the buffalo?
"I can see why Kendra hated it when it was her point of view." Seth moaned.
I won't be doing any killing; that will be the giant,
Coulter explained. Besides, the rules are different for animals. The treaty was meant to keep sentient beings from committing murder and casting spells on each other. The same protection does not extend to animals of a lower order of intelligence. When the need arises, we can slaughter animals for food with no repercussions.
Another roar sounded, much closer and more intense. A gargantuan shadow loomed beyond the buffalo. Here he comes, Coulter breathed.
Seth's mouth went dry. As the fog giant emerged from the mist, Seth found himself scooting back to the far side of the small dome. Burlox was enormous. Seth was not much taller than his knee. Hugo was shorter than his hip. The buffalo suddenly looked like a house pet.
The fog giant had the proportions of a heavyset man. He wore tattered, matted furs, and his body was smeared with oily muck. Beneath the filth, his skin was a sickly bluish gray. His long hair and beard were tangled in slime. In one hand he bore a crude, heavy club. The overall impression was that of a fierce, battle-weary Viking who had lost his way in a swamp.
The giant stopped near the buffalo. He turned and looked toward the dome, giving a single nod and leering.
Seth was acutely aware that a single swing of the huge club could bash the hut to smithereens. Burlox tossed the club aside and then pounced at the buffalo, tearing off the bridle and hoisting the flustered animal into the air.
Seth looked away. It was too much. He heard a noisy combination of bones crunching and flesh tearing before clamping his hands over his ears.
"He tried to show that to a twelve year old!?" Marla said. "Why that's my son!"
"Some one needs to take a chill pill" Kendra told Seth.
"Chill pill, really?" Seth responded.
Part of him wanted to watch, but instead he kept his head down and his ears covered.
You're missing it, Coulter eventually said, kneeling at his side.
Seth peeked. The buffalo no longer looked much like a buffalo. Sections of the hide had been cast aside, and jutting bones were visible. Seth tried to pretend that the leg Burlox was mauling was a gigantic spare rib, and that the feasting giant was drenched in barbecue sauce.
Not something you get to see every day, Coulter said.
True, Seth conceded.
Look at him, munching away-he can't eat it fast enough. He rarely gets meat of this quality. He ought to slow down and savor it. But the brute can't help himself. It's pretty one beast consuming the meat of another, Coulter said. Although I'll admit I glanced away at the start myself.
It was sadder than I expected.
Look at him going after the marrow. He doesn't want to waste a thing.
I can't imagine eating something raw like that, Seth said.
He can't imagine cooking it, Coulter replied.
They watched as the giant picked the bones clean and sucked them dry. Here it comes, Coulter said, rubbing his hands. You'd think he'd be satisfied, but no matter how much fresh meat you give them, it just whets their appetite.
The fog giant began rooting around on the ground, apparently lapping up what he could from the mud. Soon his face was masked with sludge, and limp vegetation dangled from his lips. He began hammering his mighty fists against the soggy turf and throwing fragments of bone into the mist. He tossed back his head and let out a long, angry cry.
He's going berserk, Seth said.
The fog giant wheeled toward the dome, scowling. He picked up his club and charged, eyes ablaze. Seth felt totally exposed. With glass on all sides, held together by narrow strips of metal, it felt worse than no cover whatsoever. One swing of the club and the dome would explode toward him like a thousand daggers. He recoiled and raised his arms to shield his face from flying glass. Coulter sat calmly beside him, as if watching a movie.
Racing at full speed, the giant lifted the club high above his head and brought it down with terrible force. Just before the club connected with the surface of the dome, it rebounded sharply, making an unnatural pinging sound, and sailed out of the giant's grasp. Burlox's forward momentum instantly reversed, and the giant pitched violently backwards.
"He should have known better. It was his territory after all."
Shaken and seething, the fog giant arose and staggered away from the dome. As a hulking silhouette in the mist,
Burlox began brutalizing a tree. He tore down huge limbs, and was soon pounding his fists against the sturdy trunk.
Groaning and growling, he seized the trunk in a terrible embrace, twisting and wrenching and wrestling until the bole began to split. With a final mighty heave accompanied by a tremendous crack, he toppled the entire tree and knelt panting, hands on his knees.
Incredible strength, Coulter commented. He should be cooling down by now.
Sure enough, after a few moments, the giant trudged over and retrieved his club. Then he came and stood towering over the dome. Much of the mud had fallen from his face. After the food and the exertion, his complexion was ruddier. More, he demanded, pointing at his mouth.
We agreed on a single buffalo, Coulter called to him.
Burlox grimaced, revealing weeds and bark and fur in his teeth. He stamped a massive foot. More! It came across as a roar rather than a word.
You said you knew a place Warren had been exploring before he turned white, Coulter said. We had a deal.
"Aww Seth you watched a buffalo get devoured in order to help me, thanks buddy" Warren said.
"Um ya, you're welcome."
More after, Burlox grunted threateningly. If we give you anything else, it will be out of kindness,not obligation. A deal is a deal. Was the buffalo not delicious?
Four hills, the giant spat, before pivoting and stalking away.
The four hills, Coulter repeated softly, watching the enormous figure vanish into the mist. He clapped Seth on the back. We just got what we came here for, my boy. A bona fide lead.
Kendra reached into the sack and then sprinkled raisins into the glass cylinder. The orange mass at the bottom oozed toward the raisins like living pudding, covering them and slowly darkening to a deep red. You have gross pets,
Kendra said.
Vanessa lifted her gaze from the journal she was studying.
Wizard slime looks unappetizing, but no other substance can equal its ability to draw out the poison from infected tissue. All of my darlings have their uses.
"Still think that?" Vanessa asked.
"Ya."
Unusual animals occupied most of Vanessa's room.
Cages, buckets, aquariums, and terrariums contained a stunning variety of inhabitants. Whether they looked like reptiles, mammals, arachnids, amphibians, insects, sponges, fungi, or something in between, all were magical. There was a colorful lizard with three eyes that was nearly impossible to pick up because it could see slightly into the future and avoid your every move. A hairless mouse that transformed into a fish if you dropped it in water. And a bat who shed her wings biweekly-if the discarded wings were quickly pressed against another creature, they would take hold and grow.
"That's cool!" Seth said.
Vanessa had used them to create a flying rabbit.
Aside from the dozens of life forms in their respective containers, stacks of books dominated the room. The majority were bulky reference books and leather-bound journals of previous Fablehaven caretakers. Bookmarks protruded from the journals, marking pages of interest Vanessa had discovered during her research.
I'm not sure I could sleep surrounded by so many freaky animals, Kendra said.
Vanessa closed the journal she was reading, marking the page with a silk ribbon. I've rendered the truly dangerous whirligigs harmless, like the drumants. None of the creatures
I brought into Fablehaven could cause anyone serious harm.
"Oh you know nothing serious."
I got nipped last night, Kendra said, holding out her arm to show the bite marks in the crook of her elbow. Slept right through it.
I'm sorry, Vanessa said. I have fifteen in the cage now.
Which means four are running loose, Kendra said gruffly, imitating Coulter.
Vanessa smiled. He means well.
He's not winning any points by taking off with Seth and leaving me behind. If he gave me the choice, I would probably volunteer to skip some excursions. I mean, I could probably go my whole life without seeing a buffalo eaten alive and be just fine. But being told to stay behind feels stood up and crossed to a chest of drawers. I suspect I would feel the same way. She opened a drawer and started rummaging. It seems only fair that I should share a secret with you. She removed a candle and what looked like a long, translucent crayon.
"Way better than invisible ink"
What are those? Kendra asked.
In rain forests around the world, you can find tiny sprites called umites that make honey and wax like bees. In fact, they dwell in almost hivelike communities. This marker and candle are both composed of umite wax. Vanessa wrote on the front of the drawer with the clear waxen marker. See anything?
No.
Watch. Vanessa struck a match and lit the candle.
Once a flame burned on the wick, the entire candle glowed yellow, as did the marker, as did a vivid message on the front of the drawer:
Hi Kendra!
Cool, Kendra said.
Try to wipe it off, Vanessa said.
Kendra tried to wipe away the words to no avail. As soon as Vanessa blew out the candle, the message vanished.
Vanessa handed the crayon and the candle to Kendra. For me? Kendra asked.
I have spares. Now we can send each other secret messages, and none of the boys will know. I always carry one of those markers on me. They write surprisingly well on nearly any surface, the messages are difficult to erase, and onlythose with a properly enchanted umite candle can read them. I've used umite wax to mark myself a trail, to send a sensitive communique to a friend, and to remind myself of important secrets.
Thanks, what a great gift!
Vanessa winked. We're pen pals.
Seth watched Coulter mount the steps to the back porch and enter the house. He knew his window of opportunity might be brief, so he hurried past the barn to a tree beside a path into the woods. It was the same path that led to the greenhouse where he and Kendra had harvested pumpkins the previous year. That morning, before anyone was awake,
Seth had left a note at the base of that tree under a rock.
"Seth" Ruth scolded.
The year before, after Kendra had saved Fablehaven and while she slept for two days straight, Seth had held a private meeting with the satyrs, Newel and Doren. Most of the inhabitants of Fablehaven were not permitted in the yard uninvited, so the satyrs had stood at the edge of the yard and beckoned Seth over. They had agreed that when Seth returned to Fablehaven, he would bring size C batteries and leave a note under the rock. Newel and Doren would recover the note and leave instructions for a meeting, where they would exchange gold for the treasured batteries that would bring new life to their portable television.
Seth squatted at the base of the tree. Even though he had left the note in the morning and it was now late afternoon, it was almost too much to hope that the satyrs would have already responded. Who knew how often they would check? Knowing them, maybe never. Seth picked up the rock. On the back of his note the satyrs had scrawled a message:
If you get this today, follow this path, take your second left, first right, keep on until you hear us.
You'll hear us. If you get this tomorrow, it will say something else!
"Only satyrs"
Excited, Seth stuffed the note in his pocket and set off down the path. He had eight size C batteries in the bottom of his emergency kit. After he sold those, and the satyrs were hooked, he figured he could sell the rest for even more. If everything panned out, he would be retired before reaching high school!
Walking briskly, Seth took about six minutes to reach the second left, and about four more to reach the next right.
At least, he hoped it was the next right. It was a scant trail, less inviting than the fake one Coulter had shown him in the swamp. But the satyrs had said first right, so they must have meant this little trail. He wasn't too far from the yard, so Seth felt confident it would be safe.
The farther he went, the thicker the woods and undergrowth around the little trail became. He was beginning to consider doubling back and waiting for a second message from the satyrs when he heard shouting up ahead. It was definitely the goatmen. He jogged forward. The closer he got, the more clearly he could hear them. Are you out of your skull? one voice griped. That was-right on the line!
I'm telling you, I saw daylight between the line and the ball, and it's my call, a strident voice answered.
Is that fun for you? To win by cheating? Why even play?
You aren't going to guilt me out of my point, Newel!
We better arm wrestle for it.
What would an arm wrestle prove? It's my call, and I say it was out.
Seth had drawn even with the argument. He could not see the satyrs, but he could hear that they were not far off the path. He started shoving through the undergrowth.
Your call? Last time I checked, it takes two to play. I'm ahead; maybe I'll quit right now and declare myself champion.
Then I'll declare myself champion too, because that would be an indisputable forfeit.
I'll show you an indisputable forfeit!
"Oh dear" Vanessa said as she and Kendra shared the 'look'.
Seth pushed between some bushes and stepped onto a level, well-trimmed grass tennis court. The court had neatly chalked lines and a regulation-style net. Newel and Doren stood at the far side of the court, faces red, each clutching a tennis racket.
"Where did they even get that stuff?"
They looked like they were about to come to blows. As Seth emerged onto the court, they turned to face him.
Both of the satyrs were shirtless, with hairy chests and freckled shoulders. From the waist down they had the furry legs and hooves of a goat. Newel had redder hair, morefreckles, and slightly longer horns than Doren.
Glad you found us, Newel said, trying to smile. Sorry you happened by when Doren was being a knucklehead.
Maybe Seth can solve this one, Doren said.
Newel closed his eyes in exasperation. He wasn't here to see the point.
If you both think you're right, do it over, Seth said.
"That actually wasn't bad advice" Warren said teasingly.
"Hey!" Seth said.
"What are you complaining about I gave you a compliment."
Newel opened his eyes. I could live with that.
Me too, Doren agreed. Seth, your new nickname is
Solomon.
You mind letting us finish this game? Newel asked.
Just so we can keep momentum? No fun to start again cold.
Go ahead, Seth said.
You be line judge, Doren said.
Sure.
The goatmen trotted into position. Newel was serving.
Forty-fifteen, he called, tossing a ball into the air and hitting it briskly into play. Doren hit a hard crosscourt forehand, but Newel was in position and hit it back with a gentle slice that took a soft bounce with a lot of spin. It looked unreachable, but Doren dove and managed to get his racket under the ball before the second bounce, popping it over the net. Newel had read the situation well and was already charging forward. As Doren scrambled up, Newel slammed the ball into the far corner of the court, bouncing it deep into the bushes. Go fetch it, nitwit! Doren said. You didn't have towail it into the woods. You had an open lane.
He's sore because I just went up five games to three,
Newel explained, twirling his racket.
I'm sore because you're trying to show off for Seth!
Doren said.
You're saying you wouldn't have slammed it if I'd hit you apathetic lob?
You were at the net! I would have just tapped it at a brutal angle. Better to win with finesse than to hunt for balls in the shrubbery.
"Those two need to shut up"
You're both really good, Seth said.
The two goatmen looked pleased by the compliment.
You know, satyrs invented tennis, Newel said, balancing his racket on the tip of his finger.
They did not, Doren said. We learned about it on
TV.
I like your rackets, Seth said.
Graphite, light and strong, Newel said. Warren got us our equipment. Back before he went all Boo Radley on us.
"Oh it was you" Vanessa said to Warren.
"Ya were best buds."
The net, the rackets, a few cases of balls.
We built the court, Doren said proudly.
And we maintain it, Newel said.
The brownies maintain it, Doren corrected.
Under our supervision, Newel amended.
Speaking of tennis balls, Doren said, most of ours are flat, but with the supply dwindling, it always kills us to open a new can. If our battery arrangement works out, think you night be able to score us some new balls? If this works out, I'll get you whatever you want, Seth promised.
"Loop hole"
Then let's get down to business, Newel said, setting down his racket and rubbing his palms together. You have the merchandise?
Seth scrabbled through his emergency kit and pulled out eight batteries, lining them up on the ground.
Would you look at that, Doren marveled. Have you ever seen such a gorgeous sight?
It's a start, Newel said. But let's face it, they'll run out before long. I assume there are more where those came from?
Lots more, Seth assured him. This is just a test run. If
I remember right, you said something about batteries being worth their weight in gold.
Newel and Doren shared a glance. We think we may have figured out something you'd like more, Newel said.
Follow us, Doren said.
"Oh dear" Grandma Larsen said.
Seth walked with the satyrs over to a little white shed not far from the net. Newel opened the door and ducked inside. He came out holding a bottle. What do you say?
Newel asked. A bottle of fine wine for those eight batteries.
"Who gives wine to a twelve year old?"
Potent stuff, Doren confided. It'll put hair on your chest in no time. Good luck getting something like that from your grandparents.
Seth looked back and forth at the two satyrs. Are you serious? I'm twelve years old! Do you think I'm an alcoholic or something? We figured something like this might be tough for youto get, Newel said with a wink.
"They didn't!" Vanessa said.
Good wine, Doren said. Primo.
That might be true, but I'm just a kid. What am I going to do with a bottle of wine?
Newel and Doren shared a nervous glance. Well done,
Seth, Newel said awkwardly, ruffling his hair. You...
passed our test. Your parents would be very proud.
"Yup real proud" Scott said while giving a thumbs up.
Newel elbowed Doren. Yeah, um, sometimes we test people, Doren said. And play jokes.
Newel went back into the shed. He returned holding a blue frog with yellow markings. Seriously, here is what we really had in mind, Seth.
A frog? Seth asked.
Not just any frog, Doren said. Show him.
Newel tickled the frog's belly. Its air sac swelled up to the size of a cantaloupe, and the frog let out a tremendous belching sound. Seth laughed in surprised delight. The satyrs laughed with him. Newel tickled the frog again and the thunderous belching sound repeated. Doren was wiping away mirthful tears.
"Boys" Kendra said to Vanessa rolling her eyes.
So what do you say? Newel asked.
Eight lousy batteries for one incredible frog, Doren said. I'd take it.
Seth folded his arms. The frog is pretty cool, but I'm not five years old. If it's between gold and a burping frog, I'll take the gold.
The satyrs frowned, clearly disappointed. Newel nodded at Doren, who slipped into the shed and returned holding a-bar of gold. He handed it to Seth.
Seth turned the bar over and over in his hands. It was about the size of a bar of hotel soap. An N was embossed on one side.
"Oh Seth" Bracken said.
Otherwise it was a plain, golden rectangle, a little heavier than it looked. Probably enough gold to be worth a lot of money.
This is more like it, Seth said happily, placing the gold inside his emergency kit. What does the 'N' stand for?
Newel scratched his head. Nothing.
Right, Doren said hastily. Stands for 'nothing.'
Nothing? Seth said dubiously. Why would somebody write an 'N' for 'nothing'? Why not just leave it blank?
Newel, Doren tried. It stands for Newel.
Used to be my favorite belt buckle, Newel added wistfully.
"Ok what belt buckle is the size of a bar of soap?"
You wore pants? Seth asked.
Long story, Newel explained. Let's not dwell on the past. Fact is, there are more-um-belt buckles where that came from, all pure gold. You bring us more batteries, we'll keep trading with you.
Works for me, Seth said.
This could be the beginning of a spectacular partnership,
Newel said.
Doren raised a cautionary hand, halting the conversation.
You hear that?
The three of them paused, listening. Something's corning,
Newel said, eyebrows knitting together. No matter how the satyrs behaved, they usually had an air about them that everything they said was tongue-in-cheek. That air was gone.
They kept listening. Seth heard nothing. Are you guys fooling with me? he asked.
Newel shook his head, holding up a finger. I can't place it. You?
Doren was sniffing the air. Can't be.
You better scram, Seth, Newel said. Get back to the yard.
With the gold, right? Seth suspected they might be trying to trick him out of his reward.
Of course, but you better hur-
Too late, Doren warned.
A creature the size of a pony burst out of the bushes onto the tennis court. Seth recognized it immediately. Olloch?
"Bad memories."
Olloch the Glutton? Newel asked Seth.
I thought it smelled like a demon, Doren groaned.
Yeah, Seth said. He bit me.
Grotesquely toadlike, Olloch reared back and opened his mouth. It looked like the demon had swallowed a squid, so many flailing tongues emerged. Sitting upright, Olloch was nearly as tall as Seth. After a triumphant roar, the demon lowered his head and charged, advancing in a jerky, scrambling crawl.
Newel grabbed Seth's hand and hauled him away from the demon. Run! Newel yelled.
For television! Doren cried, brandishing his tennis racket and holding his ground.
"How brave"
Olloch pounced at the satyr, but Doren lunged aside, swatting away a pair of tongues with the racket. Several more tongues lashed out, wrenching theracket from Doren's grasp. The tongues pulled the racket into a gaping mouth, and moments later expelled it with the strings missing and a crack in the frame.
Seth had reached the bushes at the edge of the court when Olloch, ignoring Doren, took a huge leap toward him and then charged with frightening speed. Seth knew he wouldn't make it back to the path, let alone to the yard. His mind raced, trying to think if there was anything useful in his emergency kit.
Tongues writhing, the demon sprang. For batteries!
Newel cried, intercepting the glutton in midair and wrapping both arms around its middle.
To the shed! Doren called, retrieving his unstrung racket and running toward the demon.
Seth turned and dashed toward the shed. Growling and slobbering, Olloch squirmed free from Newel and raced after
Seth, staying low and gaining quickly. Over his shoulder,
Seth glimpsed the demon drawing near, rapidly closing the space between them despite moving with such a choppy gait. The shed was still several steps away.
Jumping into the demon's path, Doren raised his damaged racket. A multitude of tongues snaked around the satyr and slung him aside. His efforts barely slowed Olloch, but bought Seth just enough time to lunge into the shed and slam the door. The demon crunched against the door an instant later. Some of the whitewashed planks split, but they held. The demon crashed against the shed again, rattling the small structure. Hang on, Seth, Doren yelled. Help is searched for a weapon. The best he could find was a hoe. The door shattered open and Olloch entered, snarling, wet tongues thrashing. Behind the slavering demon, Seth saw Hugo bounding across the tennis court.
"Yay!"
Grasping tongues stretched toward Seth, and he swung the hoe viciously. A tongue adroitly coiled around the hoe, ripping it from Seth's grasp. And then Hugo arrived.
The golem grasped the demon from behind with one hand and hurled it away from the shed. Olloch landed, rolled, and came charging back toward Seth, who now stood in the empty doorway alongside Hugo. The golem stepped forward, blocking access to Seth.
Dripping tongues whipped toward Hugo. The golem grabbed several tongues, yanked the demon into the air, and began spinning Olloch above his head. The tongues elongated as the golem whirled the glutton faster and faster, finally releasing him, sending Olloch sailing away over the treetops.
Doren whistled, clearly impressed.
He'll be back straightaway, Newel said. He had grass stains on his chest and arms.
You should hurry to the yard, Doren agreed.
We better get some free batteries out of this, Newel said, brushing himself off.
And a new racket, Doren added.
"Best conmen I know" Warren said.
We'll talk about it, Seth said, clutching his emergency kit with the gold inside. Hugo unceremoniously lifted Seth and started running, leaving him no opportunity to say or hear another word. Seth could not believe how fast the golem raced through the trees, massive strides eating up ground. Ignoring trails, Hugo bulldozed his own path through undergrowth and tangled limbs.
Before long, they were back in the yard. Grandma stood there, fists on her hips, along with Coulter, Vanessa, and Kendra. Hugo gently set Seth on his feet in front of Grandma.
Are you all right? Grandma asked, grabbing his shoulders and checking him for injuries.
Thanks to Hugo.
You're lucky Hugo was in the yard, Grandma said. We heard something roaring in the woods and found you missing.
"Stupid Stupid frogs." Seth muttered.
What were you doing in the woods?
I was playing tennis with the satyrs, Seth said. Olloch found me.
Olloch! she cried. The others looked shocked as well.
How could he have gotten onto the preserve? Coulter asked.
Are you sure it was Olloch? Grandma asked.
I recognized him, Seth said. He's a lot bigger. He has a bunch of tongues. He went right for me, didn't hardly care about the satyrs.
They heard something rustling in the woods and turned to face whatever was approaching. Olloch scrambled up to the edge of the yard before stopping. The demon reared up, tongues waving like meaty banners, and let out a mournful bellow. He lunged forward but could not step onto the grass.
He can't enter the yard, Vanessa said. Not yet, Grandma how did he get onto the preserve? Coulter repeated.
I don't know, but we better get to the bottom of it quickly, Grandma said.
Can Hugo kill it? Kendra asked.
Not likely, Grandma said. In fact, I expect even at this size, if Olloch put his mind to it, he could devour Hugo piece by piece.
"And right after you got him back" Warren said.
Olloch was shaking his head, wagging his tongues, and pawing the ground, obviously furious at having his prey so near yet utterly unreachable. Now, there's an unusual sight, Coulter murmured.
Incredible, Vanessa said.
What do we do? Seth asked.
For starters, Grandma said crossly, you are officially grounded.
"Ok I'm done"
"I'll go next" Tanu said.