Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven #5)(150)

"Wait," Kendra said. "Some wood did survive. At Wyrmroost, when Mendigo jumped into that canyon to escape the griffins, a long piece of him snapped off. I remember finding it when I went out to scout. It should still be in the knapsack."


"And we can get to the knapsack room with the Translocator," Seth added excitedly.


"In that case, I believe I can restore your automaton without much trouble," Agad assured them.


"And I can perhaps add a spark of free will," the Fairy-Queen said. "It would help the servant learn and grow."


"Thanks," Seth beamed. "You guys are the best! Oh, Agad, Bracken, I almost forgot. Morisant sends his regards. He told me to thank you, and to convey that he bears you no grudges. He seemed sorry for what he became."


"This is wonderful news, Seth," Agad said, eyes shining. "It gladdens me to hear that my mentor has finally found rest. Morisant was once a great wizard, perhaps the greatest of our order. It was his wisdom that allowed for a shrine to the Fairy Queen so near to Zzyzx. It is truly miraculous that he entrusted Vasilis to your care."


"Loaning it to Kendra worked out pretty good too," Seth said.


The old wizard laughed, placing one hand on Kendra's shoulder, the other on Seth's. "You two have been through a grueling ordeal. Your names will go down in history. We are all so very proud of you. I wish there were a way to fully express our gratitude. For the present, this will have to suffice: You can finally rest."


Chapter 29 Prisoners


I bet you thought you'd never have to pay up," Newel said, munching on a piece of fruit. "Let's just say I'm relieved you'll get your reward," Seth replied.


"You'll confirm with Stan about the new technology?" Newel verified, tossing a grape into the air and catching it in his mouth.


"You really think we should tell him?" Seth asked.


"We had a legitimate pact," Newel said. "I don't want to risk Stan taking away our generator or our flat screen. Our claim is just. We need him on board at the outset."


"What if Stan prohibits the deal?" Doren asked. "What if he tries to change the terms? What if he gives us a certificate?"


"We stand up for ourselves," Newel replied. "The terms were set. We followed Seth to the ends of the earth and confronted some incredibly ugly demons."


"They were unsightly," Doren agreed with a wince. "And tough. Without our astrids we would have been goners."


"Nonsense," Newel spat. "Those astrids barely survived thanks to our heroics. Don't you forget it."


"I'll do my best with Grandpa," Seth said. "I have to go. My parents are waiting. You should slow down on the grapes, you'll spoil your appetite."


"Spoil my appetite?" Newel exclaimed. "On fruit? Seth, I thought you knew us!"


"Newel's right," Doren conceded. "We could each down a meatloaf without wrecking our appetites."


"I'll talk to you later," Seth said. "Kendra and Warren are waiting."


Seth and Kendra had only recently arrived at Living Mirage. A few days ago, the Sphinx had used the Translocator to travel to his secret preserve with Trask and Warren to prepare his minions for surrender. Warren had promptly returned with news that their friends and family were safe. But he also brought news that Seth's parents and grandparents had insisted Kendra and Seth wait until Agad was in control of Living Mirage before they journeyed there.


After the dragons obliterated the insufficient rear guard left behind by the demons on Shoreless Isle, it had not taken long for Agad to seal off the fairy shrine. Combining their efforts, the wizard and the dragons had employed an impressive spell to transport the enormous dome that had sheltered the gateway of Zzyzx over to cover the shrine. Once conditions on Shoreless Isle had been stabilized, Agad and most of his accompanying dragons had departed for the fifth secret preserve.


Now that Agad had been established as the new caretaker of Living Mirage, Kendra and Seth had finally been permitted to use the Translocator to visit. Hugo, the satyrs, Vanessa, and Bracken had come along. The Fairy Queen remained on Shoreless Isle with her people, preparing to inherit the former demon prison as their new home.


"What was that about?" Kendra asked.


"I made some promises to the satyrs," Seth said. "They want to make sure I deliver."


"What did you promise?" Warren asked.


"A real television of their own," Seth said. "I think they've earned it."


"Does your grandfather know?" Warren asked.


Seth shook his head.


"Good luck with that," Warren said.


Warren led Kendra and Seth down a lavishly decorated hall to an ornamented door. The upper floors of the great ziggurat all featured luxurious furnishings. Warren knocked. Seth felt suddenly nervous. It had been a long time since he had seen his parents. He wondered how they were dealing with being forcibly inserted into the world of magical creatures he and Kendra had discovered two summers ago.


His dad answered the door. He looked good, maybe a little slimmer. "It's the kids," he called, face breaking into a huge smile. As he stared at Kendra, tears gathered in his eyes. He wrapped her up in a huge hug, rocking her from side to side.