Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven #5)(54)

Grandma Larsen gave a nod. "The quicker we set this in motion, the less chance we have of getting discovered."


"Should be simple to bring Trask and Elise here with the Translocator," Warren said.


"We'll get word to them," Grandpa said, "but we won't reveal details or bring them to Fablehaven until the last possible moment. Surprise will be the difference between success and failure."


"The Sphinx won't know what hit him," Grandma Sorenson murmured.


"I suggest you return Vanessa to the Quiet Box until this is over," Grandma Larsen said. "You should probably place Tollin and me in the dungeon. We'll keep our masks on. Should the Sphinx glimpse us, we want him confused about our presence here."


"I believe we have the outline of a plan," Grandpa said. "We'll get to work on the particulars. First order of business will be to bring Tanu, Coulter, and Dale in on this to help flesh out details. We'll hold all meetings back in time. No discussion of this otherwise. Not a word. This has to succeed."


"We'll make sure it does," Grandma Larsen said staunchly.


"How are we on time?" Grandpa asked.


Grandma Sorenson checked the watch. "We should probably get into position." None of them had moved much since coming back in time.


Kendra studied her Grandma Larsen. It was so wonderful to have her back. At the same time, Kendra felt she hardly knew her. It was hard to reconcile her memories of Grandma Larsen with this no-nonsense spy before her.


Grandma Larsen caught Kendra's eye. "I'm sure this is a lot for you to digest."


"Kind of."


"You and your brother are well-known among the Society. You've been in much more danger than I would prefer, but I've been so proud of you both."


The compliment made Kendra feel awkward. "Thanks."


"I'm sorry Grandpa Larsen and I have missed the last couple of years. I suppose it's fair that Stan and Ruth got a turn to know you. Hopefully we'll all have lots of time together in the future."


"I hope so too," Kendra said.


Chapter 12 Rescue


The next day, peering out the kitchen window, Kendra spotted Hugo sitting on the lawn, legs straight out, shoulders slumped, big hands folded in his lap. In harmony with the springtime atmosphere at Fablehaven, the golem looked more colorful than usual, with an abundance of wild-flowers, blossoming creepers, and tufts of grass sprouting from his earthen body. Dale stood beside Hugo, hands on his hips. Kendra realized she had never seen the golem sitting down before.


Kendra went out the back door and crossed the lawn to Dale. "Something wrong with Hugo?" she asked.


"Hey, Kendra," Dale said, wiping his damp brow with a handkerchief. "I've never seen him like this. The big guy has been sluggish all day. Then I came out of the barn to find him picking grass."


Kendra noticed the small pits and discarded divots in front of the golem. "You okay, Hugo?"


The big head swiveled toward her, cavernous eyes regarding her solemnly. "Hugo okay," he said wearily. His gravelly voice was becoming more expressive and intelligible every day.


"Well, get up then," Dale prodded. "We have chores to do. You're making everybody nervous." Dale looked uncomfortable.


Kendra wondered if Dale missed the way Hugo used to be. In the past, Hugo had done nothing but follow orders. But after the fairies had tampered with him, the golem had developed a will of his own. He still almost always followed commands, but on occasion he would deviate or improvise.


With a grunt like rolling boulders, Hugo rose to his feet, mouth bent in a frown. He looked down at Dale.


"That's the spirit," Dale said, as if encouraging a child. "Let's go see to those stables."


Powerful arms at his sides, Hugo bent at the waist and then toppled forward. His head hit the ground hard, digging a short furrow in the lawn. Propped up by his head and feet, he rigidly held his bowed position, arms at his sides, rear end pointing skyward.


"What's wrong, Hugo?" Kendra asked. Could the golem be ill? He looked absolutely pathetic.


Heaving with his arms, Hugo rocked back to a sitting position. "Seth gone," he said, a forlorn rumble.


"You miss Seth?" Kendra said. "He'll be back." Hugo shook his heavy head. "Seth taken."


"Who told you Seth was taken?" Dale asked. "Doren."


Kendra blinked. Suddenly Hugo's behavior made much more sense. He was concerned about Seth.


"Is that what has you out of sorts?" Dale asked. "You miss your buddy?"


Hugo patted his chest. "Miss buddy."


"Seth will be all right," Kendra said encouragingly. "He's survived tough situations before." She wished she could fully believe her words.


Hugo regarded her with an unnerving, eyeless gaze. "Hugo want help."


"Best way you can help is to keep Fablehaven running," Dale urged. "Otherwise there won't be a preserve for Seth to come home to."


Once again, Hugo stood up. He gazed down at Kendra. "You help Seth."