Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven #5)(72)

"Sounds like you're already investing in the cause," Doren teased.


"Enough chitchat," Newel spat, shaking a fist at Doren.


He turned to Seth. "I assume the dirtman can get you to the manor without our help. If this fiasco could snowball into a real quest, we should collect some gear."


"Not a bad idea," Seth agreed.


"We'll meet you at the manor," Doren said, turning away.


"Don't take it personally if we never show," Newel called over his shoulder.


"Let's go, Hugo," Seth said.


The golem lifted Seth and charged into the woods in a different direction from the satyrs. Seth wondered if Newel and Doren would return. If they showed up, should he really let them join him? He would love the company and the help, but hadn't he gotten enough people killed?


In the darkness beneath the trees, there was little to see. Seth could hear Hugo crashing through the undergrowth, snapping limbs and flattening shrubs. Occasionally Hugo vaulted an obstacle or climbed a steep slope. At times his route veered around unseen obstructions. Although vegetation congested the way, the golem did an expert job of shielding Seth as they plunged through dense foliage.


At one point, Hugo paused and crouched. Perhaps a minute later, Seth heard hoofed creatures galloping through the undergrowth, crossing their path ahead of them.


"Probably best to avoid being seen," Seth whispered after the sounds had faded.


"Yes," Hugo replied, as softly as he could manage, before resuming his loping gait through the trees.


At length they reached the edge of the yard that surrounded the pillared manor. The stately building looked dark beneath the stars.


"Let's get this over with," Seth whispered, rummaging in his emergency kit for a flashlight.


"Wait," Hugo cautioned. "Troll inside. Looting. Two goblin guards."


"Can you take out the goblins?"


Hugo shook and let out an irregular exhalation. Seth realized he was laughing.


Seth patted Hugo's stony shoulder. "Let's get them."


With Seth cradled in one arm, the golem charged out into the yard. As they drew near to the manor's porch, one of the goblins called out, "Who goes there?"


Hugo didn't slow. He set Seth down before the porch steps and cleared them with a single leap. Seth glimpsed one goblin lunging with a spear. Hugo batted the weapon aside, seized the goblin by the ankles, and used him to swat the other guard. Armor clanged as they connected, and the second goblin went tumbling loudly along the porch. Still clutching the first goblin by the ankles, Hugo hurled him sidearm across the yard. The creature skimmed the grass for an incredible distance before skipping and rolling to a stop. Both goblins stumbled away at full speed, leaving their dropped weapons behind.



"Good job, Hugo," Seth said, coming up the steps.


With that same irregular exhalation, Hugo pantomimed how the goblin had bounced and spun across the yard. Seth found himself laughing as well.


"What's going on?" hissed a voice from inside the manor.


"Intruder!" Seth called in a commanding voice. "Cease your activities and come out this instant!"


A moment later, Nero appeared in the doorway, glaring until he saw Hugo. His eyes then fell on Seth. "Good evening to you," the troll said in his deep, silky voice.


Seth switched on his flashlight. The troll had a reptilian look about him, his glossy black scales highlighted by yellow markings. The nostrils of his snout flared, and his cunning eyes narrowed. His formidable muscles bunched as he coiled into a tense crouch.


"Why are you looting the manor?" Seth asked.


"Go ask your mentor," the troll replied, his tone reasonable despite his edgy posture. "Graulas ended the treaty. You can't blame an old trader for seizing an obvious opportunity."


"Graulas left me in charge," Seth said, inventing as he went. "He had to undo the treaty in order to leave Fablehaven. But he'll be back. And he wants the manor as his residence."


Baring rows of needle teeth, Nero glared at Seth suspiciously. "You openly serve him?"


Seth displayed no uncertainty. "My family abandoned Fablehaven. I stayed behind. I have much to learn. Graulas sent me to make sure his future home remained secure."


Nero became fidgety. "I had no way of knowing ..."


"I don't blame you," Seth said. "You've helped me in the past. Help both of us tonight. Spread the word that nothing in or around the manor is to be touched. Same with the main house at Fablehaven, especially the dungeon. Graulas knows every item in both houses, and he will show no mercy to any who claim his prizes."


"Knew it was too good to be true," Nero mumbled.


"Excuse me?" Seth asked, a hint of warning in his voice.


"It will be as you say, young master Sorenson," the troll answered obsequiously, inclining his head. "Naturally, for your sake, these words had best be proven faithful when Graulas returns."


"Was that a threat?" Seth bristled. If he was going to bluff like this, he needed to play the role convincingly. "Maybe a conversation with a shade would relieve your doubts."