Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven #5)(8)

"Get out of him, Wayne," Laura snapped.


"I'm enjoying the ride," Berrigan replied. "How did it feel to kill your prize pupil?"


Laura glared. "I never would have suspected Camira."


"You heard the lady," Tanu said, laying his thick forearm across the back of Berrigan's neck. "Get out."


"You need to lay off the Twinkies," Berrigan gasped, his voice strangled.


"I can make things very uncomfortable for you," Tanu promised.


"You're not hurting my body," Berrigan panted. "Do what you want to Berrigan."


"Hold him, Trask," Tanu said.


Trask switched positions with the Samoan. Tanu withdrew a needle and a small bottle from his satchel.


"You going to sew me to death?" Berrigan chuckled. Tanu dipped the needle into the bottle. "I can cause you plenty of pain without harming your host." Tanu touched the needle to Berrigan's neck.


A full-throated, scream issued immediately from Berrigan. His eyes bulged and spittle ran from his lips.


"What are you doing?" Laura asked in distress.


Tanu removed the needle and Berrigan sagged into unconsciousness. "The potion sends a message of extreme pain to the brain," Tanu explained. "It does no actual damage, just talks to the nerves." He pricked the needle against Berrigan's neck again. "The narcoblix truly has withdrawn, or he would be writhing." Tanu rummaged in his bag and pulled out another small bottle. Unstopping it, he wafted it under Berrigan's nostrils.


The young man convulsed and his eyes opened. He struggled against Trask, his eyes on Tanu. "Who are you?"


"They're friends, Berrigan," Laura soothed, crouching into view. "Be still."


"What happened?" he asked, somewhat calmer.


Laura caressed his forehead. "That narcoblix drugged you and stole your body. This is the team we've been awaiting. Answer me a question or two, to make sure you're in possession of yourself. What is your Aunt Jannali's favorite song?"


"Moon River.'"


"As a child, what did you like in your mashed potatoes?"


"Little cubes of Spam."


"What is the farthest your Uncle Dural has thrown a spear?"


"I don't have an Uncle Dural."


"Welcome back, Berrigan. Ready to help?"


He nodded, and Tanu helped him sit up. Closing his eyes, Berrigan rubbed his temples. "My head is pounding." He opened his eyes. "What about Camira?"


"She's dead," Laura said flatly.


Berrigan gave a single quick nod, tears welling into his eyes. "Serves her right," he managed. His face twisted into a pained expression. "Serves her right. I can't believe, I can't believe she would--" He broke down into sobs.


"Grieving will have to come later," Laura said, rising. "Our foes will be on us soon." She regarded Trask somberly. "Your best hope is to reach the Translocator and teleport out of here. You have the key?"


"Certainly," Trask said. "What are the chances of us taking the fight to our enemies before attempting to access the vault?"


Laura shook her head. "Very poor. The viviblix has perhaps seventy zombies under his control. Some he brought, some were acquired here. They have the Gray Assassin, a narcoblix, a viviblix, a lectoblix, a psychic, a pair of lycanthropes, and, worst of all, a wizard called Mirav."


"I know that name," Trask said grimly. "He's an old one."


"The sun is our best ally against him," Laura said. "He cannot come out during the day. Direct sunlight would kill him. Once daybreak arrived, he was hiding in the basement."


"Agad told me that all wizards used to be dragons," Kendra interjected.


"Mirav is a real wizard," Trask said, "so yes, he was once a dragon. He came out of India. He is truly evil, and a leader among the Society. His presence means the Society is putting everything they have into this mission."


"We won't be able to stand against a wizard and a zombie army," Tanu said.


"Agreed," Laura said. "Which is why you must hurry to the Translocator."


"You won't be joining us?" Trask wondered.


Laura shook her head. "I'll muster what help I can and try to slow them. I'm not out of allies yet. I'm confident I can take out the bridge."



"I'll help you," Berrigan offered fervently.


"No," Laura said. "You could contribute more by helping the others reach the artifact. I'll achieve the same ends with or without you."


Trask scowled. "After you take action to stall our pursuers, what are the chances you might make it to the airstrip? Our pilot could fly you out of here."


"None," Laura said. "I was caretaker here, and I failed in my charge. I'll do all I can to slow our enemies so you can retrieve the artifact. We all know that to lose the Translocator would be disaster. I will not abandon Obsidian Waste. I will hear no arguments. Tell your pilot to leave while he can. Quick, on your way, we haven't a moment to spare."