Keys to the Demon Prison (Fablehaven #5)(84)

"That might not be a bad idea," Seth said. "Can you spare a few guards until my grandparents get back?"


Cloudwing shook his head. "You misunderstand. We only protect our own property."


"You want the houses!" Seth cried. "What would centaurs do with human houses?"


"We could find uses for them," Cloudwing said. "For instance, we would keep them free of humans." The other centaurs chuckled.


"Then no, we don't want your protection," Seth said.


"Choose your words carefully," Cloudwing advised. "If you deny our protection, you may face our aggression."


"Now you're threatening me?" Seth asked.


"The artificial order of Fablehaven has been overturned," Cloudwing declared. "It is the natural order for the strongest to take what they want. Be grateful that we extend the hand of mercy by offering our protection."


"Be grateful they let you grant your permission in order to firm up their claim," Newel muttered.


"This is none of your concern, goatman," Cloudwing warned.


Newel reddened, fists clenched, but held his tongue.


"You will have to claim the houses yourself," Seth said. "I surrender nothing. My grandparents will be back, and Fablehaven will be repaired."


Cloudwing exchanged amused glances with his fellow centaurs. "You believe the treaty will be reconstituted?"


"Probably," Seth said, hoping he correctly understood the meaning of reconstituted.


"Fablehaven as you knew it is finished," Cloudwing asserted boldly. "Be glad the centaurs are here to keep the sanctuary from degenerating into gated chaos."


"Don't you mean be glad the centaurs are here to bully and enslave the weaker creatures?" Doren asked.


Cloudwing drew his arrow to his cheek and aimed it at Doren. Hugo stepped between them. Cloudwing relaxed. "Another word from either goatman and we duel," Cloudwing vowed. "Did you wastrels not hear that your people have already signed over their lands to us?"


Newel raised his hand like a student and pointed at his lips.


"You may speak," Cloudwing said.


"We weren't part of that arrangement," Newel said.


"Then I suggest you clear out," Cloudwing said. "Vacate the premises. We have already claimed the great cow Viola after finding her roaming the woods unattended. By sunrise, most of the former Fablehaven preserve will be part of Grunhold."


"We plan to clear out," Seth said. "There is a battle being fought elsewhere that we must join."


The centaurs laughed. "If the battle is important," Cloudwing said, "I hope you do not represent the reinforcements."


"You should wish us success," Seth said darkly. "We're trying to stop the opening of Zzyzx. I may not have really been claiming property for Graulas, but trust me, if the prison opens, he will be back to make claims for himself, and he will not come alone."


The centaurs no longer appeared quite as jovial. "Is this where Stan went?" Cloudwing asked.


"It is where everyone of any value is going," Seth said.


Cloudwing bristled. "Fortunately for you, I have little interest in the naive opinions of humans. Even so, I am surprised that previous lessons have not taught you to restrain your tongue."


"Previous lessons?" Seth asked. "Like when Patton beat up Broadhoof?" Newel and Doren whipped around. Their stares warned Seth to cut it out. He understood their concern, but he couldn't help himself.


Cloudwing stared grimly down at Seth, who made sure the flashlight beam was focused right in the centaur's eyes. "I do recall an occasion when an outsider intervened in a dispute any real man would have handled himself." His tone warned that Seth was treading on thin ice.


Seth wanted to brag about stealing the horn. He yearned to remind them about Broadhoof begging for mercy from a human. He knew those words would sting. But he had a mission to perform, and friends to protect. He could not risk enraging the centaurs to action.


"You're right," Seth said. "I provoked the fight, I should have handled it myself."


The faintest hint of a smile appeared on Cloudwing's lips. "You say you are preparing to abandon this preserve as well?"


"Not in those words," Seth said. "We are leaving to try to save Fablehaven and the world from certain destruction. You would be welcome to help us."


Cloudwing smirked. "We will not meddle in the petty affairs of lesser races. But we will grant you until sunrise to be gone."


"We have to gather some gear," Seth said. "How about you give us a free pass until next sundown?"


"Very well," Cloudwing allowed. "Let it be known that after the coming sundown, any of you found upon the property formerly known as Fablehaven will be trespassing on centaur holdings and will be dealt with accordingly."


"Just so we're clear," Seth said, "I don't recognize your claim, and I will be back."


"At your peril," Cloudwing said. He turned to the other centaurs. "We have squandered enough time here. Onward!"