"Punish?" Seth blurted, rising to his feet, the horn in his hand. "Good thing I didn't find the cure for cancer--you might have had me arrested!"
"I'm with your grandfather on this," Grandma said. "We love you and we're proud of you. The risks you took worked out this time. But how can we reward such behavior? Because we love you, we must teach you caution, ot your boldness will destroy you."
"I weighed my options and made smart choices," Seth responded. "I didn't set out to borrow the horn. I only decided to try for the horn after Graulas showed how my skills as a shadow charmer gave me a realistic chance at success. It was me or nobody. What would Patton have done?"
Warren chuckled. "He would have shaved the centaurs, dipped them in honey, covered them with feathers, and hung them up like a bunch of pi." Kendra, Seth, and Tanu laughed. "I'm just saying."
"Very few men who live their lives like Patton Burgess die in bed," Grandma said gravely, extinguishing the snickers.
"We're not sure how to guide you, Seth," Grandpa said resignedly. "Considered in context, maybe your decisions were reasonable. Maybe if we were more willing to let you take risks, you could have come to us. I certainly don't relish reprimanding you for courage and success."
"Then don't!" Seth urged. "Just be glad we have the horn! I know you love me, but sometimes that gets in the way. Honestly, was there any chance you would have let me visit Graulas if I'd come to you and asked?"
Grandpa met Grandma's eyes. "No," he admitted.
"You guys don't like to let me take risks because you feel like you have to protect me. Even when protecting me could harm all of us. If we don't stop the Sphinx, you won't be able to protect anybody. I wasn't off goofing around. Sometimes risks are necessary."
"You'll need to give your grandmother and me some time to consider this in private," Grandpa said.
"Just keep in mind that my new abilities could come in handy at the dragon sanctuary," Seth said.
"The excursion to Wyrmroost will likely be a suicide mission," Grandma said. "The entire sanctuary is a death trap. Punishment or no, keep in mind that we'll need to send in a small team of our most experienced operatives."
Seth put his hands on his hips. "You can't just cut me out of it."
"Who we include or exclude is not up to you," Grandma stated firmly.
"The reward would be not having to go," Coulter huffed.
"Yeah, well, I'll give this stupid horn back to the cen-tauts before I get left out of the trip to Wyrmroost," Seth threatened. "Good luck taking it from me!"
"It isn't going to be a vacation," Coulter said.
"And it isn't about seeing cool dragons," Grandpa growled, clearly losing his temper.
"Although they will be cool," Warren murmured, earning an elbow from Tanu.
Tears brimmed in Seth's eyes. His mouth opened as if he wanted to say more; then he turned and stormed out of the room.
"What are we going to do with that boy?" Grandma sighed.
"I don't know," Grandpa said. "If he hadn't decided to go after the horn, we'd still be treading water. Maybe he's the only one of us seeing this clearly."
Grandma shook her head. "Don't kid yourself. His main interest is still the adventure. Saving the world is a happy side effect. This is all still a game to him."
"Patton was the same way," Warren mentioned. "He did a lot of good, partly because he relished the thrill."
"I think Seth cares," Kendra spoke up. "It isn't only about the fun anymore. I think he's learning."
"He went through a lot tonight," Tanu said. "And he hasn't had much sleep. His emotions are tangled."
"I could go talk to him," Kendra offered.
"No, let him brood," Grandma said. "He's a good boy. He'll settle down and find the shame in his outburst if we let him stew."
"He's right that we can't take the horn from him," Warren pointed out. "In fact, we may not be able to use it without him. It is still stolen property. He may be the only person who can withstand the guilt."
"We'll cross that bridge when we must," Grandpa said. "I swear, that boy will be the death of me. For now, let me get on the phone to Dougan. The Lieutenants should be able to help us assemble a strike force."
"I'll go and get--" Grandma began, but the sudden blast of a horn cut her off. Much louder than the other horns, this one sounded close.
Warren rushed out of the room. "They're at the outskirts of the yard," he called.
"I'll handle this," Grandpa said. "I hope Seth is right about their lack of proof."
"Let me come," Kendra suggested. "It'll look more innocent, like we were caught off guard."
Grandpa appeared ready to disagree. Then his expression changed. "Why not? You're right, we don't want to appear the least bit defensive. We want to look bewildered by their presence. But let me do the talking."
Dale came stumbling down the stairs, bleary-eyed and in his nightclothes. "What's all the racket?"
"Dale," Grandma said. "Go stand on the deck and watch Stan speak with the centaurs. We have no idea why they've come."
Grandpa escorted Kendra outside. They crossed the lawn to where Cloudwing waited beside a tall centaur with light blue fur.
"Greetings, Cloudwing," Grandpa said as they drew near. "I didn't expect to see you again so soon."
"Make no pretenses at courtesy," the blue centaur growled. "Return the Soul."
"Now, hold your horses," Grandpa responded in a less friendly tone. "What are you talking about? I'm not sure we've met."
"Skygazer is our spiritual leader," Cloudwing explained.
"When I awoke today," Skygazer said, "the power shielding Grunhold had waned. The Heart remained, but the Soul had fled. We found human tracks leading to the marsh. On the far side of the marsh we located similar tracks along with the unmistakable footfalls of your golem. The golem's tracks were very fresh, and returned directly to your yard."
Grandpa stared at Skygazer in astonishment. "And you think that means one of us took the horn?" Kendra had never realized her grandfather was such a good actor. His disbelief seemed authentic. "One of our spies recently sent us information that our enemies might make an attempt for the horn. We relayed that information to your king. I sent Hugo out as a precaution, to keep watch for anything suspicious."
"You asked to borrow the Soul yesterday," Cloudwing reminded him.
"Right, we asked.
It would come in useful. We knew our enemies wanted it as well. But we harbored no illusions about stealing it. If we intended to steal it, why would we draw attention to ourselves with a visit? Why would we warn you to guard it well?"
Skygazer glowered. "When necessary, we have secret means of communicating with our mountain troll, Udnar. He mentioned the name Navarog."
"Navarog!" Grandpa exclaimed. "The dragon? The demon prince? He was imprisoned until recently. We've heard he is abroad again. This bodes ill."
"A demonic dragon could not have entered Grunhold," Skygazer stated.
"Navarog can assume human form," Grandpa said thoughtfully. "He is a powerful demon lord. He might have had magic to foil your defenses. Later, if he changed form again and took flight, it would explain why his footprints vanished."
"Or he was working with you, and the golem brought him here," Cloudwing said, his posture and voice less certain.
Grandpa laughed. "Right, Navarog the dragon, the demon prince, is now our errand boy."
Skygazer scowled. "Udnar reported that the intruder moved inhumanly fast, and taunted him by divulging his name, as if fearless of retribution. He left a banana where the Soul belonged."
"These are dire tidings," Grandpa lamented. "Our enemies will employ the horn to our significant detriment."
"You claim no involvement in the thievery," Skygazer confirmed.
Grandpa shrugged. "Does it seem possible that one of us could have navigated the many safeguards protecting your Soul? If we uncover any leads, you'll be the first to know."
"Very well," Skygazer relented. "We'll be watching." The centaurs wheeled about and cantered away through the leafless woods.
Seth stalked back and forth across the attic bedroom, the horn clenched in his fist. He had felt confident that his success would override any resentment of his disobedience. And it had, to an extent. But in the end he still felt he had disappointed everyone.
Why did he want to go to Wyrmroost so badly? Were they right? Did he mostly want to go as a tourist? Was his chief motivation to see dragons? Or did he sincerely believe his presence would make a difference?
Yes, seeing dragons would be awesome. Why lie to himself? The dragons were part of the allure. But they were not his only reason for wanting to go to Wyrmroost. The Society of the Evening Star had come into his neighborhood and kidnapped his sister. The Sphinx had demonstrated that no place was safe anymore. He would never relent. He had to be stopped before he opened the demon prison and destroyed the world.
Seth had powers now. Who knew, with emotions immune to magical manipulation, he might make a fabulous dragon tamer. But nobody would know unless they gave him a chance. Gavin was supposedly their top dragon tamer, and he wasn't an adult either.
Certainly Seth could make himself useful at Wyrmroost. He always found a way. Was it any less dangerous to sit at home and do nothing while the Sphinx took over the world?
He shouldn't have gotten so angry at his grandparents. Getting them riled would not help his chances of going. They responded to reason, not threats. And they deserved his respect. It was just so frustrating having everyone always telling him what he could or couldn't do!
He heard footsteps on the stairs. The door opened and Kendra entered. She looked around the room, her eyes sweeping over him. Her brow crinkled. "Seth?"
The curtains were shut, leaving the room fairly dim. He stood a good distance from the door. But he wasn't hiding.
Kendra turned to go. "I'm here," Seth said.
Startled, she spun around. "There you are! Where were you:
"Here all along."
"Wow, I guess that shade walker thing really works. It isn't that dark in here."
Seth shrugged. "Did you want to scold me too?"
"Actually, I wanted to make sure you were all right. And to check out the unicorn horn."
Seth held it up. "It's heavier than it looks." He studied it appraisingly. "I'd say it's worth about ten million awesome dollars."
"Or ten million idiot points. Depending on your perspective. Can I hold it?"
Seth scowled suspiciously. "Did they send you up here to get the horn from me?"
Kendra looked at him reproachfully. "No. I don't think they're stressed about your threats. I'm just interested."
"I'm not sure I can let you handle it," Seth said. "After all, it's stolen property. What if you touch it and start feeling all guilty? You might go mental and try to return it to the centaurs."
"You borrowed it, not me. What would I have to feel guilty about, as long as you don't mind me touching it?"
Seth ran his thumb along the smooth surface of the horn. "If I'm able to lend it to you, it means I could entrust it to them as well. I won't have to be included on the team to Wyrmroost."
"We'll have to find out if you can share it sooner or later. Might as well be now. Look, if you're worried I'm trying to take it, just give me permission to hold it for a minute. Then I'll have to give it back."
Seth sighed. "Okay. You can hold it for a minute." He held out the horn.
Kendra took it. "You're right, it does feel heavier than it looks."
"No guilt?"
"None. It's so white."
Seth frowned. "Looks like they won't need me after all."
Kendra handed the horn back to him. "Who knows what they'll decide?"
"I do," Seth said. "Patton's message explained that Wyrmroost is protected by a powerful distracter spell. Which means that even though nobody will like the idea, you'll probably have to go. For the other slots they'll select old people like Warren. They'll be too worried that I'd get hurt, and that I don't have enough experience, never mind the fact that my proven abilities make me uniquely qualified."
"I don't see why you'd want to go," Kendra replied. "The thought that I might have to go makes me want to throw up."
"Even if Gavin joins the group?"
Kendra blushed. "Whatever. Why would that matter? We're barely pen pals." She bit her lower lip. "You think they might need him?"
"It's a guarantee. Wyrmroost is a dragon sanctuary, and he's the dragon-taming prodigy. This will be your second date at a deadly wildlife park! Next time you guys should go miniature golfing."
"You're a weirdo," Kendra said. "And you dodged my question. Why do you want to go so badly?"
"Would I love to see dragons? Sure, who wouldn't? Besides you, I mean. The more important reason is simple. We have to stop the Sphinx or we're all doomed, and I know I can help do it."
"There are lots of ways to help," Kendra argued.
"Good point. Maybe I can pack your sack lunches."