“You seemed unwell at the gathering. I assumed it was because of your father.”
“It wasn’t.”
“But you looked—”
“I know how I looked. Do you have to bring that up over and over? I looked unwell. Yes, thank you. I know.”
He eyed me. “I also came here to deliver a message.”
“A message?”
“I spoke with Euralysia about the goblin skeleton we found in Mog’s chambers.”
I sat up straighter. This might be worth listening to. “Did she know why a goblin was buried there?”
“Yes, she believes the Mogs were imposters. The carving we found of the ship with the goblin near the shore tells the story. They moved to the Wultlands soon after the Vikings’ arrival. They were goblins who disguised themselves as Wults and integrated into the society. Eventually, the Mogs broke away from the Wult society. There is no record of them for a time, not until the Caxon appeared. I believe the Caxon are descendants of Mog.”
“If it’s true, then that means the Caxon are involved in my godson’s capture. Yet it makes no sense—Geth had no knowledge of my godson. His own children were missing.”
“Geth and his followers are only one faction. The rest of the Caxon are led by someone else, someone, I suspect, much more powerful. Euralysia could not say who, but I believe they are responsible for summoning the Dreamthief and stealing your godson.”
“But why would the Caxon go to such extreme measures?”
“To live a better existence, perhaps. I cannot say for certain.”
I mulled it over. “If this is true, then it means the Caxon could be anywhere, wearing any skin they choose, infiltrating governments if they wanted.”
“I do not think so.”
“Why?”
“It goes against their nature. The Caxon, though in appearance seem human, are still goblins. It would be more likely for goblins to stay hidden while accomplishing their work. Becoming head magistrate might make sense to us, but for a goblin, it would be too risky. Find the cracks, break the system from the inside, this is the way a goblin thinks.”
“It’s not altogether a bad idea.”
“No, and that’s what frightens me.”
The wind stirred, making the tree limbs creak. Kull’s revelation meant that goblins had the ability to plant themselves anywhere. My godson’s captors could be right in front of me, and I would never know it. I had no way of determining who they were. For now, the only choice I had was to keep going in the same direction.
I glanced at Kull, who stared out over the lake with a brooding expression. “Are you still mad at me?” I asked him.
He turned, brows knitted. I don’t think he was prepared for the change in subject.
“Because if you are, then I understand. I broke my promise.” I don’t know where this came from. Obviously, I had some wires loose in my head. I hadn’t planned on apologizing. Why did I do it?
“I was angry,” he admitted.
“Are you still angry?”
He took his time before answering. “You are not Wult, and so you do not understand my ways. Oath-breaking is not looked on kindly by my people.”
I got the hint. I’d betrayed him. He came here to give me a message, not rehash our feelings.
“Thank you for the message. I’d prefer if you left now.”
“You want me to leave you on this bench?”
“Yes, I do.”
“You intend to spend your night here?”
“It’s really none of your business, is it?”
“I will leave if that’s what you wish.”
“I do.”
He stood. I watched him go. I’d been rude, probably ruder than I needed to be. In truth, it wasn’t his fault that he couldn’t remember what had happened on Earth. I was angry with him for something he had no control over. But it hurt to be around him. It hurt to know I couldn’t have him. It hurt deep in my soul with a burning ache that threatened to overwhelm me.
“Kull, wait,” I called.
He turned. Magic lanterns glowed from sconces in the tree’s limbs, casting bluish light over his face.
I exhaled. This wouldn’t be easy. “I’m leaving tomorrow,” I told him. “I’m traveling to the pixie kingdom.”
“Pixies?”
I nodded.
He crossed back to me, looking perplexed. “You realize they are a violent breed?”
I laughed. “You make them sound like animals.”
“Some of them are.”
“You’ve dealt with the pixies?”
He hesitated before speaking. “On occasion. It never ended well. Olive,” he said and sat beside me once again, “they are fierce. They do not hold the same respect for life as you do. What are your intentions with them?”
“I’d hoped to chitchat, maybe catch up on the weather, and perhaps beg them for their most prized possession.”
“You are joking, yes?”
“Only about the first part.”
His mouth gaped. “You are serious?”
“Afraid so.”
“Why would you do such a thing?”
“Because I have no choice. Because they’re in possession of a tree that contains pure magic, which is the only way I’ll break through the wall that’s imprisoned my godson.”
“A tree?”
“It’s the only thing left in Faythander that holds pure magic. I have to get it. Somehow.”
“I’ve heard of this tree. Many brave warriors have tried to claim its magic. They are all dead now.”
“You’re so supportive, Kull. As usual.”
“I mean only to warn you of the dangers. Is there pure magic somewhere else?”
“Not that I’m aware of. And even if there was, I wouldn’t have time to find it.”
“Are you determined to do this?”
I debated his question. I’d fought so long for Jeremiah, and now for all the other children involved. Quitting had never been an option. “I am.”
He stared out across the pond. The cheerfulness left his voice. “I shall assemble my elite Wult squadron to accompany you. They are the strongest fighters in all of Faythander. The princess has perfected a shielding spell, which I can use to protect my warriors. We will be an unstoppable force. We will raze the entire pixie kingdom if need be.”
Typical
