“You are close to the Fairy Queen,” Andromadus said. “That is an extraordinarily rare relationship. We will need her help in the upcoming conflict. Kendra, you killed the Demon King, and you wore the crown of the Fairy Queen.”
“You heard about that?” Kendra asked.
“Yes, and it is plain to see to those who can perceive such things,” Andromadus said. “You are also the former caretaker of a fallen dragon sanctuary. There is a chance you could curry favor with the Giant Queen. Win her to our cause. She has not shown much initiative in protecting anything besides her sanctuary.”
“And I need to find my brother,” Kendra said.
“Her help could simplify that task,” Andromadus said.
“Then of course I’ll try to make friends with her,” Kendra said.
“I cringe to think of Kendra in company with that tyrant,” Savani said.
“I do not wish it for her either,” Andromadus said. “But these are desperate times, and Kendra has business at Titan Valley because of her brother, and it is one of the last secure strongholds where members of Dragonwatch are still welcome.”
“It makes sense,” Savani said.
“Do you have a way to get there?” Andromadus asked.
“The Fairy Queen will allow me and some companions to travel through her realm,” Kendra said.
“Almost unbelievable,” Andromadus said. “And most fortunate. Kendra, you must preserve that relationship. Assistance from the Fairy Queen could prove vital in the coming conflict.”
“It has saved me in the past,” Kendra said. “Can’t you teleport us there? Would that be simpler?”
“Sadly, the increase of power that comes with being a newborn wizard has abated,” Andromadus said. “I wish I could have done more while at the zenith of my strength, but I was still learning what needed to be done. Even at the height of my power, I could not have sent you all the way to Titan Valley. There are other methods to get you there, but using the Fairy Realm is a simpler, more direct option.”
“When should I leave with my friends?” Kendra asked.
“Soon,” Andromadus said. “With all the trouble in the world, I have other places to be, but I will see you safely on your way.”
“What about Knox and Tess?” Kendra asked.
“They are welcome to remain here for now,” Savani said. “I believe the eruption will subside.”
“They can stay here or go to Titan Valley,” Andromadus said. “Both locations have their dangers, but few places are safer in these war-torn times.”
“We can talk to them about it,” Kendra said. “But I need them out of harm’s way.”
“We will do all we can,” Andromadus said. “Come. Titan Valley awaits.”
Are you sure this is the right way?” Seth asked.
“Not far now,” Hermo replied.
“I thought you’d never been here before,” Seth said.
“Never,” Hermo agreed.
“Have you memorized a map?”
Hermo gave a disgusted chuckle. “No map. That slow. This easy.”
“Hermit trolls are rumored to have special gifts for finding things,” Calvin said from Seth’s pocket. “And for hiding.”
“Me have gift for everything,” Hermo said. “Eat much food. Win prizes. Ride in fish. Jump far. Make speeches.”
“That’s a lot of gifts,” Seth said.
“You second best,” Hermo said. “You win when lucky.”
“I won that game with the potatoes more than I lost,” Seth said.
“Potato bad shape to throw,” Hermo said. “Good shape for loser.”
“It feels like we’re roaming blindly through the bushes,” Seth complained, pressing through some thick undergrowth. “Does your sense of direction ever lead to a path?”
“Road dicey,” Hermo said. “Big guys see us. Eat you.”
“I think we passed that tree before,” Seth said. “Are we going in circles?”
“First time that tree,” Hermo said. “You see tavern soon. Stop yapping.”
Seth held back a reply, but he used his knife to carve a little mark on the tree. Next time he would have proof.
A few paces ahead, Hermo crouched between a pair of dense bushes. He pointed beyond the foliage. “Come see.”
Seth came up beside the hermit troll and gazed across a clearing to where a huge structure sprawled beside a road. The haphazard edifice looked like it might have started out as a general store, but then various builders began adding wings, porches, balconies, beams, gables, cupolas, attics, weather vanes, chimneys, and towers without a comprehensive plan. The result was a disjointed monstrosity composed of wood, stone, brick, glass, clay, and thatch, surrounded by seven water towers on stilts of varying heights.
“Troll Tavern?” Seth guessed.
Hermo sniffed, wiping away a tear. “More beautiful than in stories.”
“Should we go knock?” Seth asked, stepping forward.
Hermo grabbed his elbow and tugged him back. “Go knock? A human? If anybody knock, they never let you in. In Troll Tavern, you must belong. You my slave. Only way.”
“I have to pose as your slave to get in?” Seth asked.
Hermo nodded. “Be my slave to get in. To stay inside. And to stay alive. Only way.”
“The tavern is just for trolls?” Seth asked.
“Only trolls and slaves,” Hermo said.
“How do we sell it?” Seth asked. “Do we need a rope?”
“You follow me,” Hermo said. “Obey and serve.”
“You don’t want me to call you master?” Seth checked.
“Good idea,” Hermo said. “But no talk much. Bow sometimes.”
“I’m not sure I like this plan,” Calvin protested from Seth’s pocket.
“Little bug say nothing,” Hermo insisted.
“I’m not a bug,” Calvin griped. “And Seth is no slave.”
“Little bugs wait outside if no help,” Hermo said. “This only way in.”
“Let’s play along,” Seth said. “If they have good info here, it’ll be worth it.”
“Another option would be for the little guy to sneak inside,” Calvin offered.
“No sneak,” Hermo said. “Little bug get squished. We talk trolls. Ask questions. Get gossip.”
“Do you know why we’re going in there?” Seth checked.
“Legendary rabbit stew,” Hermo said, licking his lips.
“No,” Seth said.
“Win at cards?”
“We need info about Humbuggle,” Seth said. “Where to find him. How to beat him.”
“Don’t forget Serena,” Calvin added.
“Right, we need info about a nipsie called Serena,” Seth said.
“What a nipsie?” Hermo asked.
“A little person like me,” Calvin clarified.
“And I need to find Humbuggle,” Seth said. “I want my memories back.”
“I want memory of rabbit stew,”
