“Not much normal about us,” Newel said.
“At your service,” Doren added with a bow.
“At least you appear housebroken,” the Giant Queen remarked. “And three others besides the cousins. Are they relatives too?”
“Well, Tanu is an expert potion master—”
“I believe I asked a simple question,” the Giant Queen interrupted.
“Not two of them,” Kendra said, annoyed by the rudeness of the queen but trying not to let it show. “The other is a second cousin.”
“I will grant the refuge you seek,” the Giant Queen said. “We can offer accommodations on your scale here at Terastios, and most public spaces here include access for wee folk.” She gestured toward an area to one side of the dais with bleachers and couches where human-sized people sat watching. Compared to the Giant Queen, they looked miniscule.
“I’m also searching for my brother,” Kendra said.
“The former co-caretaker of Wyrmroost,” the Giant Queen said.
“I believe he came here,” Kendra said.
“Not to my knowledge,” the Giant Queen said. “Many tourists of your size visit for the Games. I cannot keep track of all who come and go. My servant Raza will host you during your stay and acquaint you with your accommodations and our policies here. Direct inquiries about your brother to him.”
A man in a white, embroidered sherwani and red harem pants detached from where the human-sized spectators were gathered and came toward Kendra. He had dark hair, suntanned skin, meticulous stubble on his jaw, and looked to be in his forties.
“Do you need help with defensive measures against the dragons?” Kendra asked.
In her peripheral vision, Kendra noticed that several of the giants looked taken aback by the question. Queen Imani leaned forward with an ironic smile.
“There is a reason you are seeking refuge here,” the Giant Queen said. “This is the largest and most secure magical preserve on the planet. I have strangled dragons with a single hand. Your entire world will fall long before Titan Valley encounters any trouble from those worms. Dragonwatch asked for me to take you in, and so I have. Remember, dangers that seem large to you might lack significance to me.”
Kendra felt embarrassed by the scolding. She curtsied and said, “Thank you, your majesty.”
“Very well,” the Giant Queen said. “Raza can address any concerns, and he will arrange for the comfort of your little band. Off you go.”
It doesn’t look too bad,” Seth said, standing between Hermo and Brunt, staring at the log cottage. Empty flower boxes hung below the windows. Quaint carvings decorated the eaves. A path of pebbles led from the road across the weedy lawn to the red front door.
Brunt harrumphed. “Maybe it won’t take long.”
Seth looked at the imposing alley troll. “Do you want to help?”
Brunt shook his head and took a step back. “Nobody crosses that threshold anymore. Nothing good happens.”
“What does happen?” Seth asked.
“They get hurt,” Brunt said. “Or disappear.”
“Does Dante own this place?” Seth asked.
“He does now,” Brunt said. “Bought it cheap before we departed from the tavern. Your job is to ensure that was a profitable purchase.”
Seth nodded. “You want to help, Hermo?”
“Me stay with alley troll,” Hermo said. “Guard road.”
“I’m not sure the road is in any danger,” Seth said.
“Better safe than sorry,” Hermo maintained.
The alley troll gave a single chuckle.
Seth shrugged. “If you say so.” He walked up the path, pebbles crunching underfoot. The closer he got to the cottage, the less welcoming it appeared. The red paint on the front door was cracked and flaking off in places. Spiderwebs laced many of the carved eaves. The windows were dirty, the inside of the glass smeared with grime, as if grubby hands had wiped them hastily.
Seth paused at the door. “How do you feel?” he muttered.
“Like a bully who all sensible people avoid is waiting in ambush,” Calvin replied quietly. “And we’re walking into the trap. Let’s hope this is something we can handle.”
“Ronodin never taught me about ‘presences,’” Seth said.
“It might be a phantom,” Calvin said. “I don’t think Dante knows what’s haunting the place.”
Seth reached out with his power, searching for any undead. He didn’t sense a wraith inside the cottage, but there was . . . something. Could it be a phantom? To what extent could they disguise themselves?
“I feel something in there,” Seth said.
“A presence?” Calvin ventured.
“I’m not sure what.”
“Probably something new to you,” Calvin said.
“Do I knock?” Seth asked.
“I guess, if it’s locked,” Calvin said.
Seth tried the handle and pushed the door inward. Sunshine filtered through the grimy windows to dimly light the interior of the cottage. Some of the furniture was overturned in the large front room. One armchair had been slashed open and bled fluffy wads of stuffing. Seth noticed cobwebs, and in many places wide streaks interrupted the dust on the floor, as if large objects had been dragged across it. A doorway led to a kitchen, and an open door granted access to a bedroom. Some unnameable quality in the musty air felt unsafe.
Seth stepped fully into the cottage and felt a sudden breeze as the front door slammed shut behind him. The room appeared empty. Engaging his senses, he could not pinpoint an entity.
Just walk in? a voice spoke in his mind. Is that polite?
A painting flew off the wall and frisbeed straight at him. Seth sidestepped and ducked, barely avoiding it. The picture crashed against the floor, cracking the frame.
“Stop it,” Seth said. “I came to talk.”
How do we talk when you can’t hear me? the voice complained.
An incorporeal force shoved Seth into the center of the room. He staggered to stay on his feet.
“I hear you fine,” Seth said. “Sorry I barged in. I’m here to help.”
The room immediately grew still. The hostile feeling in the space had changed.
You hear me?
“I hear you.”
Stand on one foot.
Seth lifted a foot.
Turn around.
“Can I put my foot down?”
Yes.
Seth turned around.
You hear me.
“And you hear me too.”
The voice became small. I can hardly believe it. Please, who am I?
“I’m not sure,” Seth said. “You tell me.”
I can’t. Please help
