As the little group made their way through the crowded avenues, many eyes strayed to Reggie, as if a figure made of dirt were a novelty even in this diverse crowd. Seth stayed ready for more than glances, but nobody approached Reggie or openly made comments.
Hermo tugged on Seth’s sleeve, leading him down a long, narrow alleyway. Somewhere above him a baby cried. A puddle in a depression had a faint glow and a sweet, rotten odor. They came out onto a less populated street where a small band of centaurs laughed loudly.
Seth kept his eyes down and followed Hermo. Hoping to find a wraith or phantom who could give him information, Seth reached out with his power, but he still sensed no undead nearby, though several of the dilapidated townhouses on the street had a peculiar energy, and he suspected he was being watched by someone who meant him harm.
Hermo led them on a winding route down other streets, including a shabby dirt footpath behind some noisy inns. When they reached a street lined with identical brick residences, Seth noticed a street sign that labeled it Pinnacle, and he pointed it out to Hermo.
“Yes,” Hermo said, stopping in front of a doorway. “Number forty-nine.”
Seth pulled out the envelope addressed to Virgil and confirmed that Hermo had the correct number. “Let’s go,” Seth said, starting toward the door.
Do I know Virgil? Reggie wondered.
“I think we’re all meeting him for the first time,” Seth said.
Can I try introducing us? Reggie asked.
Seth stared at the crude dirt figure. “I think only I can hear you.”
I am your assistant, Reggie conveyed. I should speak. I should be heard. I’ll do my best.
“Go ahead,” Seth invited.
Reggie took the lead and knocked. As he was raising his hand a second time, a satyr answered, holding a sandwich. The goatman might have been in his twenties, with thick, messy hair and a green, unbuttoned shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
“Can I help you?” the satyr asked.
We are looking for Virgil, Reggie communicated earnestly.
The satyr glanced past Reggie to Seth. “Small for a golem,” he commented.
I am Reggie. My master wishes to speak with Virgil.
“Are you all mute?” the satyr asked.
He doesn’t hear me, Reggie concluded.
Seth motioned at the dirtman. “Reggie is my assistant.”
“And a hermit troll?” the satyr asked. “How’d you lure him out of hiding?”
“We’re looking for Virgil,” Seth said.
“You found him,” the satyr said, seeming a little more guarded. “You’re not here about the Games, are you?”
“We’re new to Titan Valley,” Seth said.
“You’re a kid,” Virgil said. “And a hermit troll. And a dirt guy.”
“I have a letter for you,” Seth said, handing over the envelope.
Virgil held it up. “Dante?” He gave Seth a more interested look, then opened the envelope and started reading. He looked up from the page. “You’re a shadow charmer?”
“Yes,” Seth said.
“Why come to Humburgh?” Virgil asked. “We have no undead.”
Seth glanced at Reggie. “I came to learn about the Games.”
“That’s what I live and breathe,” Virgil said. “Dante has a good track record with me, but I would hate to encourage a kid toward the Games. Those who get involved in the Games tend to die.”
“I’m involved with or without you,” Seth said. “Dante thought you might be able to give me a better chance.”
Virgil swatted the letter from Dante against his palm, glanced up and down the street, then gave a nod. “All right. Come inside. And prepare to have your mind blown!”
Kendra stood near the edge of the enormous desk, tossing bits of wax she had broken off a candle and watching them fall to the floor. The study door opened and Dectus swept back into the room.
“Good news,” the giant declared. “When I brought up your name to the Giant Queen, the giant killer showed interest in meeting you. I have been instructed to bring you to the audience chamber at once.”
“In the throne room?” Kendra asked.
“Yes, it will afford you a chance to see the paramour in action,” Dectus said. “I might be biased, but I don’t trust him.”
“Let’s go,” Kendra said.
Dectus picked up a silver chain attached to a silver cage. When he placed the cylindrical cage in front of Kendra, she saw a cushioned chair inside.
“We giants carry honored guests in such containers,” Dectus said, opening the door to the cage. “The chair is firmly attached to the base for your comfort, and the bars are there for your safety. Most prefer it to being transported by hand. The way you wish to travel is your decision, including if you would rather walk. I offer this receptacle for your convenience.”
“All right,” Kendra said, uncertain about voluntarily entering a cage. She ducked inside and sat on the chair. Dectus carefully fastened the chain around his neck, wearing the container like a pendant.
From her cushy chair, Kendra watched Dectus exit the room and head down a hall. He strolled smoothly, but the cage still wobbled. He entered the audience chamber through a side door, where other gigantic members of the court were gathered.
The Giant Queen presided from her throne, eyes attentive to her armrest. Her demeanor was different from the last time Kendra had seen the monarch. Gone was the stiff formality. Her cheeks were flushed, and she seemed to be resisting a girlish smile. Her eyes twinkled.
Kendra was not close enough to see clearly the little fellow lounging on a chair situated on the armrest of the queen’s throne. Clad in black, he appeared to be human-sized.
The Giant Queen glanced at Dectus and straightened slightly. “I see you have brought our visitor,” the queen said, her voice softer and more melodious than Kendra recalled. “Bring her forward.”
Prince Doranio rose from his chair and pivoted to face Kendra as Dectus drew nearer. Kendra gasped. She knew that self-satisfied grin. The last time she had seen this face was
