Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

"What about the entrance to the maze?" Grandma asked.

Graymane fell silent, scrutinizing the humans one by one. "The entrance to the great hollow below the hill is sealed. I will refrain from relating the specifics to prevent any of you from imprudently coming to harm."

"We wouldn’t dare make an attempt for the horn," Grandpa assured him. "As you say, it would be impossible. You give us reason to hope our enemies would be equally daunted. Perhaps we can locate a first horn through other channels."

"Wisely spoken," Graymane said. "Do not forget, any attempt to steal the Soul of Grunhold would mean war with the centaurs. We have our allotted realm, but by treaty we remain free to roam most of the length and breadth of Fablehaven, with the exception of a few private domains. War with the centaurs would mean the end of your preserve."

"Which is why we traveled here to solicit the favor according to protocol," Grandma placated.

"It disappoints us that you refuse to lend us the horn," Grandpa admitted. "Much evil abroad and at home may flow from that decision. Yet we acknowledge it as your decision to make."

"Then our parley is at an end," Graymane announced. "Return to your domain in peace."

"We have it on good authority that our enemies are interested in the horn," Grandma said. "Stay vigilant."

Graymane turned his back on them.

"We require no such advice from humans," Cloudwing clarified. "Permit us to escort you to the borders of our realm."

"Very well," Grandpa said, his voice formal. "Farewell, Graymane."

Kendra followed the others out of the massive stone shelter. She noticed that a cluster of fairies continued to hover nearby, gazing at her curiously. When she showed them prolonged attention, several of the fairies fluttered away, probably in an attempt to appear disinterested. One of the fairies who remained looked familiar. Tinier than most fairies, she had fiery wings shaped like flower petals.

"I know you," Kendra said.

The other fairies who had remained turned to jealously regard the small red fairy. "Yes," the fairy chirped, darting closer to Kendra. Rolling their eyes, the other fairies dispersed.

"You were one of the three who helped us when we defeated the shadow plague."

"Correct. I overheard your conversation with Graymane."

"Didn’t go so well." Kendra noticed Stormbrow watching her surreptitiously. She doubted whether he could understand the fairy, but Kendra spoke in plain English. She lowered her voice and resolved to choose her words carefully.

"The centaurs will never part with the horn," the fairy informed her.

"Can you help us get it?" Kendra whispered, hanging back from the others, eyes on the centaurs.

The tiny fairy gave a light, tinkling laugh. "Not likely. But I do know where you can find the entrance to the maze."

"Please tell me."

"Gladly. By the way, if I refused, you could command me to reveal what I know. Just a little tip for the future. Many fairies are unhelpful. The entrance lies beneath the southernmost warding stone."

"The gigantic one?" Kendra asked, nodding her head toward the tremendous megaliths at the base of the hill.

"Yes," the fairy answered.

"They look too big to move," Kendra whispered.

"Much too big," the fairy agreed, "and bound in place by spells. But two hours before dawn, the stones march. They trade places. Takes them an hour. For that hout of the night, while the stones are marching, the entrance to the maze lies wide open. It is the only time the centaurs can enter."

"Those humongous stones move by themselves?"

"All twenty of them. It’s quite a sight."

"Do many centaurs go into the maze?"

"Not often."

"Can you tell me anything else?"

"I’ve learned to pick up phrases in the Tauran language. I listen in on their conversations for practice. Only a few centaurs know how to navigate the maze. They only go in to bring food for the troll. They love the horn and would kill to protect it. Don’t go after it, Kendra."

"Thanks," Kendra said earnestly. "We better not talk too long. The centaurs are already suspicious."

"My pleasure." The tiny fairy zipped away.

Kendra walked with the others back to the cart. She sat in silence as they passed through the evergreen grove, the orchard, and the vineyard. When they reached the edge of the dreary, steaming marsh, the centaurs handed the wagon back to Hugo, who stood waiting exactly where they had left him.

Once they were well along the path, Kendra scooted near Grandpa. "Are we safe to talk about what happened?" she asked.

Grandpa looked around. "I think so, if we keep our voices down."

"I know where the maze begins."

"What?" Grandpa looked startled. "How?"

"A fairy told me. The entrance is hidden beneath the southernmost warding stone. That is what the fairy called the giant stones at the bottom of the hill. Two hours before dawn the stones move around, leaving the entrance accessible for about an hour."

"Well done, Kendra," Grandpa said. "Unfortunately, I’m not sure it changes our circumstances much. Few creatures have more raw power than mountain trolls. None of us can navigate a Tauran maze. And even without the obstacles, the horn can’t be stolen in the first place. If they don’t give it to us, we can’t take it. Am I wrong?"

Everyone was now huddled close around the conversation.

"I have no idea how we could borrow the horn without permission," Tanu said.

"Nor do I," Dale concurred.

"Our best bet is to start searching elsewhere," Coulter suggested. "Somewhere in the wide world there must be another first horn."

"We’ll be racing the Sphinx," Grandma said. "And he has the Oculus."

Grandpa frowned. "That may be so. But a glimmer of hope is better than none at all."

Chapter 13 Shadow Charmer

The alarm on Seth’s wristwatch roused him from sleep. He fumbled with the tiny buttons until the beeping stopped. Leaning up on one elbow, he watched the motionless lump on Kendra’s bed. The alarm did not seem to have disturbed her.

Even so, he waited. Kendra could be crafty. She seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to preventing mischief. Minutes passed, but Seth stayed in bed. It gave his mind time to fully awaken.

Earlier that day, after the others had returned from their mission among the centaurs, they had related to Seth and Warren all they had discovered. The decision had been made to start hunting for a unicorn’s first horn outside of Fablehaven.