Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

"You’ll need to give your grandmother and me some time to consider this in private," Grandpa said.

"Just keep in mind that my new abilities could come in handy at the dragon sanctuary," Seth said.

"The excursion to Wyrmroost will likely be a suicide mission," Grandma said. "The entire sanctuary is a death trap. Punishment or no, keep in mind that we’ll need to send in a small team of our most experienced operatives."

Seth put his hands on his hips. "You can’t just cut me out of it."

"Who we include or exclude is not up to you," Grandma stated firmly.

"The reward would be not having to go," Coulter huffed.

"Yeah, well, I’ll give this stupid horn back to the cen-tauts before I get left out of the trip to Wyrmroost," Seth threatened. "Good luck taking it from me!"

"It isn’t going to be a vacation," Coulter said.

"And it isn’t about seeing cool dragons," Grandpa growled, clearly losing his temper.

"Although they will be cool," Warren murmured, earning an elbow from Tanu.

Tears brimmed in Seth’s eyes. His mouth opened as if he wanted to say more; then he turned and stormed out of the room.

"What are we going to do with that boy?" Grandma sighed.

"I don’t know," Grandpa said. "If he hadn’t decided to go after the horn, we’d still be treading water. Maybe he’s the only one of us seeing this clearly."

Grandma shook her head. "Don’t kid yourself. His main interest is still the adventure. Saving the world is a happy side effect. This is all still a game to him."

"Patton was the same way," Warren mentioned. "He did a lot of good, partly because he relished the thrill."

"I think Seth cares," Kendra spoke up. "It isn’t only about the fun anymore. I think he’s learning."

"He went through a lot tonight," Tanu said. "And he hasn’t had much sleep. His emotions are tangled."

"I could go talk to him," Kendra offered.

"No, let him brood," Grandma said. "He’s a good boy. He’ll settle down and find the shame in his outburst if we let him stew."

"He’s right that we can’t take the horn from him," Warren pointed out. "In fact, we may not be able to use it without him. It is still stolen property. He may be the only person who can withstand the guilt."

"We’ll cross that bridge when we must," Grandpa said. "I swear, that boy will be the death of me. For now, let me get on the phone to Dougan. The Lieutenants should be able to help us assemble a strike force."

"I’ll go and get–" Grandma began, but the sudden blast of a horn cut her off. Much louder than the other horns, this one sounded close.

Warren rushed out of the room. "They’re at the outskirts of the yard," he called.

"I’ll handle this," Grandpa said. "I hope Seth is right about their lack of proof."

"Let me come," Kendra suggested. "It’ll look more innocent, like we were caught off guard."

Grandpa appeared ready to disagree. Then his expression changed. "Why not? You’re right, we don’t want to appear the least bit defensive. We want to look bewildered by their presence. But let me do the talking."

Dale came stumbling down the stairs, bleary-eyed and in his nightclothes. "What’s all the racket?"

"Dale," Grandma said. "Go stand on the deck and watch Stan speak with the centaurs. We have no idea why they’ve come."

Grandpa escorted Kendra outside. They crossed the lawn to where Cloudwing waited beside a tall centaur with light blue fur.

"Greetings, Cloudwing," Grandpa said as they drew near. "I didn’t expect to see you again so soon."

"Make no pretenses at courtesy," the blue centaur growled. "Return the Soul."

"Now, hold your horses," Grandpa responded in a less friendly tone. "What are you talking about? I’m not sure we’ve met."

"Skygazer is our spiritual leader," Cloudwing explained.

"When I awoke today," Skygazer said, "the power shielding Grunhold had waned. The Heart remained, but the Soul had fled. We found human tracks leading to the marsh. On the far side of the marsh we located similar tracks along with the unmistakable footfalls of your golem. The golem’s tracks were very fresh, and returned directly to your yard."

Grandpa stared at Skygazer in astonishment. "And you think that means one of us took the horn?" Kendra had never realized her grandfather was such a good actor. His disbelief seemed authentic. "One of our spies recently sent us information that our enemies might make an attempt for the horn. We relayed that information to your king. I sent Hugo out as a precaution, to keep watch for anything suspicious."

"You asked to borrow the Soul yesterday," Cloudwing reminded him.

"Right, we asked.

It would come in useful. We knew our enemies wanted it as well. But we harbored no illusions about stealing it. If we intended to steal it, why would we draw attention to ourselves with a visit? Why would we warn you to guard it well?"

Skygazer glowered. "When necessary, we have secret means of communicating with our mountain troll, Udnar. He mentioned the name Navarog."

"Navarog!" Grandpa exclaimed. "The dragon? The demon prince? He was imprisoned until recently. We’ve heard he is abroad again. This bodes ill."

"A demonic dragon could not have entered Grunhold," Skygazer stated.

"Navarog can assume human form," Grandpa said thoughtfully. "He is a powerful demon lord. He might have had magic to foil your defenses. Later, if he changed form again and took flight, it would explain why his footprints vanished."

"Or he was working with you, and the golem brought him here," Cloudwing said, his posture and voice less certain.

Grandpa laughed. "Right, Navarog the dragon, the demon prince, is now our errand boy."

Skygazer scowled. "Udnar reported that the intruder moved inhumanly fast, and taunted him by divulging his name, as if fearless of retribution. He left a banana where the Soul belonged."

"These are dire tidings," Grandpa lamented. "Our enemies will employ the horn to our significant detriment."

"You claim no involvement in the thievery," Skygazer confirmed.

Grandpa shrugged. "Does it seem possible that one of us could have navigated the many safeguards protecting your Soul? If we uncover any leads, you’ll be the first to know."

"Very well," Skygazer relented. "We’ll be watching." The centaurs wheeled about and cantered away through the leafless woods.