Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary

Two more griffins swooped down to the patio. One dumped Mendigo to slide and roll across the hard surface. The limberjack’s gashed torso came apart, cleanly split into two halves. The second griffin dropped a wooden arm.

"It has been a long while since I have gazed on humans," the giant commented in a voice more thoughtful than gruff.

"You were foolish to stray into the shadow of my mountain. I do not take intruders lightly, no matter how tiny or naive they may be. Come inside, so I can size you up."

Thronis withdrew from the doorway.

"You heard his Magnificence," the dwarf barked. "I’ll see to your weapons. Get your sorry carcasses inside."

Mendigo had dragged his top half over to his arm and was attaching the limb with its golden hooks. Seth crouched beside the puppet. "Wait for us here," he whispered. "If we die, try to find Kendra and help her."

"On your feet, boy," the dwarf snarled.

Trask led the way. Three steps led up to the front door, each one taller than Seth could reach. Off to one side, ladders granted easier access for smaller people. They climbed the three ladders, crossed to the door, and climbed across the threshold.

They paused in the doorway to marvel at the enormity of the sparsely furnished room beyond. A tremendous bonfire blazed on a stone hearth, flames fluttering and leaping, the wood snapping and shooting out sparks. A gargantuan suit of plate armor the size of Thronis stood in one corner. On the wall beside the armor hung a shield, a spear, a spiked mace, and a sheathed sword, all on a scale to be wielded by the giant. Thronis himself sat in a monstrous chair beside a table larger than a tennis court. Leaning forward, hands clasped, he regarded them pensively.

"Come closer," he urged, beckoning. "A diverse group of heroes, as might well be expected, though a couple of you look younger than I would have anticipated. Closer, draw closer, on the double! That’s better. Who would be your leader?"

"I am," Trask proclaimed loudly.

"You needn’t shout," the giant said. "I know I seem far away, but I have excellent hearing. I am Thronis. Tell me your names."

Trask recited their names.

"Well met. Tell me, Trask, what brings you to Wyrmroost?"

"Our business is private."

The giant raised an eyebrow. "Was private. Now I have captured you, and you had best respond to my inquiries."

"We mean no harm to any at Wyrmroost, least of all yourself," Trask said. "We are here to recover a nonmagical artifact that could help ensure the prolonged imprisonment of many foul beings."

Thronis stroked his jaw. "Foul beings? Giants, perhaps?"

"Not giants," Trask said. "Demons."

"Few of us get along with demons," the giant acknowledged. "A prudent answer, but insufficient. Would you care to elaborate?"

"I can say no more."

The giant shook his head in disappointment. "Very well. Six of you will make for a meager pie, but I suppose an undersized delicacy is better than no treat at all."

"We don’t want to be pie filling," Seth protested.

Thronis pursed his lips. "What, then? A souffle?’ Hmmm. You may be onto something."

"As food, we’re gone in a moment," Seth said. "As entertainment, the fun could go on and on."

"Sensible reasoning," the giant admitted. "Seth, how old are you?"

"Thirteen."

"The youngest in the company, I take it."

"Right."

The giant crinkled his brow. "You have a peculiar aspect. Were you not so young, I might suspect you for a shadow charmer."

"Trust your instincts. I’m a shadow charmer."

"Which might explain why you can speak Jiganti."

"What’s he saying?" Trask asked.

"I was just observing that Seth can speak the tongue of the giants. I’ll try to keep the conversation in English, Seth, for the sake of your friends, but afterwards we should commune in my native tongue. I do miss Jiganti. Where were we? Pies? Souffle? No, entertainment. Speaking Jiganti with you would be entertaining, and I would be interested to hear how a child became a shadow charmer. Perhaps I could settle for a five-person pie with a side of stimulating conversation."

"No," Seth said. "Tanu is a potion master. Mara can tame wild animals. A bunch of us are dragon tamers. Gavin is a real pro. We could be at least as useful as that dwarf."

"More useful than Zogo? Perhaps, but it wouldn’t have the same ring. The giant’s dwarf. I have enjoyed the sound of that since day one. Answer me, Seth, whom would you consider the most attractive of your companions?"

Seth glanced over at Mata. With one woman among them, it was an easy contest. "Mara."

"I would have to agree," Thronis said amiably. "Too bad she isn’t about ten times taller. Or maybe good thing she isn’t, considering how she must be feeling toward me at present." The giant rose, stepped forward, crouched, and picked up Mara. He sat back down with her on his thigh. She stared up at him defiantly. "You look Hopi."

She said nothing.

Thronis regarded her silently. "Not one for conversation, I gather. Am I not wild beast enough for you to tame? No matter. I was not counting on words from you." He pinched her head between his thumb and forefinger. "Seth, you have spirit, a trait I admire. Maybe your vigor can help rescue some of your friends. I want you to explain in detail why you are here at Wyrmroost. Should you fail to do so, your loveliest companion will perish tragically. Then another. And another. All of them, in quick succession. But not you. You I will keep for a time. Perhaps you can help me prepare the crust."

Seth’s mind raced. Was it worth keeping their mission a secret if it meant getting everyone killed? The Society already knew about the key. Navarog was at the gates. A quick decision was required. If information might spare them, why not spill it?

"Okay," Seth said. "I’ll tell you. But put the lady down." He avoided eye contact with the others, not wanting to see disapproval.

"A civil decision, young man," Thronis said, bending down to place Mara on her feet. "Sorry, my dear, nothing personal. I am cursed with an inquisitive nature. Come here, Seth, I want you on the table."

Seth trotted over to the chair. Thronis scooped him into a huge hand and set him gently on the tabletop. When he glanced down, the others appeared far away, as if he were standing atop a bluff.

"Tell me your business at Wyrmroost," Thronis prompted.

"We’re after a key."