@Bats the Overprotective Throne Warden✨✨(FF) (BLC) (Elite Door Smasher Captain) here you go! First chapter Previous chapter Books and Crannies After a lunch of apples and butterbread, me, Tink, Janner, and Podo walk to town, which I think the boys preferred. The closer we got to Oskars, the more jumpy they were. Though it’s a normal day, it seems silent compared to the amount of noise from the festival. I wave to the Shoosters as we pass. Glancing over to the jail, I see Gnorm laying in his chair, asleep. I’m not positive, but I think Janner almost tripped when he moved closer to Podo. “You lads run along to Oskar’s. I’ll be watching over ye from the tavern. I feel the need to wake up old Shaggy and wet my whistle, Podo tells us. Janner opens his mouth, then shuts it and stands up a little straighter, “Yes sir. Come on, Tink.” Janner waves to Zouzab, who’s sitting on the roof. “And hello to the Igiby children. I trust your time at the festival was pleasurable?” His words sound careful, like he knows more than he says. Like he’s planning each word carefully. “Yes, it was definitely a day to remember,” I tell him, “Not to be forgotten any time soon. Is Mr. Reteep inside?” “Inside, yes. Many are the books that arrived by wagon not an hour ago. Many new books for you to read, Maddie Igiby.” “Thank you,” We walk in, and Zouzab watches in silence. As we make our way to the back, Tink keeps stopping to look at the items scattered (Though quite carefully, as Oskar was quite specific about where all his little treasures went) across the shelves. “Look!” I turn around at Tink’s voice, laughing as he stares at a bowl full of dusty spectacles. Janner makes a sound and points to a green cylinder, a Snot Wax candle, when I look over. “Eh? Who’s there?” some of the books shift around until Oskar is visible, “Ah! Maddie, Janner, Tink, I didn’t hear you come in. There’s a lot of work to be done, so no dillydallying. Time for browsing later. Follow me.” The books slide back, hiding Oskar, and his steps sound off the wooden floors. After successfully getting to the back without any wrong paths, we see Oskar sitting in the back with a pipe. “Now, lads, I’d have thought your Podo would have taught you better than to laze around while an old man like me needs your help. What in Aerwiar have you three been doing out there?” “We were arguing,” I tell him, “About whether to turn at Skreean History or–” He waves his hand, “No matter. I believe it was the great Chorton who wrote, ‘To worry over dallying siblings is not worth the trouble when a large shipment has arrived.’ Or something to that effect.” Tink moves a few steps closer to Mr. Reteep’s desk, looking at a map spread across the cluttered desk.  I turn the map face down as Oskar walks over. “Easy, young Igiby,” he tells Tink, “Surely your brother and sister have told you that not everything here is permissible for young eyes. There are mysteries in the world that should remain mysteries for the young.” I glance back at him and see his face bright red, I smile as I step away from the desk, giving Oskar more room. “Where did all these books come from?” Janner asks. Oskar looks around his shop, admiring the rows of books a moment before answering, “The real question, young Janner, is where didn’t these books come from. I traveled all over Skree after the Great war, salvaging what could be salvaged. You wouldn't believe the rubble. Those rotten Fangs burned our homes and cities to the ground. But as it always does, the dust settled. As the Skreeans began to unearth life again, they also unearthed these treasures. Books. Only they weren’t treasures anymore. Not to everyone. I knew that I had to gather them up, preserve them. Most people were working so hard at rebuilding and adjusting to life with evil snake men breathing down their necks that they didn’t have time for books. They were given to me or sold for pennies. As the infamous Bweesley the Leaf Thief said in his memoir, ‘Cheap is almost free,’ Look around you, lads. This is the best of old Skree. Or at least, it’s what’s left of it.” I run my hand over the worn spines, remembering some of them from Anniera’s towns. “On Dragon Day,” Oskar continues, “the people who visit me come to remember who they were. They always leave sad. Now then, here’s what I need of you three. I’ll sit at the desk and keep record of the books and their categories-very taxing on the mind, I assure you-and you three unload the crates and stack them where old Oskar Noss Reteep tells you. Just holler out the title and author, can you handle that?” Janner and Tink nod, but a motion above the shelves distract me. I look up and see Zouzab sitting on the top of a bookcase, watching us. “-yes,” I hear Oskar say, pulling my attention back, “Get thee busy.” -BTW, anyone who remembers Little Fire from the last chapter, he's at the cottage. I didn't really know how to add him in

@Seth the MuffinMan (HS Captain) @Matt's Edge (FF) @Mr. Banana [FR, HK, HORC, NPP, ST, SA (of SIA and CIA.) ect.] @Anaya Wingfeather the Cheerleader (FF, FAR, ASC, BLT, AMLC) @Wren [LR, TW, CE, BW, ASC, BLC] @Ellie Mee @Rachel Blackburn (HS) (FAR cofounder)(BLC) @Fab (HS) Texting Fab-Who else is listening to Seth’s questioning? Rachel-Me. I’m in the room behind the judge Anaya-next courtroom over, listening through the wall Ana-in the jury with Matt Spags-Found a good view from the balcony Bana-in the ceiling with the squirrels Anaya-wait, Spags, I thought TTHers were banned except for Ellie and Matt. How'd you get in? Spags-crawled in the ceiling. Almost made Bana fall through Wren-Seth’s in court? Seth-*checked messages once and is now staring at Matt so he doesn’t laugh* Bana-everyone ready? Spags-in position Wren-what’s happening? Anaya-sitting in the hall, ready for signal Fab-ready Rachel-go! herd of thwaps and squirrels come in and chase everyone out Judge-order! Order! Seth-*stands up and walks to middle of the floor* Matt-*finally checks messages and reads through plan* Everyone in hiding-*comes out from hiding places* Matt-I can’t tell whether I should be proud y’all thought of that or disappointed you went through with it Seth trying to blend in while in the Middle Ground Human-so . . . what do you do for fun? Maybe we could hand out some time? Seth-typically? Make inventions, make Bounds, find ways to destroy TTH, occasionally throw a few people into the Abyss or Realm of Chaos . . . yeah, pretty typical. drinks juicebox Human-oh, I-uh, I usually just go . . . swim or something . . .  Seth-*processes what he said* oh, don’t worry about here. I have no desire to destroy here. Only the Thwap House. Human-oh . . . okay then . . .  Anaya*-spawns somewhere nearby and sees Seth* HEY SETH! WE GONNA FINISH OUR FIGHT OR WHAT? Seth-*turns around and glares* DO YOU WANT TO FIGHT THE SHARD!? Human-Uh, do I need to leave or . . .  Seth-Hm? No, you’re fine makes a portal and sends him and Anaya somewhere random to finish fight Human-*blinks in surprise* what in the world . . . .  Fab-HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!! BE GONE FROM THIS PLACE, SOCKLESS HUMAN! (the first started from a generator, this was so much more than what the generator said, though. second was from a random thought I had because a friend said something mildly concerning during lunch the other day and then ate like, some really kiddish food, and my first thought was, "gives Seth")

@andreajoy4jesus @Batwhacker the Freedom Fighter ✨✨✨✨ (BLC) @Seth the MuffinMan (HS Captain) @Breadstik (FF, ASC, BLC) @Wren [LR, TW, CE, BW, BLC] @Rachel Blackburn (HS) (FAR cofounder)(BLC) @Matt's Edge (FF) @Lili Shakespeare (FF, FAR, BLC, ASC) @Kay Livingstone (FF, BLC) @Ellie Mee@Fab (HS) @Jckaw [LR] @ithinkiforgotsomeone casual explosion Safety Inspector walking up the path-well, I don’t think they’ll make it . . . TTH is magically in one piece when they pass out of the woods SI-well, maybe . . . starts checking around Seth- starts attacking again SI-well Andrea, I don’t know how you managed to get all the complaints I got about here, but you passed. floor falls down, revealing Seth with explosives while Ellie and Anaya throw random objects at him Andrea- steps in front of hole, barely covering the amount of missing floor SI-Andrea, sorry to say, but I have to agree with the complaints. Andea-Maybe we can come to an agreement? SI-I can take just the one with the muffins? Everything should be fine after that, once you fix the floor, that is. Andrea- . . . if you can . . . walks away Glitter starts going to the edges of the hole building a new floor proceeds to try and trap Seth Fab-do you want your socks back? SI-what do you mean? They’re right-give me those! Spags- sneaks behind while SI’s distracted, stealing food Seth- breaks bonds in less than five seconds Anaya- was hiding in a tree about to do something, but falls out laughing Wren- minding her own business, unaware of SI until Anaya falls on her SI-hey! Someone get him! points at Seth Spags- knocks out one of the inspectors and shifts into them, fake tying Seth while waiting for Rachel Rachel- jumps out of nowhere and starts yelling at people, mostly at the person talking to Steph Jckaw- being chaotic and trying to eat something she probably shouldn’t Stik- laughing with Anaya about the whole situation by this point Anaya- only got off Wren because she rolled off laughing Seth- throws up shard to scare people, is successful Matt- walks outside confused, then tries to help SI Sapgs- No! Matt! He’s trying to trap Seth! Do you want him to get hurt!?! Matt-I know that, I’m helping him up so he can leave. Lili- chasing after people trying to get Chorkneys into a zoo van SI-I’ll get you eventually, fools stomps off, no longer wearing a jacket, socks, or shoes. Also managed to get a thwap in his hair? Spags- runs up and taps his shoulder SI-WHAT! Spags-I’ll be looking forward to “eventually” smiles, grabs thwap from his hair, and skips back through a random fire that started

first chapter previous chapter -bum Bum BUM! Back to Normal I don’t move when I wake up. Instead listening to the sound of Nia cooking and Podo yelling at something outside. I push myself up and climb over the edge to get ready. “Good morning, Mama,” I say as I enter the kitchen. “Good morning to you too. Would you mind helping your grandfather for a bit?” I laugh and step outside, watching some thwaps dash around in attempted escape. I dodge one and kneel, holding my hand out to a thwap a little closer. Clicking my tongue, I study the thwap that runs up. It’s not a Garden Thwap, Bush? Bark? “Hello, little one,” I murmur. The thwap takes the piece of food from my hand and I notice how short its ears are. Bush Thwap. With how red his fur is, the thwap looks like a Firethorn bush. “Podo, they won’t eat your totatoes if you leave them alone, y’know?” “Eh? Nope! Better to get rid of them all over the cliffs than to let a few live.” The Bush Thwap starts climbing up my arm, smelling me. “Firethorn,” I say, and the thwap looks up, “Is that your name, then?” It seems like they nod, and the little thwap holds onto my arm as I stand, “Little Fire.” “Podo, please calm down,” I walk towards him, but keep a steady distance from his club. “Well, two oughta be good enough for now anyways . . .” he heads in, shoving two in a bag and ignoring the one on my shoulder. As I open the door, I hear Nia scolding him for something, “Oh, Papa, stop it. Now, children, go on and get dressed.” She waves us out of the kitchen to get ready. I go ahead and start my chores, waiting for the others to get ready. Throughout the day, Podo stood near Janner and Tink. Throughout the day, Aunt Nia kept looking towards town with worry. Throughout the day, I was the only one who noticed. -no clue what the bum Bum BUM was for, but I didn't really have anything else to say . . .

@Seth the MuffinMan (HS Captain) @Matt's Edge (FF) @Anaya Wingfeather the Cheerleader (FF, FAR, ASC) @Ellie Mee @Rachel Blackburn (HS) (FAR cofounder) @Fab (HS) @Batwhacker the Freedom Fighter ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ @Wren [LR, TW, CE, BW, BLC] @Breadstik (FF, ASC, BLC) Spags-Hey Seth? Can you teach me how to play trumpet? Seth-Why? Spags-to see who I can annoy with it? Seth-You don’t have to know how to play trumpet to annoy people, just how to make a sound Spags deep thought moment thanks! runs off Matt- Watching Spags run by She was just talking to you, how concerned should I be? Seth-However concerned you find necessary Anaya washing dishes-who used this pan last? Anaya-wait . . . I used this pan last . . .  Ana-it was you Anaya-It was I Matt glancing in-who cooked rice in a pan? Ana-her Points at anaya Wren-just so everyone knows, don’t try to climb a tree at night with strobe lights. Owls don’t like it. Bats- . . . what happened? Spags, walks in covered in leaves-we made a very bad decision Anaya-why is it called an oven when you cold in the food and out hot eat the cold food? Stik-Exactly! Like why is a fridge not called a sink? Like, it colds the hot and warms the cold and the drink the eat! Anaya-or like when the tree does the sky thing and the bird in the ground and the plants in the clouds and the eat in the drink that gets thrown! Matt- . . . what? Fab, slams papers on table-boil up some mountain dew, it’s going to be a long night Rachel-you could have said literally anything else Fab-I ate a brick for breakfast and built my house with poptarts Rachel-I think that’s more normal for you . . . Fab-I know. But actually, spider brains are too big to fit into their head, so it’s spread out through their whole body. walks off during the trials Random FF-It has been two hours and fifteen minutes since I’ve been insulted. About five seconds since I've been assaulted, but we can ignore that. non-THHer-are you okay? Anaya-hanging upside down from a tree branch yep! flips off and skips away backwards Non-TTHer-I . . . don’t think so . . . Ellie-running after anaya nope! This is her normal! You should see her when she’s sleep deprived if you think this is crazy

@Fab (HS) @Matt's Edge (FF) @Seth the MuffinMan (HS Captain) @Anaya Wingfeather the Cheerleader (FF, FAR, ASC) @Batwhacker the Freedom Fighter ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ @Ellie Mee @Rachel Blackburn (HS) (FAR cofounder) @Mr. Banana [FR, HK, HORC, NPP, ST, SA (of SIA and CIA.)] @Wren [LR, TW, CE, BW] having nothing to do Seth-still active and dangerous Ana-SETH! CHILL OUT! Fab-searching for passages and theafable items Bats-mixing sugar for the next Seth Problem Rachel-who even knows anymore. Town? Park? Treehouse? Somewhere. Or possibly just about everywhere. Spags-Middle Ground or TTG Spags- tapping out a tempo that doesn’t sound right . . .  Anaya-you’re not even playing anything yet? Spags-yeah, I know. continues tapping out tempo Spags-does that not sound wrong to you? anaya-what? Spags-the floor sounds weird, does it not? Non-instrumenteer-it sounds like a floor, what about it? Spags-No! The floor sounds wrong! Banna-hey Matt? If you had to kick someone off the FF, who would it be? Matt-what? Banna-if the FF got overcrowded and you had to send someone to the HS or just off the FF, who would it be? Matt-Wren? I don't think she considers herself an FF anyway, so would it make much difference? Banna- . . .  Seth-I mean, you always could join us. We always have enough room. And, allow explosives. Matt- walking into the police station hi, I’m here for Seth? Police-who? Matt-Are you new? Anaya-Cooking and hears a crash in the living room Anaya-What happened!? Seth-Looking between the TV and remote I tried to throw the remote onto the stand? Anaya-And Spags didn’t say anything? Fab-She’s been asleep for the past few hours. Matt- Also heard the crash what happened? Anaya-Seth threw the remote onto the stand Matt-Really? That’s the fifth time this week! It’s barely even Tuesday, Seth. Plus, why are none of you in bed? It’s like, three in the morning. Spags-Waking up and seeing Matt and Anaya what’d I miss? Spags-Sees TV . . . Did you at least finish the movie first? Fab-Apparently, it was rude for me to give my two cents on a conversation I happened to overhear, despite agreeing with them. Fab-On an unrelated note, there is now a “Banned from Ceiling Vents” poster with my face on it by the front desk. Seth-are you still allowed in the ceiling that’s not made of vents?

First Chapter Previous chapter -!WARNING! IF YOU HAVE NOT FINISHED MITH, DO NOT READ THE DREAM!!! The Story of Years As I fill my bowl, I hear part of Podo and Nia’s conversation. “What? Lia ought to know better! And Janner, if I’ve told that boy once, I’ve told him a jabillion times! They’re to watch over them-” “Hush, now, Papa. They’re safe. That’s what matters now. And it’s not like you can make Maddie leave, the others would ask too many questions.” I suck in a breath and sit down, watching my plate without eating much. We don’t say anything for a while, but Podo bursts open the door, hobbling over to Leeli. “WHAT’S THIS I HEAR ABOUT LITTLE RENEGADES TERRORIZING THE TAR OUT OF THE LOCAL LIZARDS?” “Now get in here, lads and lasses, and tell me a tale that’ll  make me quiver in me boots.” Janner and Tink push their chairs back and run to follow him. I get up slower and return the chairs back to their correct spots before I head out of the kitchen. Podo makes us tell the story four times, but let me sit out of speaking. Finally, Nia herds us up to our room and we climb into bed. I’m spared from my most common nightmare, but end up with another. “Mr. Bon-fire,” I whisper, reaching towards the old man, “Watch out before they trap you too!” He steps away with a chuckle, “Lia, my dear, why do you think you’re in that cage?” I stare at him, non-understanding. Some of the creatures come up behind him and my eyes widen, “Mr,-” He holds his hand up and the Fangs still. Bonifer smiles and waves the snakes away. “Lia, I am under no harm here. They will not hurt me. With you, on the other hand, they will not hesitate. Try to cooperate with them, Okay?” I nod out of instinct. It’s not like he’ll be a fool about it. He’s helped my Uncle and Grandfather make decisions that were good, why would that change now? “Yes, sir. I understand. Where’s Papa?” His smile seems different now, but I don’t know how. “He’s just where you can’t see him. He’s doing everything you’re doing. Don’t you worry yourself one bit, princess” He smiles once more and leaves and I sit down, watching him exit. Nodding off a while later, I shoot back up, realizing something he said, “Lia, my dear, why do you think you’re in that cage?” “No,” I whisper. No wonder he knew where I was. No wonder the snakes listened to him. He let them into Anneria. He’s the reason I’m here. Well, I was the reason I’m here, but he’s the reason for everyone else. I put my face in my hands. How? How could he? -so . . . any new thoughts on Bonifer? -I don't really know how much of a "nightmare" it is, but it's definitely something.

First Chapter Previous chapter Armulyn the Bard I glance over to the quieting crowd and see Armulyn waking over. Nia tenses and starts pulling us away. “Mama, can’t we meet him?” Tink looks over his shoulder. “No. It’s time we get home. Papa will be worried sick.” “Mama, please?” Leeli asks. “I said no,” Trying to go faster, she pulls Leeli off her feet and we stop to pick her up, giving Armulyn time to catch up. “I like your dog,” he tells . . . someone. I don’t know who it’s directed to. Turning towards him, he’s kneeling and petting Nugget. Leeli works her way to talk to him, “Thank you. His name is Nugget. I like your singing.” “Why thank you, little princess.” Nia stands firm behind us, I can barely hear her breathing. He offers Leeli his hand and smiles, “My name is Armulyn. I don’t like it here.” “My name is Leeli. I can’t walk very well.” He leans slightly closer when she says her name. I look around and see a cricket close by. Kneeling by it, I call Tink over. “Tink! I found a bug!” I make sure to say his name slightly louder. “And who might you be?” Armulyn asks. I glance up, the question directed towards me. “Uh-Maddie. Maddie I-Igiby.” Great! You forgot your own name! “Quiet!” I say aloud. “Pardon?” Armulyn questions. “Sorry, talking to myself. It’s, uh, it’s nice to meet you, though. Have you enjoyed Glipwood?” “Well, I’ve enjoyed the human side of things. The snakes, not so much.” “We have to leave though,” I help Leeli up, “Our Grandpa is waiting for us back home. We’re lalready ate.” I pass Leeli to Tink and Janner so I can shake the Bard’s hand, “Once again, it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope you enjoy Glipwood while you stay.” I head off after the others, holding onto Nia’s wrist. “Thank you,” She whispers. As the cottage comes into view, the lamps are visible through the windows and the silhouette of Podo blocks the front door. “WHERE IN ALL THE GREAT GOOD GOAT GOBBLIN’ WORLD HAVE YOU BEEN, OUT TRAIPSING THE FROLLOCKY HILLSIDES WHILE I’VE BEEN HERE GNAWIN’ ON MY GUMS! YOU JUST MARCH YER SOGGY FEET OVER HERE BEFORE I YANK OUT YOUR INNARDS AND STEW ‘EN IN . . .” He goes on longer, and would have gone ‘till the sun went down if the others hadn’t broken away from Nia and tackled him. “You’ll be wanton’ some of my cheesy chowder and butterbread, won’t you, my little warriors? It’s been simmering all evening, along with a thousand prayers that ye’d make it back to yer Podo safe and uneaten.” Tink was the first to head into the kitchen, Podo and Leeli following him in. “Lost yer wee crutch, eh? We’ll make you up another in the bright morning,” The door swung closed behind him. “I love you, Mama,” Janner says, wiping his face, “I’m sorry I lost her.” “Shh. It’s alright, you did well, son,” she nudges him towards the door and places a hand on my shoulder, “Thank you. Really. For keeping everyone together and safe. And especially with the Bard. Even your father lost Esben some days. You’ll be fine.” She closes her eyes, takes a breath, and we head inside.

First chapter Previous chapter -yeah, I didn't know what to title it . . . any ideas? Um, anyone got a title idea? We walk over to Nia and she wraps her arms around us, turning to Igiby Lane. “I don’t know what I would have done without you,” She breathes. Nugget runs and knocks Leeli down, but licks all of us where he can. “Where were you boy?”She laughs, “Why did you leave us like that?” Nia reaches down to pet him, “We looked for you at the cliffs. Your grandfather and I were worried,” she glances at me, and I can tell the blame he tried to put on me, “We waited until after the dragon song and the crowd had mostly gone, but we still couldn’t find you. We rushed back home, thinking we’d just missed you . . . Nugget here found us. He led me to the jail. I made your grandfather stay home. He would have torn the jail to pieces and fought an army of Fangs to bring you home, but it would have just gotten us killed. So I came alone.” “Where did those jewels come from?” Janner asks, “The ones on Gnorm’s hand?” Nla glances at him, “They were stored away in case of an emergency. This was an emergency.” “But where did you get them? That was a lot of gold,” Tink adds. “From Papa,” I tell them. Nia reaches over to Kal’s head, apparently they hit him anyway, “Your head. Did they hit you?” Tink nods and squirms when she kisses the bump. “And you, sweetie?” She turns to Leeli. “I’m okay, Mama.” “Did you see the dragons?” Janner asks, “Did you see how they stopped and listened when Leeli started singing?” “That was you dear?” “Yes ma’am” “It was beautiful,” she smiles. “But why would the dragons do that? And why wouldn’t Gnorm have just taken the jewels and taken us anyway? And-” Nia grabs Janner’s shoulders, “Because I told him I could make the finest maggotloaf in the four seas and that if he let you go, I’d cook it for him every third day of the week, once the meat had plenty of time to fester. I told him I had a secret recipe that involved hogpig sweat. The gold was just to get his attention, you see, Fangs have a weakness for jewelry.” “You know how to cook maggotloaf?” Ting asks her. “I have no idea,” she smiles, “I suppose I’d better learn. Now enough questions from you three. Maddie, what happened to your neck?” She holds her lantern to see where I’d guess the mark is still visible. “Venom. From the one that attacked Leeli, Slarb.” I touch the spot and pull my hand back, the venom warm to the touch. “So that’s what happened. Why did he attack you?” Nia puts her arm around Leeli and we continue towards the cottage until Janner and Tink get to the part with the stones. “And you saw no one?” she checks, “No sign of who might have thrown the rocks?” “No one,” I don’t mention getting a glance at the figure, but I know it wasn’t Papa. We start walking als hear Armulyn singing on the front lawn of Charney Baimington.  “Why are you crying?” Janner asks when the song ends. I turn and see Nia squeeze his hand, “It’s nothing. And why are you crying?” “There’s just something about the way he sings. It makes me think of when it snows outside, and the fire is warm, and Grandpa is telling us a story while you’re cooking. And there’s no place I’d rather be-but for some reason I still feel . . . homesick.” All of us were quiet. I was sure he’d said Leeli and Tink’s exact thoughts, but I had a known reason for feeling lost.

First chapter Previous chapter -yay! another chapter! I have no clue why I took a break. but the next chapter might not happen for a while, jsyk Dang? I hold my breath as Slarb tries the first key in the hole and relax slightly when it fails. “Hullo, Slarby,” another Fang strides in, Brak. “Brak, I told you not to call me that,” Slarb insists, watching me as he hangs the key back on their hook. Brak looks over at us, “So, we get to deport ‘em, eh? I love watchin’ ‘em wriggle when we put ‘em in the carriang, don’t you, Slarby?” Slarb’s voice sounds strained when he responds, “Yes. Deporting them all. It’s probably worse for them in the long run anyway,” He wipes his mouth with his forearm and watches me, eyes reflecting the candle light, “much worse in the long run.” They leave and the others wake up shortly as I fill them in. “We have to figure a way out of this,” Janner insists, “If there’s anything Popo taught me, it’s that there’s always a way out.” “But that’s Grandpa, a one-legged man playing Ships and Sharks with little kids. This isn’t a game,”  Tink adds. “I know this isn’t a game, Tink. But it won’t do any good to argue with someone bigger than you,” he says, bumping Tink’s arm. After a few minutes, Leeli and Kalmar fall asleep. Janner paces across the cell. “It won’t do you any good to tire yourself out,” I say after a long break of silence. “What?” Janner turns to me, noticing I’m awake. “If you want a better chance of escaping, don’t tire yourself out pacing. Sit down and think of something. Or sleep. I’m sure they’ll make you walk yourself into the Carriage.” He finally sits down, but it’s obvious he won’t fall asleep. “Maddie?” He asks after a few minutes. “Yeah?” “Why did the Fangs come?” “I . . . don’t know. They’re looking for something, I’d guess.” “Why don’t you get told to watch out for Tink and Leeli ever but I get told every day?” “Because,” I tell him, “I’m used to it. And I’m two years older than you. I’ve been told to protect y’all more than you think.” We fall back into silence until Leeli wakes up and looks over to the window. “Did you hear that?” She asks, “I think it’s Nugget. Nugget! Is that you, boy?” There was part of an argument outside that I couldn't understand, then a thud as Gnorm walks in, Slarb lying unconscious on the floor behind him. Gnorm walks over and grabs the keys, unlocking our cell. “You’re most fortunate, children. Someone thinks you’re worth a few shinies,” He wiggles his fingers at us, decorated with Annieran rings. “So . . .,” Janner checks, “we can go?” “Yes. Out of my sight.” Gnorm hurries the other three out and pulls me close. “Touch one of my soldiers again,” He hisses, “And a thousand chest of gold won’t save you or your family.” He pushes me back and I let myself fall, but not hard. I push myself up and head out the room and past a sitting Slarb, glaring at us. As we reach the outer door, Nia stands pale and waiting.