Part 30 (1/2)

Stan and Ruth have repaid loyalty in the past, Voorsh said. If we spare their sp.a.w.n, there may be more reward in it than watching the runts boil.

A goose? Slaggo asked hopefully.

Or better. This would merit much grat.i.tude, and Stan has always dealt with us justly.315I'm sure they'd give you huge rewards, Kendra said.You'd say anything at present to save your neck, Slaggo growled. All the same, my ears agree with Voorsh.

Stan will likely return to power, and he has a history of fair rewards. Slaggo set Kendra and Seth on the floor.

Could you take us to their cell? Kendra asked.

Seth looked at her like she was crazy.

Wouldn't go over well if the new mistress caught us aiding enemies, Voorsh said.

If you take us to the cell, you can be sure Stan willfully appreciate your involvement, Kendra said. You can always cut and run if somebody comes.

Might not hurt, Slaggo muttered. Can you keep your traps shut as we go?

Absolutely, Kendra said.

Have you lost it? Seth hissed.

This could save us lots of time, Kendra whispered back.

You'll deny our involvement if you're caught, Voorsh said.

Of course, Kendra said.

Because we could make things very uncomfortable for you if you land us in hot water, Slaggo snarled.

If we get caught, we'll keep you out of it, Kendra promised.

Make sure the other one understands, Voorsh said.

'My tongue gets tangled speaking your vile language.

Kendra explained the situation to Seth, who a.s.serted his316 compliance. Slaggo stooped and picked them up in onehand.

Can you hold us a little looser? Kendra asked.

Be glad I don't cripple you, Slaggo said, slightly relaxing his crus.h.i.+ng grip.

Ask him to grab the glove, Seth said.

Could you also get that glove on the floor? Kendra asked. We'll want it when we're big again.

I understood the other one fine, Slaggo said. I'll wager I grasp more languages than the two of you together. What good is a glove? He bent down and picked it up.

Better than nothing, Kendra replied weakly.

Slaggo shook his head. Be right back, he said to Voorsh. Don't forget to stir the glop.

Don't get discovered, Voorsh said. Swallow them if it comes to it.

Slaggo grabbed a torch and lit it in the fireplace. He exited the room and moved swiftly down the hall. When the hall ended, he rounded a corner and continued. They pa.s.sed the Quiet Box that Grandma had shown them. Kendra was grateful for each cell they pa.s.sed, because they were progressing toward the front of the dungeon. If she and her brother returned to their normal sizes before they made it up to the kitchen, they would be trapped underground. Which meant every second counted.

Here we are, Slaggo said quietly, setting them down in front of a cell door. Now, keep your word and don't cause any trouble for us. He laid the invisibility glove on the317 ground beside them. And if things go well, give creditwhere it's due.

As the goblin scurried away, taking the torch with him, Kendra and Seth wormed through the slot meant for food trays. Grandma, Grandpa! Kendra called.

Is that Kendra? Grandpa Sorenson said. What are you doing here?

Not just Kendra, Seth said. We shrunk ourselves.

Seth? Grandma Sorenson gasped, her voice trembling with emotion. But how?

Coulter woke up just before the revenant got us, Seth said. He gave me a magical coc.o.o.n that wrapped around me. Olloch swallowed me like a pill. I went in one end and out the other.

Which would have satisfied the spell and bound him, Grandpa said. What a stroke of good fortune! I can't say how relieved I am. I have many more questions but little time to ask them. I take it you gained entry through the brownie doors?

I got away with Tanu's potion bag, Kendra said. We made ourselves small. Do you know how long it lasts?

I can't say, Grandpa said.

Clever children! Grandma said. You had better hurry if you hope to enter the house. The spell will not last forever.

We want to steal back the artifact key, Seth said.

Do they have it? Kendra asked.

I'm afraid they do, Grandpa said. I was talking with your grandmother, and she does not recall certain recent318 conversations. Before she was revealed, I believe Vanessacontrolled your grandmother to gather information from me.

That would explain how she wrote those names in the register.

I remember Ruth asking me to confirm where the key to the vault was hidden, as well as to remind her of the combination to access the secret attic.

I have no recollection of asking any such questions, Grandma said.

With that knowledge, Vanessa should already have the key in her possession, Grandpa said.

Do they know where the register is? Kendra asked.

Can they let more people onto the preserve?

I don't believe they know where the register is now hidden, Grandpa said. But they have released at least one of the big imps, a brute who occupied this very cell, the same savage who broke my leg.

I thought this was the cell with the imp, Kendra said.

The one who yelled at me when Grandma showed us the dungeon.