Kendra most enjoyed watching the hamadryads take down the satyrs. The nymphs never dove at them or wrapped them up. They knocked satyrs to the turf with perfectly timed shoves and nudges, or else by tripping them. What the satyrs made look hard, the hamadryads made look effortless.
The frenetic game helped distract Kendra from her worries. What if nobody returned from the excursion to the manor? What if her friends and family had all been transformed into shadows that she lacked the ability to see? How long would it be before she followed?
"Why not join in this round?" Doren asked, calling up to the gazebo from the grass below.
"I'm not big on tackling," Kendra said. "I prefer watching." "It isn't as rough as it looks," Doren said. "At least it wouldn't be for you."
At that moment, Hugo loped through the gap in the hedge across the field, ramming dark satyrs aside, holding Seth high in one hand and a stranger in the other. Once inside the field, Hugo slowed.
"Well, pluck out my horns and call me a lamb," Doren murmured. "Patton Burgess."
"Patton Burgess?" Kendra asked.
"Come on," the satyr said, already running across the grass.
Kendra vaulted the gazebo railing and took off after Doren. Where was the cart? Where were Grandma and Grandpa? Warren and Dale? How was it possible that Patton Burgess was with Hugo and Seth?
The golem set Patton and Seth on the ground. Patton smoothed his suspenders and adjusted his sleeves.
"Patton Burgess!" Doren exclaimed. "Back from the grave! Should have known you'd turn up again sooner or later."
"Glad to see you aren't mangy and snarling," Patton said with a smile. "I was grieved to hear about Newel. And you must be Kendra."
Kendra stopped in front of him, a little winded by her run. He looked familiar because of his photographs, but they did not quite do him justice. "It's really you. I've read your journals."
"Then you have an advantage over me," Patton said. "I look forward to getting acquainted." Kendra looked to Seth. "What about the others?"
"Shadows," Seth answered.
Kendra hid her eyes in her hands. The last thing she wanted to do was burst into tears in front of Patton.
"The creature at the manor was the lady outside our window on Midsummer Eve," Seth continued. "The shadow lady who helped Muriel and Bahumat. She's the source of the plague."
"There is no shame in sorrow, Kendra," Patton said.
Kendra lifted her damp eyes. "Where did you come from?"
Glancing at Doren, Patton hefted the golden sphere. "The object at the manor let me travel here temporarily."
Kendra nodded, realizing that he didn't want to elaborate about the artifact in front of the satyr.
Approaching hoofbeats made all of them turn. Cloudwing cantered over to them, pounding to a stop in front of Seth. The centaur stared at Patton, then inclined his head slightly. "Patton Burgess. How have you exceeded your life span?"
"We all have our little secrets," Patton said.
Cloudwing shifted his gaze to Seth. "Broadhoof sends congratulations on your safe return. He wishes to remind you of your engagement on the morrow."
"I remember," Seth said.
"What engagement?" Patton interjected.
"Seth must answer for his egregious insults," Cloudwing said. "A duel?" Patton exclaimed. "A centaur against a child! This is low, even for Broadhoof."
"I witnessed the exchange," Cloudwing said. "Broadhoof provided the young human several opportunities for clemency."
"I insist upon having words with Broadhoof," Patton said.
"I am sure he will oblige," Cloudwing answered. The centaur cantered away.
"He treated you politely," Seth marveled.
"He has good reason to do so," Patton replied. "I recently gave the centaurs of Fablehaven their most prized possession. Well, recently for me-a long time ago for you. Tell me about this duel."
Seth glanced at Kendra. "When we left for the manor this morning, a bunch of the creatures here ran out past the hedge as a distraction, so Hugo could get away with us in the cart. We wanted the centaurs to lead the charge, so Kendra and I begged them. When they turned us down, I basically called them cowards."
Patton winced. "The only words a centaur hears are insults. Go on."
"They tried to get him to take it back but he kept antagonizing them," Kendra said.
"Finally I agreed to a duel if they would lead the charge," Seth said.
"And they led the charge?" Patton asked.
"They did a good job," Kendra confirmed.
Broadhoof and Cloudwing were galloping toward them.
Patton whistled softly. "You deliberately insulted Broadhoof, he challenged you, you agreed on conditions, and he met the conditions."
"Right," Seth said.
"Then Cloudwing has it right. You owe Broadhoof a fight."
The centaurs halted in front of Patton. "Greetings, Patton Burgess," Broadhoof said, dipping his head.
"I understand you intend to seek satisfaction against a youngster," Patton said.
"His impudence was flagrant," Broadhoof replied. "We covenanted to resolve the matter tomorrow at dawn."
"The boy filled in the particulars," Patton said. "I can imagine how your reluctance to assist with their diversion would have appeared an act of cowardice to such youthful eyes."
"With respect, you have no cause to intervene here," Broadhoof said.
"I am asking you to pardon the boy," Patton said. "He may have been mistaken about your motives, perceiving indifference as cowardice, but his intentions were laudable. I fail to see what shedding his blood will resolve."
"We helped with the charade as requested in tribute to his courageous intentions," Cloudwing replied. "In so doing, we fulfilled our portion of the compact. The injuries to Broadhoof must not go unavenged."
"Injuries?" Patton asked Broadhoof. "Is your self-worth so fragile? Was the humiliation public?"
"I was present," Cloudwing said, "as was the sister." "We have a binding arrangement," Broadhoof declared with finality.
"Then I suppose we will require an arrangement of our own," Patton said. "From where I stand, Broadhoof, your willingness to engage a child in a duel, whatever the provocation, is a sure mark of cowardice. So now a grown man is calling you a coward in front of your friend, a boy, a girl, and a satyr. Furthermore, I perceive your indifference as a greater fault than your cowardice, and condemn your entire race as a tragic waste of potential." Patton folded his arms.