The Sphinx gazed at Kendra with fathomless eyes.
Kendra looked away. What letter of mine did you read? he finally asked.
Letter?
All of my letters carry enchantments. They leave a mark upon those who read them surreptitiously. You bear the mark.
At first Kendra had no idea what he was talking about.
When would she have read a letter from the Sphinx? Then she remembered the letter she had read last summer while
Grandpa was sleeping after staying up late with Maddox. Of course! It had been signed S. For Sphinx!
It was a letter you sent Grandpa last year. He accidentally left it out in the open. You were warning him about the
Society of the Evening Star. I read it because I thought it175 might have something to do with my grandma. She wasmissing.
Be glad you did not read it with malicious intent. The letter would have turned into a toxic vapor. He folded his hands on his lap. We are nearly finished. Have you any final questions for me?
Kendra frowned. What do I do now?
You return to your grandfather with the knowledge that you are fairykind. You do your part to keep Fablehaven safe while the artifact is recovered. You take note of any new abilities. You counsel with your grandparents as needed. And you take comfort in the fact that you now know why the
Society is interested in you.
He placed a single finger beside his temple. One last thought. Though secret, and in many ways quiet, the struggle between the Society of the Evening Star and those who manage the preserves is of desperate importance to the whole world. Whatever the rhetoric on both sides, the problem boils down to a simple disagreement. While the
Conservators' Alliance wants to preserve magical creatures without endangering humanity, the Society of the Evening
Star wants to exploit many of those same magical creatures in order to gain power. The Society will pursue its ends at the expense of all humankind if necessary. The stakes could not be higher.
The Sphinx stood up. You are an extraordinary young lady, Kendra, with immeasurable potential. The day may come when you want to deliberately explore and channel the power the fairies have granted you. On that day, it would176 be my pleasure to offer guidance and instruction. You couldbecome a powerful adversary of the Society. I hope we can count on your assistance in the future.
Okay, wow, thanks, Kendra said. I'll do all I can.
He extended a hand toward the door. Good day, my new friend. Your brother can come see me now.
Seth reclined on a beanbag, staring at the ceiling.
Grandma sat on a nearby couch, leafing through a thick book. It seemed like all he ever did lately was wait. Wait for somebody to take him into the woods. Wait for the car ride to be over. Wait while Kendra talked forever with the
Sphinx. Was the purpose of life learning to endure boredom?
The door opened and Kendra emerged. Your turn, she said.
Seth rolled off the beanbag and stood up. What's he like?
He's smart, Kendra said. He said I'm fairykind.
Seth cocked his head. Very kind?
Fairy... kind. The fairies shared their magic with me.
Are you sure, dear? Grandma said, one hand over her heart.
That's what he said, Kendra shrugged. He acted sure.
Seth tuned them out and hurried over to the door. He opened it and shoved through the curtain into the room.
The Sphinx stood leaning against the Foosball table. Your sister tells me you are quite the Foosball player.
I'm okay. I don't own my own table or anything.176 177 I do not play often. Would you care to try your handagainst me?
Seth surveyed the table. I want to be cowboys.
Good. They were unlucky for me against your sister.
Are you really part lion?
You mean, am I appearing to you as an avatar? I will tell you if you win. Would you care to serve?
Seth grabbed the handles. You can.
As you wish. The Sphinx pushed the ball through the slot. The cowboys started spinning frantically. The Sphinx got control of the ball, nudged it sideways about an inch, and, with a flick of his wrist, blasted it into Seth's goal.
Wow! Seth said.
Your serve.
Seth put the ball in play. Flailing with his cowboys, he knocked it all the way to the Sphinx's goalie. Using controlled movements, the Sphinx passed the ball across the table, from row to row, until he slammed it into Seth's goal from a tricky angle.
You're amazing! Seth said. Did you say Kendra beat you?
Your sister needed confidence. Yours is a different problem.
Plus there is no chance of me telling you my secret unless you earn it. Seth put the ball back in play, and the
Sphinx swiftly scored again. The same thing happened two more times, the final point coming from a shot that put a spin on the ball so it curved into the goal.
You skunked me! Seth cried.
Do not tell your sister that I went easy on her. Tell her178 you beat me, if she asks. The Sphinx paused, looking Sethup and down. You have obviously been cursed.
A demon statue bit me. You can tell?
I knew beforehand, but the evidence of the curse is plain. Olloch the Glutton. How does it feel to be on his menu?
Not so good. Can you fix me?
The Sphinx opened the refrigerator. I offered your sister a drink.
You have anything from Egypt?
I have apple juice. I suppose Egyptians drink it sometimes.
Okay. Seth roamed the room, looking at the strange knickknacks on the tables and shelves. A miniature Ferris wheel, a collapsible spyglass, a crystal music box, numerous figurines.
The Sphinx popped open a can of apple juice and poured the contents into a frosty mug. Here you go.
Seth accepted the mug and took a sip. I like the frozen cup.
I am glad. Seth, I cannot remove the curse. It will remain until Olloch either devours you or is destroyed.
So what do I do? Seth started guzzling his juice.
You will have to rely on the barrier the walls of
Fablehaven provide. The day will come when Olloch shows up at the gates. The insatiable drive that compels him toward you will only increase over time. Worse, the demon is in the hands of the Society, and I suspect they will ensure he makes his way to you sooner rather than later. When179Olloch makes his appearance, we will find a way to deal withhim. Until that day, Fablehaven will be your refuge.
No more school? Seth asked hopefully.
You must not leave Fablehaven again until the glutton has been subdued. Mark my words, he will appear before long. When he does, we will discover a weakness and learn a way toexploit it. You should have no problem returning to school by the fall.
Having finished the juice, Seth wiped his lips with the back of his hand. No big rush.
Our conversation is nearly finished, the Sphinx said, taking the mug from Seth. Take care of your sister.
Turbulent times lie ahead. The gift the fairies have given her will make her a target. Your bravery can be a powerful asset if you can keep it unspoiled by recklessness. Do not forget that Fablehaven almost fell because of your folly. Learn from that mistake.