The Hunchback's Fairy King Problem ✔

11 NOT LIKELY

Sorem regretted having his horse. Without it, he, too, could travel in the wagon with Vadde. To be honest, he wasn't sure they were even going in the right direction. The Jvalan had said west, but they traveled east, away from the path he'd originally followed.

Less for actual worry and more for a way to establish the lines of authority, Sorem trod up to the front of the wagon and demanded, "Where are we going? I have means to find the Fairy King."

The hunchback kept his eyes forward, muttering when he answered, "Makes no sense in chasing a quest. That lasts years. The Fairy King has several temples. We can pinpoint him from there."

Matax scoffed. "Hell, we can even summon him, too, can't we?"

Wyrn's head turned so slowly to face him that it appeared possessed. Through gritted teeth, the hunchback agreed, "Yes, I suppose so and we'll have to do that now."

The fairy looked pensive but Sorem was pleased—the Jvalan was still working. Compelling these brutes to truth and nothing more.

And it was a brilliant idea. Why hadn't I thought of it? Sorem admonished. He decided to share his own insight. "It has to be a temple. A shrine is far too weak."

Eyes on the path before them once more, Wyrn nodded. "Yes. I'm aware of that."

"And we must gather one that's old. Nothing new. That leaves about three possible kingdoms close by, Wisen, Rowil, and Vane. Their temples are the most authentic."

The knowledge adequately conveyed, the bitter hunchback gave a nod rather than argue.

"Good." Sorem fell back beside the wagon again, sitting bold. At least that savage now knew his place.

Someone let out a scream, drawing Vadde's focus.

"What? What is it?" Matax asked, turning.

Jeze laughed. "Come to shower me with affection again, Matax? Stop. It's making you look weak."

Everything about Matax's personality said he was a boisterous blaggard but now he simply turned to face the road once more.

Vadde scolded Jeze. "We cannot touch the horses. It might get spooked."

"Really? But it's so much smaller than I'm used to. This may be my only chance to ride one."

"Surely, you'll have other chances."

"Not likely. Matax hates being this size."

Vadde studied her curiously. "But you said he insisted you two take this form."

"Yes. I don't know why. He made me promise not to change back without his permission." Jeze scoffed. "I'd like to see him enforce that." They came to a stop and Jeze looked at Vadde for approval before reaching out to stroke the horse's leg. "It's so powerful."

Her expression of wonder had Vadde smiling.

Sorem wanted to ask the fairy to not touch his steed but Vadde looked up at him and begged, "Would you let her ride it for but a moment? It doesn't have to be long."

Those big brown eyes held Sorem captive. He wanted to refuse but how could he?

"All right," Wyrn said, jumping down, "we've reached the end."

The end? The end of the valley?

Sorem was almost giddy with excitement.

When he looked up from the women, however, what he saw was...a statue. A very small, ugly, statue.

It was in the shape of a troll, it's mouth gaping. Knowing what Sorem knew of this valley, he half expected it to be real.

Matax jumped down next and hurried around to pick Jeze up. "Take off these blasted shoes."