Adopted Into Fablehaven Book 3: The Shadow Plague

Chapter One -- Nipsies

Drake stared at his phone.

The past few weeks, he had attempted to text his father, because he'd chickened out with calling. Several deleted rants later, he still had no idea what to say. Finally, he had just decided to be honest.

Dad, I love you, but I'm loyal to the Knights and Starla. I can't help you.

In response:

I love you, too, son. Be careful.

The 'be careful' was worrying Drake.

He knew that, since Fablehaven no longer had the key, the Society didn't need it anymore and wouldn't want the Sorensons interfering. Something was coming, and it would destroy Fablehaven.

He heard Seth sneak past the door and groaned inwardly. Pocketing his phone, he slunk after the boy.

"Where are you going?"

Seth jumped. Jake and Jordyn had appeared in front of him, grinning maniacally. Drake could tell that they could see him in the shadows, but they said nothing.

"Trading with the satyrs," Seth responded.

The twins beamed. "We love satyrs!" said Jordyn gleefully.

"We'll join you!"

Seth grinned back, and Drake rubbed his forehead irritably. Now he had to watch three idiots instead of one.

The four of them headed out of the house and into the woods. Drake realized they were heading towards one of the Nipsy's caves.

The idiot trio met up with Newel and Doren right outside of the trapped area.

"Hey, Doren, Newel," Seth said quietly. "You remember Jake and Jordyn."

The twins grinned maniacally, making the satyrs snort.

"Where's the brute?" Doren asked.

"He promised to meet me here," Seth said. "He's covering Mendigo's chores at the stables."

"If he doesn't show, the deal is off."

Drake was distracted from the conversation when he sensed something dark in the Nipsy cave. He frowned. Why would there-

Hugo showed up at that moment, cutting off his thoughts. "Set," he rumbled upon seeing the boy. "Lokies."

The twins cackled.

"Hi, Hugo," Seth said, lips twitching.

"Will he cooperate?" Newel whispered to Seth.

"He can hear you, you know," Drake deadpanned, making the two satyrs and Seth jump.

"Where did you come from?" Seth sputtered.

"The shadows. I'm coming with you," Drake said firmly.

"Why?" asked Jake.

"There's something dark in the Nipsy cave, and I don't know what it is," Drake said flatly. The twins exchanged worried glances.

"Dark? In the Nipsy cave?" Doren rolled his eyes. "Whatever, Dark One."

Drake ignored him.

"What's a Nipsy?" Seth frowned.

"Nipsies are smaller than fairies, wingless, and, like brownies, are experts in mending, salvaging, and recycling," Drake said. "They have a fascination with shiny metals and stones and are very good at finding them."

"What will stop them from taking the treasure back?" Seth asked cautiously.

"They have no magic, but they are capable of making very efficient traps," Drake explained. "I assume that's why Hugo is here?"