Adopted Into Fablehaven Book 3: The Shadow Plague

Chapter Three -- The Knights of the Dawn

The twins are wearing their insanity to the meeting.

I'm not surprised. I am surprised they're coming -- they usually don't.

Protection.

I'm not going to hurt Kendra or Starla.

Because opening a fucking demon prison isn't hurting them.

-------

Drake had remained silent the entire flight to Atlanta, mostly paying attention to Starla, who had fallen asleep on his shoulder halfway through. Jake and Jordyn spent the entire flight planning pranks in a whisper.

Drake pulled his jet-black suitcase off of the baggage claim and did the same for Starla's silver suitcase. Jake and Jordyn took their iridescent yellow cases off of the carousel, chattering brightly. Starla and Kendra muffled their laughter.

"Are you taking your motorbikes, or would you like a ride in the limo?" Tanu asked Drake and Starla.

"I prefer my motorbike," Drake said. "Starla, you can join me if you like."

Starla blushed and nodded, and they both ignored the twins snickering.

"You two aren't allowed to ride your motorcycles," Drake added sharply to the twins. "You technically don't have a license, and you're obviously too young. Also, your bikes will distract every driver from here to Antartica."

The twins snickered. "Fine, we'll go in the limo," Jordyn said dramatically.

Drake got out his motorcycle in an alleyway and rode it back to the airport, where Tanu's limo was just pulling away from the curb. Starla climbed on behind Drake, and he drove after the long black vehicle.

A few hours later, they pulled up to a huge castle. Drake rolled his eyes; fairy collectors. The limo stopped before driving over the drawbridge, so he parked behind them.

Warren opened the door just long enough to toss them their robes and masks. Drake grimaced at the silver mask; he had never really understood the amount of secrecy the Knights had, because it made it harder for people to trust each other. But now he did; the Sphinx didn't want the Knights to trust each other.

The group headed across the drawbridge where they were met by a costumed servant, who led them through a courtyard and into the castle.

The antechamber just inside the doors contained five more Knights -- one regular, sitting at a desk, and the four Lieutenants behind him -- and the Fairbanks, who weren't wearing the Knights uniform. Behind the desk were two curtained booths.

"Welcome, travelers, to our humble retreat," said Mrs. Fairbanks. Humble? Drake thought, stifling a snort. "May you find safe harbor here until duty whisks you elsewhere."

"A pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Fairbanks," Warren said charmingly, ignoring the twins' snickers. The four Lieutenants groaned quietly. "Our thanks for opening your home to us."

"Anytime," said the woman, flushing. "No invitation required!"

"Quite so," said her husband, juice dripping down his chin. Drake curled his lip in disgust.

"A pleasure as always, Wesley," said Warren. He turned to the four Lieutenants. "North," he indicated himself, "West," he gestured to Tanu and Coulter, "Novice." He pointed to Kendra and Starla.

"Novice is East," said the Knight at the desk.

"You know who we are," the twins snickered.

"Unfortunately," one of the Lieutenants muttered. "What about you?" he asked Drake.