Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7
Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14
Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Chapter 18 - Chapter 19 - Chapter 20 - Chapter 21
Chapter 22 - Chapter 23 - Chapter 24 - Chapter 25 - Chapter 26 - Chapter 27 - Chapter 28
Chapter 29 - Chapter 30 - Chapter 31 - Chapter 32
As Isengrim carried Terra through the tunnels to the commons cavern for dinner, a tremendously mouth-watering smell began to fill her nose. It was savoury and hearty, and although she couldn’t quite place it, it made her even hungrier than she already was.
She and Isengrim had returned from Caxton Bank earlier that night, along with a team of Werelupes who had brought back everything from Isengrim’s “hunt” that the villagers could not use. The Werelupes had appropriated the Monocerous skeleton for themselves, as they could eat the marrow and would use the bones for decoration, jewelry, and toolmaking. They also, unsurprisingly, enjoyed merely gnawing on the bones.
Since Isengrim was wounded and could not take a very active part in things himself, and had a wounded owner to tend to, he spent the trip back giving her a tour of the woods. He showed her how the trees were beginning to bud, pointed out a family of Albats sleeping in the hollow of a tremendous old yew, and found some wild peppermint for her to taste.
Now they were back at the Burrows, and it seemed like
tonight’s dinner was shaping up to be something different. As Terra began to
hear the talking and laughing of Werelupes, Isengrim shifted her to one arm and
covered her eyes with his paw.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“I have a surprise for you,” he replied, sounding nearly giddy. The noise of eating surrounded them now and the aroma was thicker than ever. He sat her down and pulled his paw away from her eyes. “Enjoy.”
Terra saw a stack of flat, white, square boxes piled by the fire. She tilted her head in confusion, until she saw that they had on their tops a picture of a moustachioed Blumaroo. Her face lit up. “We’re having a pizza party?”
“Do you like it?” Isengrim asked. His tail wagged a mile a minute as he reached over and flipped open the lid of the topmost box, revealing a perfect cheese pizza. “I had it flown in from Neopia Central and kept warm with fire magic—I got you cheese, do you like cheese?” He picked up one of the hot slices and deposited it in her hands.
“That’s my favourite type of pizza,” Terra said. “Thank you so much!” She bit into the pizza and grinned in contentment as the flavour oozed into her mouth.
“I thought it would be a fitting feast to celebrate our return—and our doings in Caxton Bank,” Isengrim said as he opened up another box and pulled out a slice of cheesesteak pizza. In one bite, half of it was gone down his gullet.
“Sire!” a Werelupe said, patting his shoulder as she strolled past with a thick slice of pizza. “Thank you for the most excellent supper!”
He smiled up at her and said, “You all did well today. You deserve this reward.” He turned back to Terra and opened his mouth to say something else, but movement caught his eye. “Suhel! There you are, I was beginning to worry!”
His second’s posture was low, her ears tilted back as she slunk over to the fire and deposited herself next to him with a grunt. She stared into the flames, tapping her claws together restlessly. She smelled of night air and moist loam, and her long black mane of hair looked tousled from action.
“What’s got you in ill humours?” Isengrim asked. He took a pizza box from the pile, opened it to check its contents, and presented it to her. “This steak and egg pizza ought to perk you up!”
Her green eyes wandered to the protein-packed dish and lit up with hunger, and her ears perked. Without a word, she lifted the whole steak from its bed of cheese and ripped a bite out of it.
“Are you okay, Suhel?” Terra asked.
The female Werelupe glanced over at her, and then looked back to Isengrim. “Milord,” she said. “I’ve—“ She froze as the familiar figure of a faerie Draik approached. His head was held high, his fists were clenched, and he now wore a necklace of fangs.
“Pharazon!” Terra said. “You look like you’re doing a lot better. Oh—and nice fangs!” She smiled. “I knew you could do it! How did you get these?”
“I was strong,” Pharazon replied cryptically. He shot the Werelupes a look like he wanted them to stop eavesdropping.
Suhel bit into the steak rather menacingly as she glowered at him. Isengrim also frowned, seeming confused at the Draik’s sudden change of rank without his knowing. “Did Skoll give those to you?” he asked.
“Yes,” Pharazon said. “I’ve been practising magic with him and he says I’m strong enough now to wear fangs.”
“Hm,” the Werelupe King grunted. “All right, then.” He reached for another slice of cheesesteak pizza. “Congratulations. It is good to see you have cast aside your cowardice.” He chewed the pizza thoughtfully for a moment. “By the way, Pharazon, I have been meaning to apologise for my behaviour toward you these past few days. It was very rude of me. You are more than welcome to make yourself at home in my grotto from now on. It is the proper place for my family, after all.” He shot a smile at Terra, who smiled back.
“Ew, no thanks,” Pharazon said, turning up his snout at the Werelupe. “I wouldn’t stay in your nasty smelly grotto if you paid me. I’ve been staying in Skoll’s study and he’s much nicer company than you are!”
Isengrim’s and Terra’s smiles faded. “Ouch, man,” Terra said. “That’s harsh. And Isengrim’s grotto isn’t nasty or smelly at all. He keeps it very tidy.”
“I’m sure that’s what he’d like you to believe,” Pharazon grumbled. “Can we talk?” he asked his owner.
“Sure, what’s up?” Terra asked. Her Draik’s weird attitude was mystifying and she wondered what had happened to him these past few days.
Pharazon motioned with his snout to the Werelupes and said, “Away from them?” Isengrim was back to enjoying his meal, but Suhel continued to gnaw on her steak and glare at her faerie ward.
“I can’t walk right now,” Terra said. “My leg’s still healing.” She glanced over at Suhel, but the female seemed to have no intention of letting the two alone.
Thankfully, Isengrim caught on quicker. “Suhel,” he said as he rose to his hind paws, “why don’t you come with me to see if there is any more cheesesteak pizza at another fire?”
She glanced suspiciously at Pharazon one last time, but got up as well, and the two Werelupes sauntered away.
Pharazon leaned in close to his owner. “I’ve found a way to free us both,” he whispered, his words nearly lost in the clamor of dining Werelupes around them. “Be ready. I’m going to rescue you.”
Terra narrowed her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
Pharazon looked around warily, then back to her. “I’m going to get rid of Isengrim.” He grinned. “Isn’t that great?”
Shock jolted through Terra’s body and her jaw fell, followed by the rest of her expression. The pizza seemed to lump in her stomach. “Please don’t,” she said.
“What? Why not?” Pharazon asked. “I’m not a weakling any more, Terra. I know how to use magic! I’m finally good for something!”
She swallowed hard and shook her head. “Not like this. Isengrim isn’t the monster you think he is. He’s my friend—he’s your brother. He’s changed, and he fully intends to get us back home once I’m done helping him.”
A look of anger wrenched across Pharazon’s face and he snorted, faerie dust puffing out of his nostrils. “Oh, and did he ever tell you when that would be?”
“I’m in charge of when we leave,” Terra said, “not him. I know it’s tough being away from home for a bit, but I want to make sure he’s doing okay before—”
“You need to face reality,” Pharazon hissed. “He’s brainwashed you—he’s never letting us go. I’m tired of sitting around waiting to be rescued. I’m getting rid of the Werelupe King, and unlike my incompetent siblings, I’m going to make sure he’s gone for good this time.”
Terra sat back, a wave of anguish washing over her. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing from the mouth of her own Draik. He seemed so… poisoned. “Pharazon,” she said, “whatever you’re planning, don’t do it.” The pieces came together in her mind and she leaned forward again, brows furrowed. “Are you plotting something with Skoll?”
“Of course,” Pharazon said. “Don’t try to stop us. I’m getting you out of here.”
“I don’t need you to,” Terra said more firmly. “I have
everything under control.”
A thick brown arm reached down and picked Pharazon up by his tail. “That’s enough, runt,” Suhel said, Isengrim stepping up beside her. There was no more levity in her tone as she glared at him, hackles raised. “Stop insulting your owner, you ungrateful—“
“Leave me alone!” Pharazon said. Nostrils flaring, he cupped his claws and shot a spark of magic at her.
It hit her muzzle and she yelped in pain, turning her head aside as though she’d been physically struck and dropping the Draik. Although the magic had not left any injury, she clutched her snout with wide eyes and backed away from him, tail curled between her legs. Isengrim put his paws on her shoulders and growled down at Pharazon.
The Draik stared at Suhel and then at his own paws, looking scared and guilty. “I—“ he stammered, but he couldn’t get himself to finish his sentence as he turned and ran. Isengrim reached to catch him, but the smaller Neopet was too fast, and he scampered out of the commons hall.
Terra stood up to inspect Suhel’s muzzle. “Oh no… are you okay?” the human asked.
For a moment, Suhel did not respond, as Isengrim gently pried her paws away from her snout to check for damage. Other Werelupes crowded around them, muttering to each other worriedly.
The Werelupe King patted his second’s shoulder. “It looks all right,” he said kindly. “Are you in any pain?”
“It’s fading,” Suhel said. She took a deep breath. “He—he attacked me—“
Terra looked to where Pharazon had run off to, and a deep sadness washed over her. Something was happening to her Draik that she did not like. And she knew Skoll was behind it. Clenching her fists, she turned back to her newest Neopet. “Isengrim,” she said, “Skoll and Pharazon are planning to betray you and overthrow you.”
Isengrim looked up from comforting Suhel, eyes wide like someone had dumped ice water on him. “What?” he choked.
“Pharazon told me, just now,” Terra said. “That’s why he was yelling at me. Please believe me. I knew I didn’t have a good feeling about Skoll.”
Isengrim’s jaw hung slack as he stared at her. Terra knew this would be hard for him to swallow. “But… Skoll has done so much for us…” he said. “I don’t understand…”
“It’s true,” Suhel said. “Skoll took Pharazon to the graveyard tonight. I was worried about the runt, so I followed them. They went down a shaft in a tomb, but—“ She held her arms and shivered, ears flattened against her skull. “The magic there was too much. I don’t know what they did down there, but I don’t think it’s good at all, milord.”
Isengrim suddenly looked very old and weary, as though a great burden had been placed upon him, but he nodded slowly. “I cannot ignore that,” he said. Taking a deep breath, he drew himself up straighter and looked around at the other Werelupes. “Find Skoll and Pharazon!” he barked. “Bring them to me—by force if necessary!” He glanced down at Terra. “But do not let the Draik come to any harm, understand?”
His pack nodded and swiftly dispersed into various tunnels, although a few Werelupes grabbed extra slices of pizza as they left. Suhel reluctantly turned to go as well, but Isengrim caught her shoulder and held her back.
“You’ve been through enough tonight,” he said. “Stay here and eat. Take care of yourself.” She looked at him for a moment, then hugged him with a whimper. Isengrim put a paw on her head. “You’ll be all right,” he said. “I’ll protect you. I promise.”
Terra watched, impressed that Suhel seemed to trust the human enough to show such a vulnerable side around her. Perhaps it spoke of how much the Werelupes had accepted their king’s owner—it probably helped that Terra had shown such interest in them instead of turning vindictive like Pharazon.
“Isengrim—I’m so sorry,” the owner said. “I’m worried this is my fault. I—I should have raised Pharazon better—“
Isengrim gave Suhel a squeeze and then turned to crouch in front of Terra. “Do not take this upon yourself,” he said. “This was Pharazon’s decision. You are the kindest, most selfless owner I have ever seen. I highly doubt you raised him to be a traitor.”
“I sure didn’t,” Terra said with a frown.
“I ought to be the one to apologise,” Isengrim said. “You tried to warn me about Skoll and I didn’t believe you.” He sighed and shook his head. “I was so focused on the fact that he was one of my kind, rejected by Neopia like the rest of us, I’m afraid it clouded my vision as to his true nature. Next time you tell me your feelings, I will take more heed. You are wise for one so young.”
“Thanks,” Terra said. “I… do you still trust me? I know how difficult betrayal is for you…”
Isengrim peered into her eyes with a serious and thoughtful expression. Then he smiled and put a paw on her head, mussing her hair a bit. “Of course I still trust you, Terra,” he said. “I have already made that decision, and I will waste no time second-guessing it.” He paused and his smile faded. “And I see sincerity and valour in your eyes—something I now realise I never saw in Skoll’s. By my life, I will not make that mistake again.”
“We all make mistakes,” Terra said.
“Well,” Isengrim said, “I intend to set this one right. My thanes will find Skoll and Pharazon, and stop whatever they’re plotting. Let’s just enjoy the rest of our dinner.”
Terra looked down at the pizza boxes around the fire and smiled halfheartedly. “Thanks again for ordering pizza. Um… to be honest… I kind of don’t have an appetite after what happened.”
“That’s understandable,” Isengrim said. “I’m worried that you didn’t get enough to eat, though.”
“I’ll be okay,” Terra said, putting a hand to her stomach. “I did have one slice of pizza, so I’m not hungry anymore. I shouldn’t push my stomach when it’s stressed.”
“I’m not feeling hungry anymore, either,” Suhel sighed. “But thanks for the feast, milord. I’m going to bed.”
She turned to leave, but Isengrim caught her shoulder. “Will you be all right?” he asked.
Suhel’s paw traveled back to her snout, gingerly touching where Pharazon had attacked. “All this nonsense has given me a headache,” she said. “I just need some peace and quiet for a bit. You know I’m not one for much fuss and attention.”
Isengrim nodded, but his eyes bored into hers and he squeezed her shoulder. “Suhel,” he said, “I am so deeply sorry for everything you have been through the past few days. I know looking after Pharazon was difficult for you, but—I gave you the job because you were the Werelupe I trusted him with most. I knew you would keep him safe.”
“Aye, I figured as much,” Suhel said with a sigh, glancing aside. “Although look where that got us. I ought to be the one to apologise, Isengrim. I never should have let that naïve Draik fall into the clutches of such a treacherous knave.”
“None of us had any idea things would transpire this way,” Isengrim said. “I’m the one to blame for—instigating everything.” His ears swiveled back.
Terra watched the two, observing a different dynamic between them than the demeanour of leadership they displayed around the rest of their pack. Suhel wasn’t just Isengrim’s second-in-command—she was his friend, and it seemed the two of them had known each other and worked closely together for a very long time.
“If anyone’s to blame here,” Terra said, tucking her knee to her chin thoughtfully, “it’s Skoll. You’ve just been pawns in his game.”
The two Werelupes looked down at her, then back at each other, and Isengrim grunted in agreement. “A role I am quite happy to cast aside immediately,” Isengrim said.
A low growl escaped Suhel’s throat. “That wretch will pay the consequences for only thinking of himself. We won’t tolerate such behaviour in our pack.”
“Our packmates will deal with him,” Isengrim said. “You need to rest after everything you’ve been through. And… I won’t ever task you with such a thing again. You work so hard for all of us. I should not have given you that additional burden.”
Suhel watched the king for a moment, and then smirked. “Aye, and then he would have driven you mad with his whining. It’s all right, Isengrim. I know how to take one for the team. But… thank you for thinking of me.”
“What can I do to make it up to you?” Isengrim asked.
“Keep our pack safe,” Suhel said. She put her paw to her muzzle again. “I… I fear we underestimate the danger we are in, and usually underestimating a wizard is one’s last mistake.”
“Yes, of course,” Isengrim said. “But what can I do for you?”
Suhel’s gaze grew distant as she thought. “Let’s you and I go on a good long hunt when all this is over. I need some fresh air. We’ve not been up Mount Fogshroud in a while. I wonder if there are as many Ixi Raiders there as in past days.”
Isengrim smiled. “I would enjoy that very much. Now go rest. I’ll come check on you in a bit.”
“Thank you,” Suhel said. She gave him and Terra one last glance, the fatigue evident in her eyes, before she made her way out of the cavern.
“Will she be all right?” Terra asked Isengrim.
Isengrim was still watching the tunnel where Suhel had departed, but he turned to the human and said, “She likes to have plenty of time to herself when she is stressed. She is strong… but I have put her through too much lately.”
“Don’t blame yourself for Skoll’s actions,” Terra said. “I get the feeling he’s been plotting something for far longer than you’ve been looking for me. He… he would have betrayed you eventually, with or without an accomplice.”
Isengrim let out a long sigh. “I am sure you are right. At any rate, I will help Suhel through this. She just needs time to recuperate—and I certainly owe her a hunting trip.” After another moment of thought, he turned back to Terra and forced a grin onto his muzzle. “Well, then. If you are done eating, I know of something else that will help keep your mind off of what is going on.”
“What is it?” Terra asked.
“You’ll see,” Isengrim said. “Just let me process this pizza first.” He began to gather boxes and open lids to check the contents, consolidating slices as best as he could, and throwing any empty boxes into the fire. Terra helped him as best she could from where she sat, and when they were done, Isengrim picked her up in one arm and a large stack of pizza in the other and they headed to the kitchen.
At first they plodded along the tunnel in silence, but then Isengrim’s ear flicked, and he looked sidewise at Terra and said, “You… don’t think I have been dishonest with you, do you? There has been too much betrayal this eve, and I fear it now has us all doubting each other. I would not blame you if you thought my apologies a ruse.”
Terra reached over and put a hand on his head, feeling his brows pinched together in worry beneath his thick, coarse fur. “I know you’ve really changed,” she said gently. “I can see it in your eyes, but beyond that I can see it with my heart. I am a difficult person to deceive, and unlike with Skoll, I never truly felt apprehensive around you. You are a different calibre of Neopet than he is, and I could always sense that.” She smiled. “Besides, no self-interested liar would risk his life to defend peasants from a Monocerous. You showed what sort of a person you are yesterday.”
Isengrim studied her face and slowly his ears lifted. “You… are truly wise, Terra,” he said. “Your insight would put Brightvale scholars to shame. It is tragic how most other Neopians only see you as a quiet and shy little human to be passed over, instead of taking the time to understand the mighty strengths you possess. I feel—well, faerie-blessed to have you as my owner, if indeed those pompous fae would ever bestow a blessing upon such a creature as me.”
“I believe,” Terra said, “that there are powers greater than the faeries. And they’ve been looking out for you.” She put an arm around his neck and pulled him into a hug. “I’m here for you.”
Isengrim let out a deep breath. “As am I for you,” he said. “Let us put our doubts to rest and focus on enjoying the friendships we have.”
Terra nodded. “We won’t let Skoll ruin that.”
In the kitchen, after he put the pizza in the cold storage, Isengrim set Terra down on a countertop and ducked into the larder. For a few moments, all Terra heard was bowls clattering.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“You’ll see,” Isengrim said again. He came back out with two bowls stacked in one paw, and he scooped her back up. In the top bowl was what looked like a gloppy black soup that smelled of charcoal. Terra wondered if it was a weird Werelupe beverage. Maybe it tasted better than it looked.
Above the staircase to Isengrim’s grotto, an immense Monocerous skull with a pair of curved horns had been hung on the rocks. It loomed menacingly, challenging anyone to dare walk under it and face the wrath of its hunter.
“Nice décor,” Terra said with a grin.
“It is a welcome addition to my collection,” Isengrim rumbled proudly.
At the top of the stairs, he took her to a corner of the cave where a small space on the wall was blank. Gently setting his owner down, Isengrim put the bowls beside her and Terra realised that their contents were pigments—black, red, and ochre.
The Werelupe King sat down beside her. “I’ve been saving this space for you,” he said, his tail wagging. “I looked forward to the day when I could have an owner mark their place in my home.” He gestured to the bowl of black. “Go ahead.”
Terra lowered her splayed hand onto the surface of the pigment, allowing it to coat the entire underside of her palm and fingers. Then she pressed it to the rock and pulled it away, leaving a human handprint.
Isengrim did the same with his own paw, stamping his print beside hers. “There,” he said contentedly. “Feel free to draw whatever you like here.”
“Thanks!” Terra said with a smile. “Although I’m not sure it’ll turn out as good as your artwork…” Her smile faded as she looked back at the two new prints, and a heaviness seemed to settle in her heart.
“What’s wrong?” Isengrim asked.
Terra sighed. “Blynn and Hyren should have their hands up here too.” She paused. “And Pharazon.” Although she worried about her Zafara and Grundo and how they were probably out of their wits from worry, thinking about Pharazon hurt worse, considering what had just happened.
Isengrim stared at the wall in silence. Finally, he drew a breath and said, “I am sorry. What I meant to be a fun diversion just made things worse. Bones and curses, I can’t do anything right,” he muttered under his breath.
Terra put her non-painted hand on his arm. “No,” she said, “you were just trying to help. I’m sorry. It’s been a weird evening and I guess I’m feeling pretty frazzled.”
Isengrim smiled weakly and patted her hand. “You have been through too much these past few days,” he said. “You ought to rest. Once your leg is healed and you are in a condition to travel, let’s begin making arrangements to get you and Pharazon back to Altador—to your family.”
“Are you sure?” Terra asked. “It’s only been a few days.” Immediately she was flooded with memories of her home. The Burrows were fascinating, but she had built up so much in Altador. She missed her alabaster villa by the sea, the way the cypresses swayed in the wind, the smell of olive trees in the dusk, the mild winters, and the familiar comfort of her own home. “I feel like I haven’t helped you nearly enough. I’d be happy to stay for as long as you need me.”
“You have healed so much in these few short days,” Isengrim said. “And I have already greatly inconvenienced you and Pharazon. I cannot ask any more of you. I just hope… you will not think too ill of me when you remember me.” He ducked his head. “I am sorry for my actions in the past. I wish I could have done more to make up for them during your time here.”
Terra gave his paw a squeeze. “I really appreciate everything you’ve already done for me. You’re a wonderful friend.” She chuckled. “And why are you talking like we’ll never see each other again after this? You’re still my Neopet, you know. I won’t ever abandon you. You’re welcome to visit my home any time. And I’d love to visit the Burrows again when I can.”
The Werelupe perked up, and his tail began to wag. “Do… do you mean it?”
“Of course!” Terra said. “I can bring Hyren and Blynn this time around—we’ll have so much fun together!” She smiled warmly. “That’s what family’s for.”
“That will be wonderful,” Isengrim said. “I would love to see your home, Terra. You will have to show me around!”
“Altador’s an amazing place to explore,” Terra said. “We can go on hikes around the hills and—“
“Milord!” Suhel barked from the entrance, sounding panicked.
Isengrim and Terra turned to her. The female’s eyes were wide, her ears turned back, and she gripped the stone like she was about to fall over as her tongue lolled from her jaw. She had run here, from the way she was panting. “They’re gone!” she said.
Terra’s stomach plummeted. Isengrim put a protective arm around her and said, “What do you mean?”
Suhel swallowed hard, trying to catch her breath. “I… I didn’t go after them, but…” On wobbly legs, she took a few more steps inside. “The search teams just came back. They found Skoll and Pharazon—and the two attacked them with magic. Your thanes’ wounds are minor and they’re being tended to as we speak, but Skoll and Pharazon got away. The others tried to follow their scent, but the scent trail cut off suddenly.”
“I’ll bet one of them cast a spell to mask their scents,” Terra said. She leaned against Isengrim wearily.
He squeezed her shoulders and stared up at Suhel. “Post guards all around the Burrows,” he said. “Stay on high alert. Make sure there is a complement of guards at my grotto tonight. And send a team, armed, to search the graveyard.”
“Do—do you need me to go with them, milord?” Suhel asked, using one hind paw to scratch the back of her leg nervously.
“No,” Isengrim said. “Stay in the Burrows and rest.”
She gave him a relieved look. “A-all right. I’ll have those guards up here shortly.” Isengrim nodded, and Suhel staggered back down the stairs, howling out the orders in a staccato rhythm.
“Curses,” Isengrim hissed under his breath. “Terra, I am sorry. I wish you were not caught up in this. I hate to say it, but we will have to detain your Draik when we find him.”
“I understand,” Terra said. “I’m just—I can’t believe what he and Skoll are doing. I don’t like that you’re in danger.”
Isengrim smiled. “I am the Werelupe King, remember? I have been in many a dangerous situation before, and have lived to tell about it. I am harder than that to get rid of. Not even a collapsing castle could finish me.”
Terra did a double-take when she realised he was referring to the events of twelve years ago, and she laughed. “Hm, that’s true. I still can’t help but worry about you, though.”
“It’s because you care,” Isengrim said. “I know how that is. It’s the same reason I’m worried about you.” He nudged the bowls forward. “Well… let’s try to keep up our spirits. Would you like to do any painting?”
“Mm…” Terra hovered her hand over the bowls. “I… don’t think I’m up for it, to be honest. I can’t be creative when my emotions are all frazzled like this.”
“I understand,” Isengrim said, moving the bowls aside and giving her a rag to wipe her hands with. “There must be something we can do to keep the worry away, though. I do not want you to worry yourself sick.”
“Me either,” Terra said. She just wished she could think of something besides Pharazon’s betrayal, and the possible danger they were in. As she passed the rag back to Isengrim, she yawned. Today had taken too much out of her.
“I have an idea,” Isengrim said with a smile as he wiped his paws on the rag. “Keep telling me about Altador, Terra.” He picked her up and brought her to her bed, pulling the furs up to her shoulders. “Tell me about all of the beautiful things you have seen in your travels.”
Terra took off her glasses and undid her braid. “I think that’s a great idea.” She had confidence that they could fix this, and she did not think that she had been led here, and done so much good already, just to fail in the end. They just had to keep fighting.
As she settled down in her bed, Isengrim’s crimson eyes stared at the entrance to the grotto and his fur bristled, as if he was silently daring Skoll or Pharazon to try to attack them. He moved to a chest at the wall, opened it, and pulled out a sword. He checked the blade and then fastened the weapon around his waist. Then he relaxed and sat down at Terra’s side cross-legged, placing his paws on his knees and smiling at her.
“We were in Shenkuu for the Lunar Festival,” she said, closing her eyes and trying to remember everything she’d experienced before she blacked out and woke up on a pirate ship. “In the Imperial City, they hang strings of paper lanterns across the streets, and all of the decorations are red and gold because those are auspicious colours in Shenkuu—they represent happiness and prosperity.”
“Fascinating,” Isengrim said.
“And the food is incredible,” Terra said. “They have these big, hearty bowls of noodle soup, and sweet rice dough wrapped around ice cream, which sounds weird but tastes amazing…” As she rambled on to Isengrim about the wonders of Shenkuu and slowly drifted to sleep, she thought how faerie-blessed she was to have such a caring Neopet. If only Pharazon could see that, too.
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