Seth and Nero

  "Why are you looting the manor?" Seth asked.

  "Go ask your mentor," the troll replied, his tone reasonable despite his edgy posture. "Graulas ended the treaty. You can't blame an old trader for seizing an obvious opportunity. "

  "Graulas left me in charge," Seth said, inventing as he went. "He had to undo the treaty in order to leave Fablehaven. But he'll be back. And he wants the manor as his residence. "

  Baring rows of needle teeth, Nero glared at Seth suspiciously. "You openly serve him?"

  Seth displayed no uncertainty. "My family abandoned Fablehaven. I stayed behind. I have much to learn. Graulas sent me to make sure his future home remained secure. "

  Nero became fidgety. "I had no way of knowing . . . "

  "I don't blame you," Seth said. "You've helped me in the past. Help both of us tonight. Spread the word that nothing in or around the manor is to be touched. Same with the main house at Fablehaven, especially the dungeon. Graulas knows every item in both houses, and he will show no mercy to any who claim his prizes. "

  "Knew it was too good to be true," Nero mumbled.

  "Excuse me?" Seth asked, a hint of warning in his voice.

  "It will be as you say, young master Sorenson," the troll answered obsequiously, inclining his head. "Naturally, for your sake, these words had best be proven faithful when Graulas returns. "

  "Was that a threat?" Seth bristled. If he was going to bluff like this, he needed to play the role convincingly. "Maybe a conversation with a shade would relieve your doubts. "

  Raising his webbed hands, the cliff troll finally looked truly intimidated. "No need for unpleasantness. "

Chapter 15