As the sun rose over the Forest of Foragers, Shadow watched a grey, scaly figure appear in a flash of green light.

"Prince Horace," Shadow said as he stepped out from behind a tree.

The imp slipped his silver coin into the pocket of his navy-blue waistcoat. "Where is she?"

"The girl sleeps."

Horace edged closer. "Has she done it yet?"

"No. Apart from the magic dress Hex gave her, Cathy shows no signs of magic. Are you sure she is a Gem Maker?"

"Do you doubt us?" The imps' eyes narrowed.

"Of course not." Shadow swallowed hard. "Is it possible Agnes made a mistake?"

"Mummy doesn't make mistakes." Horace looked beyond Shadow, towards Cathy and frowned. "Who is that?"

Shadow looked over his shoulder to where Jake lay.

"We met a boy on the road. He's just tagging along."

Horace growled through his teeth. "Do you think me a fool, Shadow?"

Shadow flinched at Horace's tone. "No... it's just... I mean... the boy, he doesn't matter. He's not a part of our deal."

"I will decide who is a part of our deal. If you wish to become flesh and bones, you will tell me the truth."

"The boy is Cathy's brother."

"His name?"

"Jake."

"And does he have magic?"

"No. Not a drop."

"Hmm... that's a pity, but it doesn't matter. It will please mummy no end to add a human boy to her collection. Who would've thought it?" Horace grinned wickedly. "This is fortunate. Very fortunate indeed."

Shadow sighed. He'd grown fond of Boy's constant chatter and his unending questions. Under different circumstances, they could have been friends, but Shadow never intended to help Hex. Cathy was his only chance to become more than a silhouette.

"Am I to bring the children to the Castle of Jewels?" Shadow said.

"Yes, as agreed, bring them to us. Both of them. We'll be waiting." Prince Horace pulled the coin from his pocket. He flicked it into the air and vanished into a green fog, leaving a nasty odour in the air.

*

Shadow watched the children sleep for hours, both completely unaware of their fate. Now, with the sun high above the trees, he had procrastinated enough. It was time they left.

"Boy, wake up," Shadow said softly.

Jake stirred and rolled over.

"Boy, we must go." Shadow nudged him gently.

Cathy sat up, yawned, and stretched. "Morning, Shadow. It'll take a stick of dynamite to wake him."

"Dy... na... mite?" Shadow sounded out the word and scratched his head. The boy slept as though under a spell. With no idea how to wake him, it was fortunate Cathy had the answer. "Where would I find a Stick 'o' Dy... na... mite?"

Cathy giggled. "Never mind. I'll wake him."

Cathy crawled across the ground to where Jake lay. She leaned over him and with her mouth next to his ear, she yelled, "Wake up, you lazy pig!"

Jake bolted up and staggered away from Cathy.

"What's your problem?" he yelled with his hand over his ear.

"There you go, Shadow. He's awake." Cathy stood and brushed the leaves from her dress.

"Cow!" Jake glared at his sister.

Cathy stuck out her tongue.

Shadow frowned at the children. They were a peculiar pair. "We have no time to waste. The walk to Troll Village is lengthy. You may drink and wash in the Brook of Spells—In that order." Shadow led the way and gestured for the children to follow.

After a bathroom break, the three of them knelt by the brook, scooping handfuls of water to drink. When they'd drunk enough, they washed their hands, necks, and faces.

"Are you both ready?" Shadow asked.

"Just a minute." Jake unzipped his hoodie. Inside, Chicken Nugget lay snuggled, still fast asleep.

Boy gazed up at Shadow with wide eyes. "Do you think he'll ever wake up?"

"It's hard to say." Shadow shrugged. He watched as Boy nodded sadly and carefully zipped his pocket. Even though he found Boy's fascination with vermin disturbing, he wasn't completely heartless, and he said something so out of character, he surprised himself. "If there's a way to save the rodent, I'll find it."

"Do you promise?" Jake asked.

Shadow considered for a moment. He knew it was unlikely, but Boy needed hope, and what harm would a simple promise do? "I give you my word. Now let's go!"