Hex didn't trust Shadow. Given half a chance, the spy would slip away, leaving him to navigate Prince Horace's Maze of Monsters alone. What he needed was a binding potion like the one he'd given Cathy. But all his spells were inside Rune Hall. What if he teleported home? He pondered his dilemma as he walked.

A few steps behind Hex, Chester chatted with the enemy.

"I like your coat," Chester said from Shadow's inside pocket. "The material... oooh... It's so soft. I once owned clothes tailored from the finest fabrics."

"This coat was a gift." Shadow cringed at the memory.

Chester stroked the silk lining. "Very nice," he muttered. "Who gave you such an extravagant present?"

"Prince Horace."

Hex turned to glare at Shadow. The mere mention of Horace made his blood boil.

"That figures. When I was the Chancellor, there were many perks." Chester snuggled deeper into the pocket.

Hex held his tongue. There was a time, and a place, to vent his anger, and this wasn't it.

"Horace gave me the coat when I escaped the maze. I had no clothes of my own."

Chester popped his head out of the pocket and peered up at Shadow with a frown. "Do shadows need clothes?"

"Of course. I can't roam around naked."

Hex tutted, but his mood mellowed.

Chester slapped his hands over his eyes. "No, I suppose not."

Hex grinned as he listened.

"And you know how much Horace disapproves of nudity," Shadow added with a shrug.

"I certainly do." Chester giggled and ducked inside the pocket.

Hex chuckled at Chester and Shadow's trivial banter.

"What's this?" Chester yelled.

"What!" Shadow said, praying it wasn't another earwig.

"There's a hole."

Shadow sighed with relief.

"Such a pity." Chester tugged at the torn lining.

"We're almost there." Hex pointed to the horizon. Shadow and Chester stared at the massive stone structure in the distance.

"No turning back now." Chester gulped.

"No." Hex wrapped his cloak around his shoulders and strode toward the tunnel. "Let's go."

Chester patted Shadow's chest and said, "Are you ready to return?"

Shadow shook his head.

"Me neither," Chester whispered as Shadow followed Hex.

*

About a mile from the tunnel's entrance, Hex decided on a plan of action. It was now or never if he intended to retrieve his binding potion.

"Give me Chester," Hex said, holding his hand out in front of Shadow.

Shadow reached inside his coat and fished the sleeping toad from his warm, cosy pocket. Startled, Chester let out a yelp. "Are we there yet?" he asked drowsily and shivered. "Burr... It's cold. Put me back."

Hex snatched Chester from Shadow and holding him to his lips, he whispered, "I need to speak with you... In private."

Chester yawned and rubbed his eyes. "Very well."

"Shadow, stay here!" Hex growled. "If you move, I'll vaporise you."

"I told you; I want to help rescue the children. I'm not lying this time."

Hex gave Shadow a stare that would terrify the boldest of creatures. He spun on his heels and stalked away. Once out of earshot, Hex told Chester his plan. The toad listened intently to every word and his little heart raced.

"Can you do that?" Hex asked, breathless from speaking too fast.

Chester's eyes were so large they could pop at any second. "Yes! Oh, yes! You can trust me... I give you, my word. I'll do exactly as you've asked. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"Very good." Hex placed Chester on the ground and stepped back. "Are you ready?"

Chester bounced up and down, unable to control his excitement. "I'm ready."

Hex threw back his cloak and rolled up his sleeves. "Stay still! This may sting."

Chester stopped bouncing and frowned. "Sting? How much?"

"A bit." Before Chester could change his mind, Hex clicked his fingers.

A cloud of smoke went with the flash of yellow-gold light. And as it cleared, a short, portly goblin dressed in a fine brown suit stood where the toad had been.

Chester held his hands up and studied his long, green fingers. He looked down at his black, polished shoes, and straightening his yellow silk tie, he said, "It's good to be back."