When Shadow led the children onto the boat, Cathy knew for sure they were in trouble. The map inside King Julius' castle showed the Troll Village nestled well within the fairy realm and the land beyond the sea belonged to the Imp Empire, ruled by Prince Horace and the wicked witch Agnes.

Why would Shadow lead them there?

Cathy had kept quiet for fear of scaring Jake. Besides, Shadow still had time to redeem himself.

"This way, children. And stay close." Shadow strolled along the dock toward the bustling goblin town.

Cathy and Jake followed, weaving through the throng of goblins, busy unloading their catch and shouting orders to one another.

"Oh, it stinks!" Jake said, pinching his nostrils.

Shadow tutted loudly. "Boy, you don't know what's good for you."

"Yes I do, and it's not this awful stench." Jake pulled his hoodie over his mouth and nose. Cathy agreed. The air smelt so ripe she could hardly breathe.

Shadow inhaled deeply. "Ahh, I have missed this place. It is good to be home."

"You live here?" Cathy asked, watching a small, green goblin carry a large, silver fish to a waiting horse and cart.

"Lived," Shadow corrected. "I lived here with my flesh and bones."

"Where?" Jake asked.

"I'll show you. Come!"

The children followed Shadow along a cobbled street, down a narrow alleyway, and past several rows of quaint stone cottages, each one bustling with life. Goblins were toing and froing, merrily chattering to one another. But everything changed when they reached the end of the street.

Shadow stopped outside a large, looming, and very derelict house. A stark reminder not to displease the Prince of Imps. A goblin may vanish, never to be seen again.

"This was my home." Shadow sniffed and gestured for the children to follow him inside. He pushed open the unlocked door and slid inside the dingy hall, blending into the darkness. Cathy grabbed Jake's hand and followed.

"Shadow, where are you?" Jake said, clutching Cathy's hand so tight it hurt.

"Over here, Boy." Shadow drew back the moth-eaten curtains in the parlour to their right. Sunlight streamed into the room and dust sparkled in the air. Tattered portraits hung from the picture rail and, dropping Jake's hand, Cathy stepped closer to study each one. The first was a plump, cheery-looking goblin with amber eyes, pointed ears, and rosy cheeks. She'd arranged her straw-coloured hair into soft curls and pretty braids. Hung next to hers was a portrait of a stern-looking goblin with grey hair and wire-framed spectacles.

"Philip's parents," Shadow said, standing beside her. "I guess you could say... my parents."

Cathy nodded, although she hadn't thought of it that way.

"Shadow," Jake said.

"Yes, Boy."

"If you no longer live here, where do you live?"

Shadow turned to face Jake. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, because you must have a home. Everyone has a home."

Shadow shook his head. "Boy, even in your realm, not everyone has a home."

Jake frowned as he pondered what Shadow had said. And without warning, Jake threw his arms around Shadow and hugged him.

Cathy watched Shadow stagger back, his expression a mixture of shock and confusion. To her surprise, Shadow hugged Jake back before saying, "Enough of this! We can stay here for tonight and continue our journey tomorrow."

Cathy wondered if Shadow really could betray their trust and hand them over to Prince Horace. She had a sneaky suspicion he wouldn't.