Page 76 of Made

After staring dispassionately at Vox for a minute or so, Araxinthe said, “Do you have too much time on your hands?”

“Why? Because I’ve demonstrated the ability to string two thoughts together?”

“Because you’ve always had a tendency to take a simple thing and make it sound complex.”

“Find fault with any part of what I said.”

Araxinthe gave in to a deep sigh. “Vaxingthe was alone.”

“Yes.” Vox sighed. “She was alone. I know you were fond of her. I also know you’re sad to learn of her unfortunate end.”

“Unlike her mother, it seems that Fritjof has inspired some loyalty among neighbors. Even that mostly human judge.”

Araxinthe smiled at Vox. “Yes. Even that odd creature has a deep affection for Fritjof. As does her daughter, the Irish fae queen.”

“She was thrust into a world not her own, with no one and nothing. Yet now, her circle of influence is formidable. She’s done well.”

“What do you expect? She’s one of us!”

“Hmmm. Well. So was Vaxingthe.”

“Must you always point out the downside of a thing?”

“Simply stating a fact. As our guide, you should be the first to insist on examining all aspects of a thing.”

Araxinthe sighed. “As much as I’d like to punish you for being impertinent, I can’t. Because you’re right.” She paused. “But I can be proud of Fritjof’s accomplishments. Can I not?”

Vox bowed her head in recognition of her superior’s status. “Of course. We can all be proud of Fritjof.” She dropped her head and laughed softly.

“What’s funny now?”

“The lion is stubborn and rejects her name from the Book of Principles.”

“He’s an odd one.”

“Perhaps. But I can’t stop thinking that…”

“What?”

“Maybe we are, too.”

“What? Odd?!?”

“Watching the reactions of our guests, it occurred to me.”

“Huh. Well, I think you’re partially right.”

“Partially?”

“Yes, Vox. I thinkyouare odd.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN The Sphinx

Keir was the last through. He glanced back in time to see the portal close so quickly it almost slammed shut, and couldn’t help thinking that it was too late to change his mind. He gambled every day as a hobby, but it was just money. He wasn’t in the habit of gambling with his life.

Each of the three, thinking their respective thoughts, took a slow 360-degree turn.

The sphinx’s nest was practically straight up.