Page 89 of Made

Keir nodded. “Either unintended, or quite genius.”

“Either way, nobody’s sneakin’ up on the multiheaded mutt.”

Cerberus continued to stare, immobile as a statue, with every indication of being on high alert. Until it made up its mind that the lions were not the variety of intruders who should be discouraged from entering. It dragged the heavy chains that hung from its collars to the side of the cave entrance, flopped down, and rested its heads on its paws.

“Well. Either it thinks we’re not much of a threat,” Keir said. “Or it’s decided we’re unworthy and belong here.”

“Either way. ‘Tis downright insultin’.”

Keir sighed. “I have to agree.”

As they began their slow and deliberate approach Keir was thinking about the famous quote from Dante.All ye who enter here, abandon all hope.He brushed the thought aside, but not soon enough to prevent the chill that raised down his spine, raising goosebumps along the way.

Cerberus never took his six eyes off them. It showed no sign of aggression, but Keir and Killian gave it the widest berth possible nonetheless.

“Honestly,” Killian said, “I’m feelin’ kind of sorry for it. It looks sad. Bored. And lonely.”

Cerberus raised his heads then, to the amazement of the lions, one of them said, “Us? You pity us?”

Keir and Killian froze in their tracks. Both searched their memories and couldn’t remember a single reference citing the famed monster speaking.

“Em,” said Killian. “I was referrin’ to yerself. No offense was intended.”

“We did not take offense,” said Cerberus. “Truthfully, wearesad, bored, and lonely. We’ve not been directly addressed by anyone for, well, we can’t even remember the last time.”

Killian was thinking that, technically, he hadn’t addressed Cerberus either. The monster had been eavesdropping.

“Do you call yourselves Cerberus?” Keir asked.

“No. That’s what others call us.”

“Might I ask your name then?” Keir pressed.

“Our true name is Exscruffenrox.”

“A fine name,” Keir replied.

“Thank you,” it said.

“Might I also ask if you know what happened to our brother?”

“Brother? Oh. The one already within.”

“Yes.”

“Well, yes. He’s within.”

“What I meant to ask is this. Can you give us any helpful information on what to expect?”

“Are you lost? You must be lost. This is the Land of the Unworthy Dead.”

“We know.”

“In all the long passage of time we’ve been here watching, never before has someone worthy sought to enter.”

“I have no reason to doubt you, but why then are you posted as guard?”

“A very good question. One we’ve asked ourselves a million times.”