“The short roads?” I repeated. Already my head was beginning to ache. “Through the barrows.” He smirked. “Do you not know this? What stupid mortals you are!” “Dreadfully stupid,” I said. “We are fortunate indeed that you followed us.” “I like quests,” the faerie said. “But I have never been part of any.” “Well then!” I gave the faerie a bow. “We would be honoured if you would join ours. Would we not, niece?” Ariadne had been regarding the fox faerie with a glazed, nauseated look. She swallowed and said, “Very—honoured.”
