He took a deep breath. «Will you come after me? In case I don’t find a way to get through? In case I get locked away in the dungeons and don’t get my parents out? Will you try to do something about it?» He exhaled sharply. «Even if I do get through and find her, the Druids will be waiting for us when we get back. We’ll need help, Tagwen.»

  The Dwarf tightened his grip. «We’ll come for you. No matter how long it takes us, no matter where you are. We’ll find a way to reach you. We’ll be there for you when you need us.»

  Pen put his hands over those of the Dwarf’s, pressing them down into his shoulders. «Get out of here any way you can, Tagwen. Don’t stop for anything.» He hesitated. «Don’t try to reach Cinnaminson. She has to wait for me. She can’t leave until I come back for her.» He shook his head quickly, fighting back tears. «Don’t ask me to explain. Just tell me you’ll do what I’ve asked. All right?»

  The Dwarf nodded. «All right.»

 « I can do this,” Pen whispered, swallowing hard. «I know I can.»

  Tagwen’s fingers tightened. «I know it, too. You’ve done everything else. Everything anyone could have asked of you.»

 « I’ll find a way. Once I’m there, I’ll find a way.»

 « There are some still loyal to your aunt,” Tagwen said. «Keep an eye out. One of them might come to your aid.»

  Pen glanced down again at the darkwand. «What can I do about the staff? It’s too big to hide, but I have to take it with me. I know they won’t let me keep it, if they see it. But I can’t afford to give it over to them, either.»

  From back in the shadows, the taller of the two Druids called out, «You should have said everything you intended to say by now, Pen. You should be finished and ready to honor your promise. Tell Tagwen to step back, and then you come forward to us!»

  Pen stared toward the firelight, to the cluster of Troll prisoners huddled together, to the shadowy forms of the Gnome Hunters surrounding them, to the cloaked forms of the Druids.