Book Eight: Chapter 118

“Really?” Mike continued walking toward the castle. “What do you think is out there?”

The gargoyle chuckled. It sounded like a jammed rock tumbler. “You would know, human. My tribe were the lucky ones. They fled here many years ago to escape those who would hunt us. This place is our sanctuary. You should know we would do anything to defend it.”

Mike was suddenly aware of all the gargoyles giving him a pointed look. Message received, he thought. “So has the Caretaker always been here, or do you get a new one when he dies?”

This time, all of the gargoyles chuckled. “The lord of the castle was ancient when my tribe first met him. He will likely live longer than any of us,” their leader explained.

“I see.” Mike gazed along the castle walls and was able to spot at least ten more gargoyles watching him. If not for his ability to see souls, he never would have been able to pick them out along the dark stonework. The gentle curves of the castle became sharp corners