Book Three: Chapter 88

Mike swallowed hard, fighting to keep his face straight. “You know, you’re probably right. However, did you know that there are better ways of getting people to do stuff for you?”

The fireball hovered menacingly. “The new Caretaker thinks he’s crafty then? Okay mortal. Let’s hear it. What sort of trick will you attempt?”

“Well, you have my friends and me captive. Apparently you need me to use those goggles for something. Did it occur to you that you could just ask? Or maybe we could come to an agreement?” Mike shrugged. “It feels like there’s an awful lot of hostility in this room. And I heard you say that the last Caretaker trapped you. Why? Are you dangerous?”

The woman stared at him in disbelief. Several seconds of silence passed. “Are you not cowed by my very presence? Do you not fear what I could do to you?”

“I was almost eaten by a plant last week, and I have a witch outside my house trying to break apart the protective enchantment that protects this pl