Pancake was right. There were at least a dozen ravens perched in the trees just beyond the gate. They peered down silently as the group approached.

"We don't get many ravens around here. At least, I've never seen any." Amelia answered, marveling at the birds. "Why would they mean company?"

Pancake gave her the side eye, then glared back at the avian watchers. "Those are spies, or I'm not cute and fuzzy. Being as I am cute and fuzzy, just take my word for it. They're waiting for something or someone."

"I wasn't expecting anybody. The only people that have been here besides myself are Monty and Maisie, but why would ravens be interested in them?"

"It ain't them who are interested, care bear. They're spying for somebody."

Shock bounded through the gate, then started snuffling around one of the trees the birds were sitting in. A few of them shifted about on their branches but otherwise didn't seem disturbed.

"Is it odd that they're staying outside Bert's boundaries? Does that mean anything?" Amelia asked.

"What gave you that idea? Boundary's other side of the road, far as I can tell. I got an eye for these kind of things. Two eyes, actually."

"Picker said the boundary was right here by the gate. He said he could smell it."

"Well, there's your first problem, listening to some dude named 'Picker'. Is that short for 'Nose Picker', any chance?"

"Hey now, Pancake. Picker is a nice goblin, and I'm sure it's because he uses a pick in mining, not that other thing. Don't be rude!"

"Never gonna live that name down, am I? Shoulda gone with Krampus or Heidrun, even Tanngrisnir, but oh no, I gotta be a smart arse." The goat mumbled mostly under his breath.

Fern leapt off Amelia's shoulder and flew up to one of the ravens, hovering inches from its beak.

"Play? Play?" she piped.

The bird turned its head to keep an eye on her but otherwise ignored the sprite.

"C'mon, Fern. Let's leave these guys alone. They're busy spying, don't disturb them."

Amelia continued along the path the short ways until it emerged on the road. Pancake lagged behind and watched as all of the ravens turned to keep Amelia in sight. Once she reached the road, half of them took wing and flew off, quickly out of sight because of the trees.

"Huh. Thaaat can't be good. Conspiracy on the wing, hyuk hyuk." he bleated softly, picking up the speed of his trot to catch back up to Amelia.

Shock took one final sniff of the tree, then whined silently when she saw everyone ahead of her. The puppy charged after them, more bounce than run.

The walk into town was otherwise uneventful. There were hardly ever any vehicles on the road, but Amelia stuck to the shoulder anyways, just to be prudent.

She debated for a moment about leaving the animals outside the shop but decided they would get up to trouble without supervision.

The bell on the front door of Sandy's shop tinkled as she opened it, holding the door wide.

"Everybody in! You too, Fern! In!"

"Hello dear! What have you got there?"

"Hi, Sandy! I got a new puppy! And a goat!" Amelia responded as the two tumbled through the door, chasing each other. Fern nipped through and landed in Amelia's hoodie, peeking out over her shoulder.

"How adorable! Aren't they just the cutest!" the shopkeep said, coming around from behind the counter to bend down and look.

Shock launched herself at Sandy, her slobbery tongue licking all over the woman's round, beaming face. Pancake restrained himself to giving her leg the smallest headbutt, then stepping back to be admired.

"How precious! Yes, you are! Yes, you are!" Sandy cooed as she hugged the dog to herself.

"You remember Whisper, right? And this is Fern." Amelia pointed to the two in turn.

"Of course dear! Where did you find such a wonderful puppy?"

"Hey, hey! The mutt is nice and all, but let's not forget the prize goat standing here, lady!" bleated Pancake.

Sandy reached out and scratched the kid between his horn nubs.

"You're a cutie too, dear, but I'm a dog person, don't be offended!"

"It's cool, it's cool. I'm more of a cat person, myself," he responded.

"So cute! It's almost like he can talk!" Sandy smiled down at him, one arm wrapped around the slobbering puppy to keep her out of her face.

"Uh, he can. He just said he's a cat person."

"Such an imagination you have, dear! It sort of sounded like that, didn't it? Oooh! I have some dog biscuits! Let me get the puppy one!" She bustled off to one of the bulk bins, Shock nipping at her heels.

Pancake eyed the pup critically.

"No self-respect! Look at that thing, acting all lovey-dovey, just to get a treat! Shameful, really!"

"Dear, do you think your goat would like a toffee?"

Pancake's ears stood straight up, and he hopped frantically over to the shopkeep.

"Now who's being silly?" Taunted Amelia.

"Shut up, doll face. That's toffee she's got there! The good stuff, too! Oh baby!"

"There -- maybe that will keep him quiet for a few minutes," Sandy said, having fed a chunk of the candy to Pancake.

"Ohhpf! Mpy resentfp fhat!" He mumbled between glued-together teeth, glaring.

"Oooh! Thank you!" Amelia said as she accepted a toffee for herself. She pulled it into bits and handed some to Fern and Whisper.

"Your hair bauble is so cute when it glows like that. Does it have a battery? How long does it last?"

Amelia was confused for a moment, then realized Sandy meant Whisper.

"Uh, it's sort of candy powered. No idea how long it lasts, though. If I don't feed her often enough, she just helps herself and makes a mess."

"Go on, dear, go on! You and your tales! As bad as Maisie and Monty when they came back from your place! Kept going on about 'like a storybook', and 'like a fairy tale'. They wouldn't say how it was that way, but they wouldn't stop gabbing on about it!"

"Yeah, I guess it would have that effect. You should come visit! I could show you around!"

"That reminds me, dear! Maisie's sister's husband's friend has a hiking club, and they'd like to come for a ramble. Apparently, word got around. I was supposed to ask you if you'd mind having a group up your way. And when they should come, if you were okay with visitors again."

"That would be great, Sandy! You should come up with them, make it a real event! How about Saturday? Say 2 pm? I'll lay in the pastries and tea. We can have a party!"

"It's a date, dear! I'll pass the information along. You're a sweetie, letting strangers tramp all over up there."

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"It's no bother! I love the hollow, and I'd like others to enjoy it, too! It'll be great!"

Sandy handed another of the biscuits to Shock, who gently took it. The dog then viciously shook her head and tossed the treat, only to catch it again in her jaws and tug at it with her front paws.

"Such a darling! And with those paws, won't grow much either. The perfect size!"

"Feh! As if! Give it a few months, then just wait until you come around a dark corner and that is waiting for you. Perfect size my goaty behind." muttered Pancake as he sucked at the last of the toffee.

Amelia remembered the stuff she had brought for Sandy and pulled out the towel-wrapped bundle, jar, and flask.

"I made some berry-nut bread! I used a recipe in that book I borrowed the other day. Foraged the nuts and berries myself! And this is ale and this is brandy. A friend of mine brewed them!"

"Thank you, dear! I knew loaning you that cookbook was a good investment!" said Sandy, winking at Amelia. She pulled the stopper on the stoneware jug, taking a sniff. "Ooooh! That smells lovely!" She wiped the mouth of the jug with her sleeve, then took a pull, smacking her lips. "Whoo! That is very nice! Goes down a right treat! Homemade you said?"

"Yeah! We have a brewery in the cottage tower. He made that and the brandy. Careful with the brandy, though--it's really strong."

"Those stories! A tower you have now, dear? With a brewery? Well, suit yourself. If you bring me ale like this, you can say it came from the library for all I care!" She smiled as she took another pull from the jug.

"Actually, we had to let the library go. Needed the energy and space. But maybe one day I'll bring it back."

"That's nice, dear. This ale is terrific! You know, if your 'friend' makes more, I'd love to buy some and stock it here. We don't have a proper pub in town since Lily had to close down when her John passed, bless 'em. I've been wanting to do something like that for a while. Got the license and everything, but never got around to getting a source."

"That'd be great! He's supposed to come back with his family soon. I'm sure I could twist his arm to brew some more! He said that was his true calling. Mining was just to pay the bills."

"A miner, eh? From the low country?"

"Uh, I don't know. He's a dwarf. From Whimsy, I think."

Sandy looked down at the jug in her hands and shook her head. "Stuff's stronger than I thought! Hearing nonsense, now!"

She put the jug down on a shelf behind the counter, then came back out to rough house a bit with the puppy, who had finished the second biscuit.

"If you ever need a dog sitter, I'm always available! Especially for this little one! Who's a good puppy? Who's a good girl? Yes, it's you, dear heart!" She said, pulling the dog's nose to her own. Shock wagged her tail so hard she almost fell over.

"Disgusting. Disgrace to animals everywhere. Wish I had a camera. This'd make great blackmail material!" bleated Pancake.

"Shush! You're just jealous you aren't getting all the pets!"

"Jealous? Of that? Embarrassed, maybe, for letting the side down. Just you wait until she's full-grown, sister. There's a reason 'Shock' is a good name for monstrosity."

"Why's that? You think she will grow much bigger?"

"Let's just say you're gonna need a bigger doggie door. Much bigger. And a bigger cottage to fit it in, 's all I'm sayin'."

They were all surprised as the bell over the front door jingled.

A man entered, homburg hat in hand. He was dressed in an expensive-looking grey suit, with a fuchsia pocket square. Dark glasses concealed his eyes, but Amelia felt his intense stare on her.

"Welcome! How can I help you?" Sandy called out cheerily.

"Shush woman. I have business with Miss Amelia." He made a small gesture towards the shopkeeper, and she frowned at him.

He had a deep voice, and he spoke very clearly and smoothly, like someone accustomed to public speaking.

"Um, who are you?" Asked Amelia, surprised both that anyone would know who she was, and would be so rude to Sandy.

"My name is of no importance. You would have difficulty pronouncing it, anyways. I represent a certain concern, and we believe you have something of ours. We'd like it back if it's all the same." He turned the hat in his hands as if nervous, but his body language was that of a person full of confidence.

"No, it's fine. Um, what do you think I have, Mr. Unpronounceable?"

"Nothing much. A small object, about this size," he said, holding the hat by the brim as he held his two hands a few inches apart, then rotated them as if to indicate a flattened rectangle. "A trinket, nothing more, but of sentimental value. You know of what I speak. It's important to us. You will give it to us, won't you?" His tone was silky and persuasive.

"You mean Whisper? That's the only thing that size that I can think of." She said.

The wisp lifted itself out of Amelia's hair at the mention of its name. It glowed a fierce pulsating blue.

He glanced at the wisp, appearing slightly surprised, but then returned his gaze to Amelia. He reached up and lowered his dark glasses slightly, and even without using her second sight she could see his eyes glowing.

"Come with me now. We will go fetch the core. You will give it to me." His eyes shone, and the light modulated in synch with his soothing, alluring voice.

Amelia felt drawn to the man, compelled to follow him. She blinked rapidly, then focused her eyes, bringing her true vision to bear. His form was the same, but inhumanly handsome, his features finely chiseled, skin flawless. His hair was pale metallic blue, his eyes matching, and they glowed with an eerie white light. Seeing the truth of the figure broke whatever hold he had on her.

"No. I'm busy. Go away." she stammered.

"Impressive. But you will come with me! [Commanding Presence]! [Overwhelming Persuasion]!" The last words in the language of magic.

[Security override. Passive defenses engaged. Active measures unavailable in mobile mode. Placement mode available. Select a location and establish your domain. Unleash Extinction.]

"I don't think so. Maybe some other time." Amelia said, answering both simultaneously.

The man stepped back in shock, dropping the glasses back over his eyes.

"Ah. I wasn't expecting ... Well. I see. Very impressive." He sniffed, curling his lip as he looked about the interior of the store. "Who would expect such ability ... here ..." he sniffed again.

He gazed momentarily at Sandy, then shook his head in disdain.

Shock walked stiff-legged up to the man, then turned and carefully squatted. A jet of urine darkened the suit leg, dripping down and soaking the expensive-looking leather shoes.

"Blasted animal!" he snarled, shoving her away with his foot, and nearly toppling himself as he skidded on the puddle.

"Hey! Don't kick her! She's just a puppy and doesn't know any better!" Amelia retorted as she snatched up Shock, then stepped back against the counter. She glared daggers at the man. "Sorry about your shoes, though. They looked nice."

The man sniffed, then sneered. "No collar, license, or leash on that stray. I'll pass that along. We'll be watching you, girl. And we will get our due! Good day!" He turned towards the door and saw the goat.

"More filth!" he growled. The man kicked out at Pancake, then again struggled not to fall as the goat nimbly stepped to one side.

"Watch yourself, pal! I got a full bladder, too, and I'm not ashamed to use it!" squawked the kid.

Amelia followed the man as he retreated to the car outside. Suddenly she recognized the vehicle, along with the two men in the front seat. They had been here days ago. Dirt and gravel sprayed out from the tires as it roared off, driving up the road towards the grove and quickly passing from view.

"Don't fret, toots. It'll be okay." Pancake said. The tiny goat had followed her outside and was bumping her shin gently.

"Who the heck was that? Do you know him? Them?"

"Naw, I think we travel in different social circles, sort of thing. But I'd put good odds that we just met who them ravens was spying for, bless his heart. And I mean that in the southernmost way I know how."

"What? What southern way?"

"Never mind sugar plum. But you're gonna want to keep an eye out for that one, 'less I'm sorely mistaken. Which I'm not."

"I should have had Bert banish him or something. Can't believe he tried to kick you! And he shoved Shock!"

"Eh, could have gone worse. 'Sides, Bert can't do nothing outside his territory, and you asking woulda tipped that schmuck off to you being caretaker. I'm guessing that wouldn't help things any."

"I guess so. I'm kinda glad she widdled on him. He seems like he deserved it."

"Heh. I think she was marking him. 'Case she needs a chew toy or a snack, later." The goat had a big grin on his minuscule face. It was remarkably sinister considering his overall cuteness.

The doorbell jingled as Sandy emerged, her face red with anger. She had the puppy under one arm. Shock was wriggling, desperately trying to lick the shopkeeper's face.

"Right. I called Monty, and he's walking you home. And that's final, don't argue me, deary!"

"Thanks, Sandy!" Amelia said, then stepped in to give the shopkeeper a hug. Shock wormed her way into the embrace, and managed to slobber over both of their chins.

"What was all that about a trinket? Are you in trouble, sweetie?" Sandy asked quietly.

"I have no idea! I haven't taken anything unless he meant Donald. He was about that size, I guess. But how would they know about that? That doesn't make any sense! He's been in that vault for ages!"

Sandy held Amelia at arm's length by the shoulders, staring into the girl's face with concern.

"Boy trouble, is it? That his father? Brother?"

"Uh, no, nothing like that. Look! There's Monty! Thanks for everything, Sandy, but I better go. Don't forget to come to the hiking party! You can get the cookbook back when you come! Bye!" Amelia pulled herself free of Sandy's grip, then went in for another hug.

"You watch yourself, dear! Keep your doors locked!" Sandy called after her.

----------------------------------------

Monty tch'ed in sympathy when he heard what had happened, and promised to keep an eye out for the strangers. They walked quickly back towards the cottage, Amelia carrying both Shock and Pancake since they had a hard time keeping up. They made good time and were back at the front door in short order. No sign of the car or men. Monty saw Amelia safely inside, then headed back to town.

Later that night, while Amelia was deep asleep in her tower bedroom, the doggie door creaked open, and a dark form slipped out into the yard, heading down the path. Several hours later, the door creaked open again, and Pancake stuck his head out and peered around. He sniffed the air, then trotted down the path to and through the front gate.

There was a rustle in the bushes off to the side as he approached, and Shock popped her head out, chewing on something. She swallowed, then yipped in silence, letting her tongue loll out. She nudged the goat, then galumphed happily back towards the cottage.

Once the dog was gone, Pancake stuck his head in the bushes where the dog had been. He backed out again quickly, shaking his head and trying to cover his nose with a forelimb.

"Thaaats a thing. Yikes! Not much left, and that's including the car bits. I'm almost impressed!"

This last he addressed to the ravens, a handful of which were still perched in the tree outside the gate.

"'s right, you winged buggers. How you like them apples? Boss man mighta gotten away, but see what happens to the minions? Mmm, puppy chow! Hah! Hah hah hah!" he chortled as he pranced down the path back to his bed.