Chapter 18: DefenseAfter satisfying my appetite, we joined everyone on the patio, overlooking the formal gardens. Ben had arrived home about fifteen minutes earlier, but Acenith was missing, visiting with friends. Thut and his group had left the previous day, heading back to Connecticut where they were based.
“So, Lottie? What's the secret plan?” Striker questioned. As usual, he was a bundle of energy, bouncing from foot to foot as he waited for me to reveal my idea.
“I'll need a volunteer,” I stated quietly. Somehow, this didn't seem like such a good idea in the cold light of day. I was uneasy, wondering if I really could get the spirits to do what I asked and uncertain how to go about it. Although I'd talked at length with Mom and the others about what I needed to do, they had the most
