to blame humans for everything, but the haughty elf was the most venerated Lore Master of the North American elven clans.
Coyote nodded. “Goblins hate the Shining Ones, even more than they hate elves.”
Cold fear sliced through Keelie. She’d never heard about a goblin threat.
“We need to think this through,” she said. “Right now, we’re in an ancient forest, lost in the fog, trying to find two people. That has to be our priority. We’ll figure out this goblin-threat stuff later.”
“So, tell your boyfriend to let me go.” Coyote lifted his upper lip and showed teeth to Sean. Sean lifted Coyote by the scruff, paws dangling, off the ground.
Keelie stepped close, exasperated. She had to try to maintain control over the situation. “Everybody stay calm. Coyote, answer our question—are there goblins here? Then Sean will let you go. And then you’re going to help us find Laurie and Scott.”
Coyote’s tail went all limp and he lifted a shoulder in a twisted shrug. “Okay.”
Keelie figured this was an example of having to be dominant. She was the Coyote Whisperer. Maybe it would work on Knot—she could try to be the Freaky Fairy Kitty Whisperer.
Coyote’s words brought her back with a snap. “What I know is … there once was a goblin here, but he didn’t leave this forest. I feel an essence of darkness.”
“Essence of darkness?” Keelie had never heard of that. “Like a goblin?”
“If something with dark magic dies—if an evil creature dies—then its essence might remain, corrupting the place of its death.”
“It’s like a curse, isn’t it?” Keelie said. Her voice lowered. “A goblin curse.” It had to be connected to this forest’s weirdness, but she didn’t have time to sit and think it through.
“Yes.” Coyote wriggled in Sean’s arms. “Now tell him to put me down.”
“Not yet.” Her eyes met Sean’s, and as if they had a psychic connection, he lifted Coyote a few more inches off the ground.
The fairy creature howled, his voice echoing through the forest. “Not fair.”
“Where are Laurie and Scott?” Keelie demanded.
“Put me down and I’ll help you find them.”
“And you’re going to stick close to me, Coyote, because you know a whole lot more than you’re telling.”
The coyote grinned, which was unfortunate, because it showed off his teeth, long and sharp. Sean lowered him to the forest floor. He yipped and leaped as if he’d fooled them. Sean’s hand clamped back down on his neck.
Keelie smiled grimly and did her best impersonation of her grandmother’s stern voice. “Behave.”
Coyote looked up with wet eyes, his lower lip trembling.
“And that won’t work on me.”
A woman’s voice called from far off. “Knot, my love where are you? Oh, darling, don’t leave me. I don’t think my heart can take it.”
Sean looked over at Keelie. “That’s Risa. What is she doing in the forest?”
“She’s searching for Knot.” Keelie was going to kick Risa on the butt.
“And Knot is following Tavyn. What are you going to do, Keelie?” Coyote asked. “Go after Laurie, help Risa?” He laughed again. “And do you know where your grandmother is?”
Her heart sank as she realized that she had no way of knowing how to find her grandmother if she too, was lost in the Redwood Forest.
“Is my grandmother out here? Is she in danger?”
“In this forest? Every second.” Coyote sniffed the air. “I picked up the scent of the girl named Laurie on the western edge of the forest, near the beach.”
If Coyote was telling the truth, at least Keelie wouldn’t have to worry about her anymore. But Scott would still be missing, and maybe Grandmother, too.
“Sean, we’re going to have to split up. Can you get Laurie to Sir Davey’s RV?”
“I won’t leave you here.”
“Knot, where are you, my love?” Risa’s voice came from farther north.
“I can’t leave Risa to wander alone in the woods, either,” Keelie said. “If she catches up with Knot, and he’s after Tavyn, she’s in great danger.”
“It’s true.” Coyote spoke quickly. “Risa’s love potion is like a magical GPS. She’s compelled to seek her beloved, and it will lead her right to him.”
Sean and Keelie locked eyes. “I’ll find Laurie and get her to safety, then come right back for you,” Sean said. “We’ll find them, Keelie.” He started to back away, then stopped and pulled Keelie to him, kissing her hard on the lips. He smiled as he released her.
The coyote’s jaw dropped open in surprise. “My, my. I think our elf is thawing a bit here.”
Despite the cold mist surrounding them, Keelie felt warm inside.
“Swear