avatar of a forgotten Egyptian god, some say he is a sea serpent cursed to roam dry land, some say he is an Arabian prince who won immortality by cheating the devil-every account is different, each more farfetched than the last. I've talked to caretakers, magical beings, historians, criminals, you name it. The guy is a ghost. The stories I've heard are too diverse. If you ask me, I'd say he started all the rumors himself to confuse the exact sort of investigation I've been trying to conduct."
"The Sphinx has always shrouded himself in secrecy, which leaves him vulnerable to the sort of accusation Vanessa made," Grandpa said. "Which Vanessa knew," Coulter pointed out. "He's an easy target for slander. It isn't the first time."
"Yes, but usually the accusations are the baseless ranting of the fearful," Grandma said. "This time, the circumstantial evidence is terrifying. Her explanation fit the events perfectly."
"There is a reason we don't convict people based on circumstantial evidence," Tanu said. "We know firsthand how devious Vanessa can be. She could easily have used the facts of the circumstances to weave a convincing lie."
"I have other news," Warren announced. "The Knights of the Dawn are having their first united gathering in over ten years. All Knights are required to attend."
Coulter sighed. "Never a good sign. The last united gathering I attended was when hard evidence came to light that the Society of the Evening Star was resurfacing."
"You're a Knight too?" Seth asked Coulter.
"Semi-retired. We're not generally supposed to reveal ourselves, but I figure if I can't trust you all, I can't trust anyone. Besides, I'll be in a grave before too long."
"There's more," Warren continued. "The Captain wants me to bring Kendra to the event."
"What?" Grandpa exclaimed. "Outrageous!"
"Only Knights are invited to the assemblies," Grandma said.
"I know, I know, don't shoot the messenger," Warren said. "They want to induct her."
"At her age!" Grandpa cried, his face reddening. "Are they recruiting at maternity wards these days?" "And we all know who the Captain is," Warren said, "though he never openly reveals himself."
"The Sphinx?" Kendra guessed.
Grandpa nodded thoughtfully, pinching his lower lip. "Have they offered a reason?"
"The Captain suggested that she has talents essential to us in weathering the coming storm," Warren said.
Grandpa buried his face in his hands. "What have I done?" he moaned. "It was my choice to introduce her to the Sphinx in the first place. Now, good or evil, he wants to exploit her abilities."
"We can't let her go," Grandma said adamantly. "If the Sphinx is also the leader of the Society, this is undoubtedly a trap. Who knows how many other Knights may be corrupt!"
"I have worked with many of the Knights," Tanu said. "I've seen lives risked and sacrificed. I would vouch that most are true protectors of the preserves. If the Knights are harming our cause, it's because they've been duped."
"You're a Knight too?" Seth asked.
"Like Warren, Tanu, Coulter, and Vanessa are all Knights of the Dawn," Grandpa said.
"Vanessa didn't turn out very well," Seth reminded them.
"Which is another good point," Grandma said. "Even if the Sphinx is honorable, Vanessa proves that the Knights have at least some traitors among them. A meeting where all the Knights are gathered could prove perilous for Kendra."
"Where will it be?" Grandpa asked.
Warren scratched the side of his head. "I'm not supposed to say, but half of us will have formal invitations by tomorrow, and the others have a right to know. Outside Atlanta, in the home of Wesley and Marion Fairbanks."
"Who are they?" Seth asked.
"Billionaire fairy enthusiasts," Grandma said. "They have a private collection of fairies and whirligigs."
"For which they paid handsomely," Grandpa added.
"The Fairbankses have no idea of the extent of our community. They've never seen a preserve. They're outsiders, useful for funds and connections."
"And they have a big mansion ideal for gatherings," Coulter said.
"But there hasn't been a gathering for ten years?" Kendra asked.
"No united gathering," Tanu said. "A united gathering means everybody is supposed to come, no excuses. Secrecy is important to the Knights, so such gatherings are rare. Normally we assemble in smaller groups. When we do meet in a large body, we wear disguises. Only the Captain knows the identity of all the members of the brotherhood."
"And he might be a traitor," Kendra said.
"Right," Warren agreed. "But I don't see how we can deny the request."
Grandpa stared at him, eyebrows raised. He motioned for Warren to explain further.
"The last thing we can afford to do, in case the Sphinx is