All His Wrath

“Peter,” he said, “it has to do with a theory—as yet unproven to my satisfaction—that the size of a gargoyle scout is central to its success at stealth. If there is less mass, there is less to sense. If this be true, the presumption is that this will apply also to humans. The smaller the stature, the greater the stealth.”

“Meaning that because the kids are smaller than Johann and me, for instance, they’re less likely to be spotted. Or sensed, as you say. Is that it?”

“That is the belief.”

“So, that’s why this rescue team includes the two smallest gargoyles I’ve ever met?” Amy asked. “Is that in line with this belief?”

“Yes and no,” Lohxnahr quipped.

“What’s that mean?” Amy replied, annoyance in her voice.

Again, the low voice caused most to be startled. “Yes and no,” Zarentil repeated. “Our small stature benefits the secrecy of our mission, for we are more difficult to see with the eyes of the sentries.”

“As well as with their minds,” Lohxnahr added.

“How’s that?” Anders said.

Danielle stepped forward.

“I think I might understand,” she began. “Because the sentries guarding Paign and Mrs. Macy serve the hybrid, they would expect visits from their master periodically, right? In other words, they’d expect to sense him.”

“Of course!” Anders exclaimed. “Brilliant! I see the game now. It’s brilliant!”