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"Stan would flip out if he knew," Newel leefully

Seth understood that Neas right His Grandpa Sorenson worked hard to liy on the preserve He wanted to keep the ical creatures of Fablehaven unspoiled by modern influences He did not even have a television in his own home

"So where is the gold?" Seth asked

"Not far ahead," Newel said

"Gold has becoized

"Accessible gold," Newel amended "We know about plenty of treasure hidden around Fablehaven"

"Most of it is cursed or guarded," Doren explained "For example, we knoonderful nest of jewels stowed in a pit under a boulder, if you don'tinfections"

"And a priceless collection of gilded weapons in an arres," Newel added "But up ahead there's lots of gold with als attached," Doren promised

"I still think I should get paid extra since you needit," Seth complained

"Now, Seth, don't be ungrateful," Newel chided "We set a price You agreed Fair is fair You don't have to help us retrieve the gold We can just call the whole thing off"

Seth looked fro, he zipped up the duffel bag "Maybe you're right This feels too risky

"Or we could up your co a hairy hand on the bag

"Thirty," Seth said flatly

"Twenty-five," Newel countered

Seth unzipped the bag again

Doren clapped his hands and stas"

"It isn't over until I have the gold," Seth reminded thery trolls will come to claim it?"

"No curses," Newel said

"No powerful beings seeking retribution," Doren asserted

Seth folded his arms "Then why do you need my help?"

"This stash used to be free money," Newel said "The easiest payday at Fablehaven With the help of your oversized bodyguard, it can be a bargain again"

"Hugo won't have to hurt anybody," Seth confirolem won't need to harm a fly"

Doren held up a hand "I hear so Newel sniffed the air

"It's the golem," Newel reported