“I’ve put a ward around the greenhouse. Only those Ganymede named are permitted through.” Holgarth cast a dismissive look at Cinn. “I would advise Ms. Airmid to stay in here with her plants during the battle. I doubt she or her ‘weed warriors’ will be of much use against the night feeders and whatever ilk they’ve brought with them.”

A glance from Cinn stopped Dacian from pointing out that if Holgarth’s gargoyles had done their job, there wouldn’t be any “ilk” in the castle.

Ganymede hadn’t arrived yet, but otherwise it was the same group as before, except for three new men…no, not men. Demons. They stood next to Bain, scanning the room with predatory glances. The gazes of all three stopped at Cinn. One of them licked his lips.

Dacian growled low in his throat. The demon looked at him and then glanced away. But not before Dacian saw him smile. “Bain. I hope you have a tight leash.”

Bain shrugged. “These three are lesser demons. Vicious fighters, but not too selective. They’ll stay with me, and I’ll point them in the right direction. They were the only ones I could get on short notice.”

“Demons? They don’t look as…human as Bain.” Cinn sounded uneasy.

“Bain is more powerful, so he can put on a better show. But never doubt that underneath he’s as merciless as them.”

Bain smiled at him. “A compliment, Dacian? I get so few of them. See, now you’ve made me feel all warm and friendly.”

“How did your demons get past the gargoyles?” Holgarth seemed to have pulled himself from his funk. His gaze was clear and sharp.

“They walked past. Your gargoyles are confused, wizard. They’re not stopping anyone from coming through.” Bain’s smile hardened. “I wonder who was responsible for that trick?”

“The sorcerer.” There was no doubt in Holgarth’s voice.

“You mean the wizard who tried out for your job and woke the gargoyles?” Edge spoke for the first time.

“I prefer sorcerer to wizard. I’m sure there’s black magic involved in his power.”

Dacian figured that was what Holgarth wanted to believe. He could use that explanation to excuse the butt-kicking the stranger had handed out.

Holgarth straightened his hat, and Dacian wondered why he didn’t get one that fit his head. Wait, maybe they didn’t make them that big.

“I assume he wove a spell into his awakening of the gargoyles that countermanded my orders.” The air seemed to go out of Holgarth, leaving him once again deflated and morose. “I should have sensed what he was doing.”

And even though Dacian had no liking for Holgarth, he found himself trying to divert attention from the wizard’s obvious pain. “Where’s Ganymede?”

The greenhouse door crashed open with so much force that the whole greenhouse shook. And everyone’s gaze was riveted on the figure standing in the doorway.