,, Then lets go there. ,,

" in California? Ick. Why? "

"SILICON VALLEY WAS THE BIRTHPLACE OF LORD MACHINA," Ironhorse said gravely. "MANY OF HIS LIEUTENANTS, LIKE VIRUS AND GLITCH, ALSO HAIL FROM THAT AREA. IT IS A REGION OF IRON FEY, ONE THAT THE OLDBLOODS--" he shot a glance at Puck "--AVOID COMPLETELY. IT IS THE IDEAL PLACE TO HIDE THE SCEPTER."

" okay. Then lets go to Silicon Valley. "

,, We should go. Quickly, probably. ,,

"Finally." Grimalkin stood and stretched, bottlebrush tail curling over his back. "You make decisions as slowly as you answer Summonings, people. I do hope this will not become a habit."

She shoots Grim an annoyed look.

"...shut up. "

"You will need my guidance, if you want to get the scepter as quickly as possible. I believe the closest trod to Silicon Valley is through the Briars."

Puck's eyebrows shot up. "The Briars? You're risking an awful lot, cat. Why don't we try a trod a little less, oh I don't know...lethal? If we double back, we can use the trod through the Frost Meadows. That will bring us close to San Francisco, and we can easily hitch a ride from there."

Grimalkin shook his head. "If we want to reach Silicon Valley, we must go through the thorns. Do not worry, I will not get you lost. The trod past the Frost Meadows has become inaccessible. It sits too close to Tir Na Nog."

"Still don't see the problem, cat."

Ironhorse snorted. "THE FROST MEADOWS HAVE BECOME A BATTLEFIELD, ROBIN GOODFELLOW," he said. "WINTER HAS ALREADY CUT A SWATH OF DESTRUCTION THROUGH THE WYLDWOOD, AND THEY ARE ADVANCING ON SUMMER AS WE SPEAK. THERE IS A HUGE ARMY OF UNSEELIE BETWEEN US AND THAT TROD. THE CAITH SITH IS RIGHT--WE CANNOT TURN BACK."

"Of course I am," Grimalkin agreed. "We go through the Briars."

" I don't see a problem with that. "