Page 130 of Dead Heat

“No, only three living creatures who were duped into coming here by a cunning witch,” I said.

I held my breath and hoped the truth would set us free.

“I cannot allow you to pass without a challenge. Choose your champion.”

The truth really wasn’t pulling its weight at the moment.

Max took a step forward. “It’s me. I’m the champion.”

“Max,” I snapped.

“Very well then … whatever you are. If you defeat me, you and your companions are free to pass.”

“And if I lose?”

She pointed the tip of her sword at the basket.

Alessandro swallowed a cry.

“I can do this,” Max assured him.

“Take my sword.” I started to unsheathe it, but Max waved me off.

“I don’t need that. I’m a walking weapon.”

“No killing,” I warned him. “Defeat means disarm.”

Alessandro motioned to the basket. “I think you’ll find it means dishead.”

If Max killed Modgud, Hel would sense the guardian’s demise and then there was no way we’d be permitted to leave.

Modgud readied her sword. “I’m waiting, champion.”

“Un momento, por favor.” The cherufe turned back to us. “You know what this place has that Wild Acres doesn’t?”

“Lots of dead Norsemen?” Alessandro volunteered.

“Besides that.” Grinning from stone-shaped ear to stone-shaped ear, he gestured to the right. “Molten rock.”

“I thought we agreed not to take souvenirs.”

“I think we’re past the point of worrying about a security risk.”

He was right, and Magma Max would be far more potent than Mud Max. “How can I help?”

“Don’t die while I change my composition.”

“I’ll do my best.”

Max began to fall apart, literally. Pieces of rock and twigs dropped to the ground as he shed his woodland features in favor of stronger armor.

“You’re displeased with me,” Alessandro said quietly.

“It’s fair to say I’m not pleased.”

“I’m not used to that.”

“With what?”

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