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needed no convincing about this. He knew the stories about what happened on the Road of Rudes at night. As soon as the sun was down, the night creatures would come out. Horrible monsters, demons, giants, and worse emerged to rule the road while the earth was in darkness. Hercules wanted no part of them—especially with Geekus and XL to protect.
    So indeed, Hercules intended to find the deepest, darkest place possible before nighttime came. That’s why he decided it was best to start looking now.
    They reached a flat part of the road where a small plain separated two thick woods. There was a collection of rocks hidden behind a large group of bushes about one hundred paces off to the right. At the base of the formation was a small cave. It was just tall enough for XL to fit in standing up.
    This seemed to be the perfect spot. It was off the road, but not so much amongst the thick trees where the night creatures tended to live. Plus, the strange-looking plants around the cave’s entrance were so thick, they hid it completely. It seemed like just the place to hide and sleep.
    But as Hercules would soon find out, there were plenty of things along the road that just weren’t what they seemed.
    XL was a little reluctant to go into the cave, but Hercules made him do it anyway. It was almost dark by this time, and they really had little time for delay.
    Geekus followed them inside, and immediately began studying the cave’s walls and rock formations.
    Hercules built a very small fire, then took off XL’s saddlepacks and reins. He fed him his oats and water and then settled down to cook a sweetcake for himself.
    Geekus sat a respectable distance away. Sniffling, sneezing, eating another ton of his own food, drinking his own water, and looking at the rocks.
    Outside, the night grew quickly. Hercules’ throat was parched. He needed a drink. But, of course, he had no canteen. He would have to drink from Geekus’s flask.
    They hadn’t spoken much since the roadblock incident, and though Hercules would never tell him, he was impressed that he’d gotten them past their first obstacle. But to ask him now for a drink of water might start a conversation with him, and Hercules just didn’t want to do that.
    So he crawled over to him, got his canteen, and took a long swig from it, without saying a word.
    Geekus didn’t even seem to notice. He was too busy staring at the cave’s walls.
    â€œSolid granite,” he was mumbling. “I think.”
    Night finally arrived outside.
    XL got very quiet. Geekus huddled with his food packs. Hercules leaned back against the cold cave wall, ready for anything.
    Then the howls started. The squeals, the shrieks of the night creatures waking up.
    Hercules’ only weapon was a dagger given to him by Xinx, the queen’s wizard. The sorcerer said some magic might still be contained in it—and Hercules hoped so. He took it from its sheath now and grabbed its handle very tightly.
    Outside, the noises got louder and louder. And closer and closer.
    XL stirred a little. Hercules quickly put out the fire. Now it was very dark inside the cave—which was good and bad at the same time. Hercules gripped the dagger tighter. The howls outside got louder.
    What have I gotten myself into?
he wondered.
    Be still, my nephew. . . .
    Hercules was startled. It was as if someone had just whispered right in his ear!
    It’s okay. I’m here with you. All is well. . . .
    Hercules froze—and then recognized the voice.
    It was Brooma, the wacky, invisible goddess. Hearing her voice made Hercules feel better—but only a little. Sure, a goddess-of-sorts was there, watching over them. But this was not Athena, or Europa, or Eos. This was Brooma, a goddess few people had ever heard of, and one who was old as the earth itself, and who looked it!
    The night got darker. The howls outside got louder. XL stirred again. Geekus sniffled—but Hercules