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a clavicle. It made a dull thud. So it was true: her bones were not musical.
    The others returned from the banquet. Even the pets were impressed; it showed in their demeanors.
    “I have decided,” Princess Dawn said. “I am going from here to the Good Magician’s Castle, to seek an Answer to the Question, Where is there a suitable Prince or equivalent for me? But first we’ll get the rest of you back to Xanth so you won’t be trapped here.”
    “Trapped?” Eve asked, frowning prettily.
    “It’s the abode of the dead!” Dawn said.
    “True, but that’s not their fault,” Eve said. “There are some really nice souls here. You saw the dancers.”
    “Maybe when I’m dead I’ll have a change of heart,” Dawn said.
    “And this castle is an enclave. Living folk can exist here.” Eve glanced at the pets. “Which reminds me: we are short of nice living animals. How would you three like to remain here, as my guests? My servants would love the privilege of catering to you endlessly.”
    The three animals exchanged about five glances, obviously tempted. But then they shook their heads. They preferred to return to Xanth.
    “What about you skeletons?” Eve asked. “You remind me of my childhood, when we used to play together. Dawn and I would try to tempt Picka into human masculinity, without much success. Would you like to stay?”
    Picka realized that despite the opulence, Eve was lonely. She had a castle in Xanth to which she could go at any time, yet she missed her friends. It seemed there was more to life than status.
    Joy’nt answered for them. “We seek adventure to enhance our dull existences. Your castle is lovely, but there’s no adventure in it. Xanth in contrast is full of challenging things. We are more likely to find adventure there.”
    “True,” Eve agreed, dabbing at her face. Was there a tear there? But she didn’t have any reason not to be happy, did she?
    “I’ll make sure all of you get safely back to Xanth,” Dawn said. “Then I’ll go on to see the Good Magician.”
    “I will go with you,” Picka said. “Maybe I can help in some way.”
    “So will I,” Joy’nt said. “There’s bound to be adventure there.”
    “Woof!”
    Dawn glanced at Woofer. “What, you too?” Then she nodded, because they were living creatures and she knew all about anything alive. “All three of you! That’s wonderful.”
    “It’s nice to have friends,” Eve murmured, dabbing her face once more.
    Picka saw it again. Princess Eve had everything, yet was sad because she lacked friends and adventure. She was a prisoner of her royal life. He never would have expected it.
    “Well, the ferryman awaits,” Dawn said. “This time I may have to give him a feel.”
    “Charon is making demands?” Eve asked sharply. “I’ll speak to Pluto.”
    “Don’t bother,” Dawn said. “I can handle it.”
    “I’m sure you can,” Eve agreed. Then the sisters hugged and separated, tearfully.
    It was time to move on. Picka realized belatedly that they hadn’t even seen Eve’s son, Plato. They had all forgotten.

 
    3
    M ISSION
    The Good Magician’s Castle was suitably impressive, with its moat, wall, turrets, and flags.
    “It’s never the same twice,” Princess Dawn murmured. “Humfrey keeps magically renovating it. He always knows who is coming, and is prepared.”
    “But we decided to come here only yesterday,” Joy’nt said. “How could he know in time to set things up?”
    “He’s the Magician of Information,” Picka reminded her. “It’s his business to know.”
    “Also, he sets up magical fields to nullify the talents of querents,” Dawn said, “so they have to use their wits to get through. That means I won’t be able to learn instantly about living things, and the two of you won’t be able to reformulate your bones or play music.”
    “What about the pets?” Joy’nt asked.
    Dawn glanced at the three animals. “They’re really Mundanes, without magic, though they may develop