The Fowler's Snare

Summer Solstice has arrived. The Elliot Twins, Aunt Bella and the others are headed back to Trilleah where the Valley of Shadows--and King Shrailzhar--awaits their return.
While the travelers are unaware of what lurks beneath their path, all that lies just out of sight--under the souls of their feet, is most certainly aware of them!
The Lord of the Adders has been given strict orders by King Shrailzhar--who will stop at nothing to keep those dreadful curse breaking travelers out of his land--to "Go after the weakest!"
"Take that little one below, into your Adder's Nest, and shackle her there," were the King's final instructions. "That shall put such a fear into the hearts of the others that surely, they will never return. Fear is the greatest tool of all!"
Little does the King realize that while fear is indeed a horrible snare that binds the hearts of some, it is also fear that causes great strength and courage to grow in others. If only he could know who it would bind and who it would empower, King Shrailzhar may choose very differently.