Realm of the Reaper

K. A. Applegate

Me? I knew that there were rules underlying all we saw and experienced. Things make sense, once you know the rules. That was the human experience: that mysteries evaporate if you pay close enough attention.  You want control? Learn the software.


Rat Fink rushed straight toward us. No chance to outrun it.


It was a tense little group. I found I was grateful to Christopher, though. He was managing to make clear our dislike for Senna while nevertheless treating her as part of our group.  Acknowledging the schism, and at the same time papering it over.


Hunger and thirst made themselves felt with increasing urgency as Christopher went on theorizing about the precise menu and beverage list in Valhalla.  I hadn't had a drink or eaten a bite since the day back in Hel's harem city. And there had been a lot of adrenaline burned since then.  "Hey, Senna," Christopher yelled. "I don't suppose you can use your whim-whammies to conjure up a cold six-pack, can you?"  Senna ignored him.  "I mean, look, if you can, let's bail, head home and go into business. Start a place, call it . . . Magic Brew. I like that. We do a lit le advertising. Magic Brew, the witch's brew! Colder than a witch's . . . heart. How's that sound, Senna?"  No answer.  It was a tense little group. I found I was grateful to Christopher, though. He was managing to make clear our dislike for Senna while nevertheless treating her as part of our group.  Acknowledging the schism, and at the same time papering it over.  Senna


It was a tense little group. I found I was grateful to Christopher, though. He was managing to make clear our dislike for Senna while nevertheless treating her as part of our group.  Acknowledging the schism, and at the same time papering it over.


Senna could have made it easier by responding. Even if she'd slammed Christopher. But Senna understood the real-world magic of humor. She knew that Christopher was attempting to redefine her. She wasn't having it.