Before the Ogre can reply, Shadow actually speaks up. "Errol is actually quiet adept at surviving and fighting in The Hedge. That is why I sought him out," he says proudly.

The dragon-man nods his head in approval of this and says, "This is true," his voice rather matter-of-fact. The pride drains slightly from the man's voice as he adds, "I... uh, actually prefer being in the Hedge."

"You and I are not the same," Annie replies flatly, her arms still crossed. But she tilts her chin down slightly and she says in hushed voice, "But I shall help you navigate the hedge and find this girl... if you agree to assist me when I ask you in traversing the hedge, no questions asked." She raises an eyebrow in challenge to Laura.

The hobgoblin scuttles back at Laura's words. "I... I am Snoot!" the thing cries out, it's voice reaching an even higher pitch, "I have helped Shadow several times on his expeditions into the Hedge. I am good at finding things!"