"I can see how it might be, Nerisa said. She rummaged in a pocket and came up with a sweet.

Gundara's eyes lit up. Haven't had a taste of sugar in a thousand years, he said. He held out a tiny hand for the treat.

Nerisa hesitated, looking at Safar. He nodded for her to go ahead and she extended the sweet, which was immediately grabbed by Gundara and popped into his mouth. He chewed, closing his eyes as if he were in paradise. Then he gave a delicate flick of his long red tongue, picking off any stray sugar crumbs from his lips.

When he was done he turned Safar. What do you want, human? And don't make it too difficult. You don't get the world for a sweet, you know."

"First I want to know something about you, Safar said. Where are you from? And what is your purpose?"

Gundara sighed. Why do I get all the stupid ones? he complained. Three times out in five hundred years and each one dumber than the other."

Safar proffered the silver knife and the creature shrank back, petulant look turning to one of fear. I've had just about enough of your smart talk, Safar said. I'm the one in command here."

"There's no reason to get so excited, Gundara replied.

"Answer my questions, Safar demanded.

"I'm from Hadin, where else? Gundara said. My twin and I were made there long ago. How long, I can't really say. A few thousand years, at least. We were a gift to a witch on her coronation as queen."

"And your purpose? Safar asked.

"We're Favorites, Gundara said, rolling his eyes at such a stupid question. We help wizards and witches with their spells."

"You said you and your twin's duties were divided between humans and demons, Safar said. Why is this?"

"How do I know? Gundara said with barely disguised disgust. That's how we were made, is all. Those are the rules. I do humans. Gundaree does demons. Simple as that."

"Is your twin exactly like you? Safar asked.

Gundara laughed, and the sound was like glass breaking. Not in the slightest, he said. I'm beautiful, as you can see. Gundaree, on the other hand, has a human face. The creature shuddered. What could be uglier than that, no offense intended, I'm sure."

"How did you come to be in Esmir? Safar asked.

"Now that, Gundara said, is the saddest tale in the whole history of tragic stories. We were being transported in the Queen's treasure chest and pirates attacked our ship. From that time on we have been the property of the foulest creatures you can imagine. Traded from one filthy hand to another. Then we got mixed in with worthless goods about fifty years ago and were lost. We've been living in market stalls ever since. Ignored by everyone."

He gave Nerisa a fond look. That was quite a trick you pulled at the market place, he said. I've always thought females made the smartest humans. Nerisa blushed, but said nothing.

Gundara turned to Safar. I suppose my twin and I are stuck with you for awhile, he said. Until somebody kills you, or you trade us to someone else, that is."

"If you don't show some manners soon, Safar replied, I'll make you and your brother a gift to the oldest, dirtiest, wartiest witch in all Esmir."

"Okay, okay, Gundara said. Don't get so upset. I was only making conversation."

"What can you do, Safar asked, besides act as my Favorite?"

"As if that wasn't enough, Gundara grumbled. I guess no one's satisfied with good, sound sorcerous enhancement these days. Why, in the old he broke off when he saw Safar's warning look. Never mind. Forget I said anything. Apparently a poor Favorite doesn't even have the gods-given right to grumble around here. If you want more, more you shall get. I can fetch and carry things that would be fatal for a mortal to touch. I can also spy on your enemies, if you like. Although that's kind of limited since I can't get more than about twenty feet from the turtle. So you'd have to hide me in your enemy's quarters, or whatever else your feeble human imagination can come up with. I'm also pretty good at giving warning if evil-doers are about."

Gundara snickered at some private joke. As a matter of fact, he said, if I were you I'd command me to get busy with that job right now."

"What do you mean? Safar demanded.

Another snicker. Never mind, Gundara said. My loyalty can only be tested so far, you know. If you can't take a hint, O Wise Master, sod off!"

"Favorite! Safar barked. Post guard! Immediately!"

The creature laughed and hopped to his feet. Right away, Master! he said. Never fear, Gundara is near!"

Then, to Nerisa, The only reason I said anything at all, my dear, is that you were nice to me. Gave poor Gundara a sugar treat to snack on, you did. If those men outside were coming for my sour-humored Master, I wouldn't have said anything at all.

"But they're coming for you, Nerisa. And if you're the cunning little dear I think you are, you'll get out of here quick!"

With that there was a sharp pop! and Gundara vanished.

Instinct jolted Nerisa to her feet and without a word she threw herself at the window. She disappeared through it just as the door slammed open and four very large, very pale men rushed inside. Safar scooped up the idol, hiding it in his robes as he scrambled to his feet to confront the invaders.

"What's the meaning of this? he demanded.

The tallest and palest of the men answered, Any meaning I like, Acolyte Timura! Now, tell me where the thief Nerisa is! And tell me quick if you value your hide!"

Safar's heart climbed into his throat.

The man confronting him was Lord KalasarizWalaria's notorious spymaster.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Tall as Safar was, the spy master was taller and so thin and pale in his black robes and skull cap that he looked like a specter.

Safar should have abased himselfshould have fallen to his knees and knocked his head against the floor, begging his Lord's forbearance. But he had to give Nerisa time to escape so instead he brazened it out, rudely yawning and stretching his arms as if he'd been awakened from a deep sleep.

"Forgive me, my friend, he said, but I've been studying late. Exams coming up, you know."

"How dare you call me Friend! Kalasariz roared.

Safar peered at him in mock surprise, then shrugged. My mistake, he said. I can see from your attitude that few, if any, would care to make that claim."

"Don't you know who I am? Kalasariz thundered.

"Apparently not, Safar lied. Or I'd know how to properly beg you to please lower your voice. I'm of nervous disposition. Loud sounds make me ill and I find it difficult to concentrate."

"I am Lord Kalasariz, the spy master hissed. Do you know that name, bumpkin?"

Safar scratched his head, then pretended to jolt and gape. Forgive me, Lord, he said, bobbing his head. I had no idea that"

"Silence! Kalasariz commanded. I asked you a question when I entered. Answer it nowwhere is the thief, Nerisa?"

Safar put on his best look of puzzlement. Nerisa? Now, where do I know that name? Nerisa? Is she the wife of the baker on Didima Street? No, that can't be… He snapped his fingers. I've got it! You mean that child that hangs around the Foolsmire? Is that who you seek?"

"You know very well who I mean, Acolyte Timura, Kalasariz said.

Safar nodded. I do now, Lord, he said. But I don't know where she is. Except… have you checked at the Foolsmire? She sleeps there sometimes."

"I know that, Kalasariz gritted out.

"I suppose you would, Safar said. Being chief spI mean Guardian of Walaria and all."

"Do you deny you were in her company today? Kalasariz demanded.

"No, I… uh… suppose I don't deny it, Safar said. But I can't confirm it either. He gave a sheepish grin. I was taken drunk most of the day, you see. I don't remember much about it. Maybe I saw Nerisa. Maybe I didn't. Sorry I can't be of more help."