What, indeed? After a moment, Kevin began, “I think—”
“We’re going to have to go on to Westerin,” Lydia said, just as if he wasn’t there.
Eliathanis shook his head. “There’s no evidence they rode that way.”
“There’s no evidence they didn’t! Besides, the horses need grain, and a hot meal and a bath wouldn’t hurt any of us, either.”
“Ah, I think—” Kevin began again, but Naitachal cut in:
“Lydia has a point. We would be more likely to learn something important in a city than out here in the middle of open country.”
“That’s a human city!” Eliathanis snapped. “How willingly do you think they’re going to admit a Dark Elf?”
Naitachal shrugged. “About as willingly as they would a White Elfin these uncertain days. But our cloaks are hooded, after all. No one need know our races, as long as we’re careful.”
“Huh! No one’s going to bother a fairy!” Tich’ki boasted.
“No one’s going to bother with a fairy!” Lydia corrected with a grin. “Not a little thing like you!”
“Little, is it?” Tich’ki pinched Lydia so hard the woman jumped. “Little, is it?”
“Well, you
“Hey. remember me?” the bardling asked. “I’ve got some say in this, too, and I—”
“This is nonsense.” Eliathanis shook his head again, stubbornly. “I think we should continue to search out here.”
“Search what?” Lydia exploded. “I tell you, there isn’t the slightest due. There isn’t even the slightest trace of a clue! In the city, it’ll be a different matter. Give ‘em enough money, and we’ll be able to bribe nearly anyone to tell us whatever we need to know.”
The White Elf straightened, staring at her as though she’d uttered an obscenity. “Humans lie,” he said shortly.” How much truth do you think you will get out of anyone who can be bought?”
“He’s scared,” Tich’ki taunted. “Poor elf is scared the humans will throw things at him. Dirty his pretty face.”
Eliathanis took a furious swipe at her, but the fairy, fluttering heavily because of her still-damp wings, soil managed to evade him, mocking him with, “Temper, temper!”
“Stop that, Tich’ki!” Lydia caught one small foot and pulled the fairy back down behind her on the horse. “I say we go to Westerin.”
“And I,” Naitachal voted.
“Me, too.” Tich’ki grinned sharply. “I lake human dues. So many folks careless with their belongings. So many ... opportunities.”
“Huh,” Lydia muttered. “Just don’t get us thrown into prison.”
“Have I ever?”
“Yes!”
The fairy ruffled her wings. “Thought you’d forgotten all about that—It wasn’t my fault the gems fell into your pouch!”
“Oh no. The pouch just happened to come open at just the right time,”
“Well ... it might have had a little help ...”
“And it’s not going to have any more help! If I find your fingers anywhere near that pouch, Tich’ki, I swear I’ll cut ‘cm off!”
