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.'
'I dislike your manner, Safar Timura, Kalasariz said. Perhaps you think you're safe from me because you are under the protection of Lord Umurhan. That I have no sway over University affairs.'
'Forgive my rough mountain manners, Lord, Safar said. Sometimes I unintentionally give city people offense. I know quite well that you are charged with seeing the law is kept in Walaria. Quite naturally those duties would include the temple and university.'
Kalasariz ignored him, peering about Safar's room, long nose twitching like a hunting ferret's.
To draw away suspicion, Safar plunged onward. Pardon my foolishness, Lord, he said, but why would someone of your eminence be looking for a common thief? And a child thief, at that?'
Kalasariz eyes swept and Safar suddenly felt very cold as he was confronted by the spymaster's glittering eyes. I was told you were the brightest student at the university, the spymaster said. Too bright for your own good, perhaps. And disdainful of rules and authority.'
He paused, waiting to see if Safar would be foolish enough to answer. At last he nodded in satisfaction. At least you're bright enough to know when to keep your tongue still, he said. I'll answer your question two ways, Acolyte Timura. If you're so intelligent you'll know which one to choose for a correct answer.
'The first is this: I'm looking for the girl because an informant has reported that she is a vital messenger for a group of traitorous students.'
Safar needed no acting help to make his eyes widen. Nerisa? he said, amazed.
Kalasariz eyes gleamed with renewed suspicion. Are you claiming you know nothing of these students?'
Safar knew better than to lie about something that was common knowledge in Walaria. I've heard, Lord, he said, that there are certain students at the University who are misguided enough to question the policies of the good King Didima. Then seeing that this bit of truth had been swallowed without difficulty he chanced a lie. I have
