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cloth. It comes in very handy when an occasional bird of prey gets past the violent currents of air that
buffet, and thereby protect, our shores.
Bardon felt a twinge of guilt. The tiny woman had truly been heroic this night, and still, he dismissed her
ability to serve just because of her size. I must make a more concerted effort to respect her for who
she is.
He cleared his throat. Excuse me, Mistress Seeno. I didn t mean to imply that the Isle of Kye was
uncivilized.
She folded her hands across the fancy braided belt encircling her plump waist. She gazed at some distant
point across the room and tapped her foot.
Bardon waited. He couldn t say much after he had already apologized.
Her foot stopped. She sat down in her comfy chair, looked up at him, and cleared her throat.
I am sorry for my tirade. I seem to be a bit out of sorts in this large world of yours& and truly, the quiss
did disturb me greatly. She chuckled and took up her cup. That tea you made for N Rae will be
crawling out of the mug and walking if you don t see to it soon.
Bardon stirred in the sugar and presented the mug to N Rae.
Would you like tea as well, Granny Kye? asked the young squire.
Yes, thank you. She stroked N Rae s long blond hair away from her face. Sip it slowly, infant. Those
are heavy tea leaves and will stay at the bottom if you don t stir them up by gulping the brew.
Bardon returned to the stove to fix another mug for Granny. Jue Seeno motioned him closer once the
water was poured.
I like you, Bardon, she said, casting a glance at the emerlindian women. Granny Kye hovered over the
girl as she put her to bed in a sitting position to drink the tea. I shall count it a pleasure to work with you
in the charge to protect the girl.
Not knowing what to say, Bardon merely nodded.
Although it goes against the grain to do so, I place myself under your authority. I should have done so
immediately, for Granny Kye said it was obvious that Paladin had arranged for you to lead our quest.
She blinked, glanced down, and then directly into the squire s eyes. Frankly, I have a bit of a problem
with pride. A twinkle came to her eyes, and a smile quirked her thin lips. You can help me with that.
I would be honored to assist you, Mistress Seeno.
She leaned forward and whispered. Bardon had to bend quickly to get his ear close enough to hear.
I hate being mistaken for a rodent. Her eyes darted from side to side. A mouse. Her expression
hardened, and she stiffened, standing erect. Should you ever hear someone refer to me by that name,
skewer him! At Bardon s jolt of surprise, she added, At the very least, persuade him he is mistaken.
Bardon cleared his throat and worked to keep his expression bland. And if the mistaken person is a
young girl who leaps to stand on a chair as you pass, should I skewer her?
The minneken s tail twitched, and her eyes narrowed. She pointed a finger at him and wagged it. N Rae
told me not to mention your ears because it causes you distress. I would appreciate the same sort of
courtesy returned to me. This is not a matter to be taken lightly.
Bardon wondered if all three women had discussed his ears. He frowned but realized talking about the
matter would further confirm the minneken s impression that his ears were a point of contention.
What would Sir Dar say? He d say to be polite. It never damages your objective to be polite.
Outmaneuver your opponent with manners.
Yes, Mistress Seeno. I understand. I shall endeavor to be more sensitive to your concern. But surely the
problem will not arise. Aren t you to remain hidden? I assume you are not in favor of the general
populace learning that minnekens do, indeed, exist.
Quite right, but at some time on my reconnaissance, I could inadvertently be seen.
At that time, wouldn t it be more convenient to be mistaken for a mouse?
Her mouth popped open and then slammed shut. Her whiskers quivered, and if her eyes could have done
damage to his person, he would have fallen to the floor. Quite without warning, Jue Seeno dropped into
her chair and started chuckling. She then began to laugh and ended up wiping tears from her eyes with a
tiny handkerchief.
Oh, lad, she gasped, you have a hidden streak of mischief. This quest will be a most surprising
venture.
Bardon turned back to the stove and reached for the container of sugar.
Mischief? As in humor? I thought it was a very practical suggestion that she let people think she is
a mouse. He remembered the mouse he thought he had seen sitting on the windowsill of the inn. Perhaps
she does on occasion lurk in the shadows as a mouse. Ah well, it might be one of her little secrets.
But why would she pretend to be a mouse when she has the moonbeam cape?
People, even minnekens, are too complicated to be understood. Sir Dar thinks I have acquired
social skills. Jue Seeno thinks I have a sense of humor. And I think there are too many people in
the world. Way too many people.
He finished the tea and handed it to Granny Kye.
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