Page 40 (1/2)

Meggie scratched an ‘E’ in the wall ‘It doesn’tback The Gs in her name looked like nibbled Os ‘You probably couldn’t have read her back out of it again anyway’

‘No, probably not,’

‘It’s not your fault,’ said Meggie She wanted to add: theis for Basta never to put his knife to your throat again I mean, I hardly reraphs But Meggie said none of that, for she kneouldn’t comfort Mo, it would probably just ie had some idea of how much he missed her mother And for one crazy moment she felt jealous

She scratched an ‘I’ in the plaster – that was an easy letter – then she lowered the key

Footsteps were approaching outside Elinor put her hand to her mouth when they stopped

Basta pushed open the door, and there was sonised the old woman she had seen in Capricorn’s house With a dour expression on her face, she pushed past Basta and put a h to do!’ she ain ‘So noe have to feed up our fine guests too! They ht at least be put to work if you have to keep them here’

‘Tell that to Capricorn,’ was all Basta replied Then he drew his knife, setting dark outside, and his snohite shirt shone in the gathering twilight

‘Enjoy your tea, Silvertongue,’ he said, relishing the discomfort on Elinor’s face ‘Mortola’s put soyour mouth will probably stick up with the first sip you take, but your throat will be as good as new tomorrow’

‘What have you done with the boy?’ asked Mo

‘Oh, I think he’s next door to you Capricorn hasn’t decided what’s to become of him yet Cockerell will try him out with a little ordeal by fire tomorrow, then we’ll know if he’s any use to us’

Mo sat up ‘Ordeal by fire?’ he asked, his voice both bitter and‘Well, you can’t have passed that one yourself You’re even afraid of Dustfinger’s ue!’ Basta hissed at him ‘One more word and I’ll cut it out, however precious itup He took his ti tea

‘Maybe not’ Basta lowered his voice, as if afraid of being overheard ‘But your little daughter has a tongue too, and hers isn’t as valuable as yours’

Mo flung theof hot tea at hi smashed into the wood ‘Sweet dreams!’ he called fro’

None of the tiie whispered at last

‘What story do you want to hear?’ he asked, putting his arm round her shoulders