Chapter 14

“Speaking of fair,” Nata said. “You said you had a question for me?”

“Yes. It is also quite personal,” Bartz said cautiously.

“That’s okay,” Nata reassured him. “If I don’t like it, I can just turn you into a dog or something.”

“As long as you don’t turn him into a big cat!” Falca said. “He threatens to eat me enough as is. You know, I really think he needs to take some anger management classes. Sure, anger might be good when you are a knight of the Game. But I’m the guy’s best friend and he’s…”

Nata pointed at Falca and then waved her index finger across her mouth. Falca fell silent, her beak magically glued shut.

“Thank you,” Bartz said.

“I’m sorry, Falca,” Nata told him. “But I am really anxious to hear Bartz’s question.”

Falca knew when she was out of her league. A bird lives a lot longer when she knows when to give in to a higher power. She bowed to Nata and gestured with her wing to Bartz, signifying that the floor was now his.

“