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said, almost laughing. “Normally, he wouldn’t let you touch a weapon unless you’ve had at least eight years of solid footwork.”
    “So . . .”
    “It’s because of the Dragon Fair,” she explained. “This is the only time he does anything like this.”
    “Jasper,” said Ridley, “where is your uncle?”
    “I don’t know. I’m trying to figure that out myself. You sound like you all know him?”
    Their faces brightened, and everyone began talking at once. Jasper heard most of it as a jumble, but one sentence he caught complete was from Bree. She said, “He tells the best stories.”
    Jasper turned to Bree. “That’s him! That’s my Uncle Ebb! When did you last see him?”
    Ridley answered almost immediately. “It’s been nearly a year.”
    Jasper filed this away. “So you’ve met my sister, Lily?”
    Some shook their heads; some answered no. No one said yes.
    “Well . . . then how do you know her?”
    “We’ve all been taking shifts in Tavin’s house, waiting for her to come back. Dubb and Tavin described her to us, but really, who needs a description for someone appearing out of thin air?”
    “So none of you have met her?” Jasper cursed himself for not listening to her better. Without even thinking about it, Jasper fingered the chain of the necklace and gave it a tug.
    Instantly, they all leapt to their feet, opening their cloaks to shield him from prying eyes. Jasper and Darce were suddenly nose to nose, her blue eyes boring into him.
    “What did I tell you?” she said slowly.
    “Not . . . to let anyone . . . see the—”
    “Shh! Don’t name it!”
    “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
    Darce looked as him with disgust. “Not thinking?”
    “I won’t make the same mistake twice.”
    “Twice? I should hope not!”
    Jasper pulled up his collar around the necklace, and everyone sat back down.
    “It’s getting on, Annora,” said Ridley.
    Jasper gave Ridley a questioning look. “Annora and Bree will be taking on the Lintel boys in less than an hour,” the boy explained. “It’s going to be quite a show. You should come with us.”
    Bree grinned, and her eyes danced mischievously. “Are we going to let them win again?” she asked Annora, sounding hopeful.
    “No,” answered Annora testily. “We let them win last year.”
    “But . . . have you seen Newlin’s eyelashes?”
    “Yes.” Annora sighed heavily. “We’ve all seen Newlin’s eyelashes.”
    Bree made a pouty face.
    “There are few things better than an overconfident opponent,” said Darce.
    “Very true,” said Annora, turning to Darce. “But we have something new that needs testing. And this will be our last chance to do it.”
    “Is is legal?” asked Darce.
    “Yes,” answered Annora a little too quickly.
    “Oh, really?” said Darce, suddenly looking impressed.
    “It’s . . . new,” said Annora, gathering her cloak.
    “And I suppose by that you mean it won’t be illegal until next year?”
    Annora pursed her lips and shot a sideways glance at Bree, who was nodding her head to some unheard beat, a smile blooming on her face.
    “Mmm . . . could be,” Bree replied.

Chapter Four
    Lunamancer’s Apprentice

    W e should be going,” announced Bree.
    Falin and Grimm stood. “Come on, Darce, let’s go watch Annora and Bree dust the Lintel boys,” offered Falin. “It’ll be fun.”
    Darce shook her head. “Go,” she commanded.
    “What about Jasper?” asked Falin.
    “You take him. He’s safer with all of you than with just me.”
    Falin, the taller one, stepped over to Jasper.
    “Looks like you’re with us now. I’m Falin, and this is my brother Grimm.” Their pale complexions and pearly white grins stood out against their dark hair and black clothing. He shook their hands, which dwarfed his own.
    “Lead the way,” said Jasper, and he wondered whether Darce would get into trouble with Cora for leaving him, but in the end, he decided that if anyone could take care of herself, it was