Safar gave the stone a final sharp rap with his knife and suddenly the monster's face broke free from the stone, floating up and up, and then the painted eyes blinked into life and its mouth moved, forming words:
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Nerisa heard it say.
A body formed beneath the face, and Nerisa pulled back in surprise as a little creature, perhaps three hands high, hopped off the turtle's back and stood on the floor. It had the visage of a toad, with huge eyes and a mouth stretched wide to reveal four needle-sharp fangs. But the rest of its body was that of an elegant little man, richly clothed in a form-fitting costume covering it from toe to neck. The creature seemed angry, hands perched on narrow hips, ugly toad head turned toward the stone turtle.
"If you don't shut up, it said to the idol, I'll make you! Just wait and see if I don't! Then the creature looked up at Safar, complaining, He gives me a headache! Always talking. Never listening. Sometimes I can't even hear myself think!"
"I'm sorry you're forced to live with such noisy company, Safar said, as natural as could be. But in case you haven't noticed you've just been summoned. And if you'll pardon my rudeness, whatever quarrel you have with your companion is of no interest to us."
The creature glared at Safar, then at Nerisa. That's the trouble with humans, he said. No concern for others. He cocked his head at the idol as if listening, then nodded. I couldn't agree more, Gundaree, he said to the idol. For a change you speak wisely. Then, to Safar, he said, Gundaree says all humans are selfish. And you've certainly done nothing since we met to disprove it."
"Who is Gundaree? Safar asked.
The creature snorted, tiny flames shooting from its nostrils. My twin! Who else? He spoke as if Safar were the most ignorant mortal in existence.
"And you are?"
Another fiery snort. Gundara, that's who!"
"Why hasn't your twin also appeared? Safar asked. Tell him to come out so we can see him."
Gundara shrugged, the gesture as graceful as a dancer's. He never appears to humans, he said. It's not in the rules. I take care of your sort. He does the demons."
"Then you do understand you've been summoned, Safar said. And that you must do my bidding."
Gundara hopped up on a three-legged stool, perching there so he was eye-level with Safar. Sure, sure. I understand. Bid away, O Master of Rudeness. But would you mind getting to it? I haven't eaten my dinner yet. He gestured at the idol. That damned greedy twin of mine will get it all if I don't get back soon."
He turned to Nerisa, perhaps hoping to find more sympathy there. You won't believe how hard it is to come by a decent meal when you live in a stone idol."
"I can see how it might be, Nerisa said. She rummaged in a pocket and came up with a sweet.
Gundara's eyes lit up. Haven't had a taste of sugar in a thousand years, he said. He held out a tiny hand for the treat.
Nerisa hesitated, looking at Safar. He nodded for her to go ahead and she extended the sweet, which was immediately grabbed by Gundara and popped into his mouth. He chewed, closing his eyes as if he were in paradise. Then he gave a delicate flick of his long red tongue, picking off any stray sugar crumbs from his lips.
When he was done he turned Safar. What do you want, human? And don't make it too difficult. You don't get the world for a sweet, you know."
"First I want to know something about you, Safar said. Where are you from? And what is your purpose?"
Gundara sighed. Why do I get all the stupid ones? he complained. Three times out in five hundred years and each one dumber than the other."
Safar proffered the silver knife and the creature shrank back, petulant look turning to one of fear. I've had just about enough of your smart talk, Safar said. I'm the one in command here."
"There's no reason to get so excited, Gundara replied.
"Answer my questions, Safar demanded.
"I'm from Hadin, where else? Gundara said. My twin and I were made there long ago. How long, I can't really say. A few thousand years, at least. We were a gift to a witch on her coronation as queen."
"And your purpose? Safar asked.
"We're Favorites, Gundara said, rolling his eyes at such a stupid question. We help wizards and witches with their spells."
"You said you and your twin's duties were divided between humans and demons, Safar said. Why is this?"
"How do I know? Gundara said with barely disguised disgust. That's how we were made, is all. Those are the rules. I do humans. Gundaree does demons. Simple as that."
"Is your twin exactly like you? Safar asked.
Gundara laughed, and the sound was like glass breaking. Not in the slightest, he said. I'm beautiful, as you can see. Gundaree, on the other hand, has a human face. The creature shuddered. What could be uglier than that, no 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!"