Start with a story

Frustration brews in Dusts' army of urchins

Stupid, preachy elf ghost. Kiele had one thing right–if I left Collen to his own plans, the big lug could shrug off his leash. Frustration causes boys to think. They hate that. A few words from a cute girl like Sigrun could have him choking down spider meat and acting like elves are people.

I knew someone who could help all three of us. A girl of six summers, Sola would be perfect.

The right story makes the prey go down easy. Especially when the kid has less than seven summers. "We saw what you did."

The little girl's eyes went wide and she shook her head.

I leaned back and nodded.

"Didn't mean to! It was–"

I tamped down her squealing. "Hey, hey, hey, little bit, I get it. We know how to keep a secret on our side of town."

Her ribs shook and she gave me a hopeful smile.

Nothing a human could do would be all that bad, and I had the girl half trained anyhow. "I was hoping you could slide me a favor." I jiggled a few copper coins.

"Anything for you, Dust!"

I slid the coins into her hand. "Buy the big kebab and eat half of it."

"You want me to eat…" She gave me a puzzled look. "Half of your…"

I tapped her shoulder and laughed. "Watch Girl's really got my man Collen chasing his tail. He needs a win."

"She's the coolest." The kid giggled. "Even I can outrun him."

"But can you cry on command?"

She shrugged. "Can't everybody?"

"Scuff your knees and spill the sad rain." I gave her a playful nudge and a sly smile.

"I'll be who go boo hoo!"

"There's a place in my empire if you do."

She looked up at me and grinned.

That went down dangerously sweet, like a lord's ransom of milk candy. I couldn't afford to let her become important to me. Desperate to keep my distance, I bit my cheek and looked at her noseso she'd think I was sharing the moment.