Teige watched Hawk, puzzled. He glanced away, almost guiltily.

"Er, you know, mate," he said, "You really don't have anything to lose in this deal."

Hawk looked up at him, frowning. "Wull then why d'you wanna go so bad?" he asked. A toothy grin spread across Teige's face.

"Aah, me," he said breezily. "I thought I'd go to Enodia and offer my services to the good Cynn Numair! I hear he's looking for a pooka of my talents."

Hawk blinked rapidly. Involuntarily the corners of his mouth lifted into an almost desperate smile.

"The Cynn?" he repeated, more to himself than anything. He started laughing--it was a bitter-sounding laugh, but it was the first he'd laughed in weeks. Teige glared at him.

"Oh, that's funny, is it," he said dryly.