Scarlet and the White Wolf

''Well!'' Liall slapped his hands together and turned to look down on Scarlet. ''The toll has risen for you again, redbird.'' He was smiling broadly.

Peysho gave them both an arch look and muttered an order to the Kasiri hanging about. They scattered and Peysho trudged toward a round red tent on a raised wooden pavilion, balancing crockery on his arms with little grace. It was the largest and richest tent in the camp, and Scarlet suspected it was Liall's own dwelling.

Though Scarlet had no fondness for Peysho, he was dismayed when the man was gone because it left him alone with Liall.

''I admire your resourcefulness,'' Liall said as he plucked a hay straw from Scarlet's hair. ''But I fear I cannot reward it.'' He put the end of the straw in his mouth and chewed it thoughtfully as Scarlet stood there embarrassed and uncertain what to do next. ''However, since you are so determined, I will offer you another bargain: stay with me tonight and you will have free passage for a full turning of the year.''

''No.''

''You are so swift to refuse,'' Liall complained. ''Am I that ugly?''

Scarlet clamped his lips shut. No, you're that handsome. It was truth, but it was his truth, not to be forced out of him.

''Very well.'' Liall crushed the straw and cast it aside. ''If you will not be moved by desire, perhaps I can trust in the natural parsimony of Byzans. Stay the night and I will pay you a hundred sellivar.''

Scarlet's first reaction was to gape at him. Not only had he already been told no twice, but... one night worth a hundred silver coins? A full year's pay? The man was clearly mad. ''You have no sense!''

''You value yourself too cheaply, pretty one.''

His face went hot. ''Scarlet,'' he announced in defense. ''My name is Scarlet.''

Liall tilted his head back. ''A fair name for a fair lad, and it suits you, if I understand the meaning. Tell me, Scarlet; do you lie awake at night dreaming up these tricks?''

''If I did, I would succeed better.''

Liall laughed. ''You wrong me to think me less clever.''