23

“We listen,” you say firmly. “People talk when they’re in a crowd because they don’t think anyone’s paying attention—so we will.”

Looking around, you spot a likely-looking patch near Hermelin, the cheese seller. “I’ll try over there,” you say softly, making sure they follow your gaze.

Ashur nods. “We’ll meet back by the garment shop,” he says. “Find us there if you hear anything.”

“Or if you don’t,” Tarquin adds helpfully.

Standing near Hermelin’s stall gives you the opportunity to listen to not only the everyday market-goers and the poor who line the street, but also a few shadier characters looking for herbs and magical ingredients at nearby stalls. You stand there so long that your feet go numb, but no one—not even the shadiest of passers-by—says anything useful.

You do notice, though, that Hermelin has those tiny cheese wheels people put over their eyes—the kind Mae loves for her spa days.

• To buy the cheese wheels for Mae, turn to page 24.
• To forgo the tiny cheese wheels, turn to page 25.