"We've been talking all night," Ninzu said at last, rubbing her temple. "Are you coming to Vargorath or not?"
The younger witch, Marla, yawned loudly. "Depends. Do they have better food than this village? Because if all I'm getting is boiled roots and bitter tea, you can forget it."
Her older sister, Thessa, swatted her with the spoon she still held.
"She's not asking about food, you fool. She's asking if we'll help her face down a cursed dragon, a mad sorcerer, and something else she said."
"Right," Marla muttered, crossing her arms. "But I'm still asking about the food."
Ninzu gave them both a flat look. "Vargorath does not lack for feasts. What it lacks is time."
Marla leaned back in her chair, grinning. "Then it's settled. We'll go."
"You crazy girl," Thessa hissed. "Let's wait for Serenya."
"The witch Serenya is here?" Ninzu asked.
Thessa froze, clutching her mouth, but it was too late.
Marla slapped her forehead. "Oh, stars. Wasn't that supposed to be a secret?"
