“That’s no problem, big bwana,” Maasha laughed, regaining some of her customary composure. “Magik is like that: the more you learn, the more you find there is to know. That’s why the really big guns in our business spend all their time closeted away studying and practicing. You know some magik, and that’s some more than I know. I’ll be grateful for anything you’re willing to teach me.”
“Oh.” I said, a bit surprised that my big confession hadn’t fazed her at all. “Well, there’s still the second reason.”
“And that is?”
“… That I’m in a bit of trouble myself. In fact, I was just getting ready to sneak out of the kingdom when you showed up.”
A small frown wrinkled Massha’s forehead.
“Hmm . . .” she said, thoughtfully. “Maybe you’d better give me some of the details of this trouble you’re in. Sometimes talking it out helps, and that’s what apprentices are for.”
“They are?” I countered skeptically. “I’ve been apprenticed twice, and I don’t remember either of the magicians I studied under confiding in me with their problems.”
“Well, that’s what Massha’s for. Listening happens to be one of the few things I’m really good at. Now give. What’s happened to put a high-stepper like you on the run?”
Seeing no easy alternative, I told her about the King’s assignment and my subsequent deal with Grimble. She was right. She was an excellent listener, making just enough sympathetic noise to keep me talking without actually interrupting my train of thought.
When I finally wound down, she sighed and shook her head.