Hit or Myth by Robert Asprin

“Before you get too carried away,” Tananda put in quickly, “I think big brother and I would rather work for a piece of the action than on a flat fee.”

“But, honey,” Massha blinked, “You haven’t even heard his plan yet. What makes you think a percentage will net you more than a fee? . . . just between us girls?”

“Just between us girls,” Tananda winked, “you’ve never worked with Aahz before. I have, and while he may not be the pleasantest being to team with, I have unshakeable faith in his profit margins.”

“Now that we’re on the subject,” Aahz said, staring hard at Massha, “we never have worked together before, so let’s get the rules straight early on. I’ve got my own style, see, and it usually doesn’t allow much time for ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and explanations. As long as you do what you’re told, when you’re told, we’ll get along fine. Right?”

“Wrong!”

My reply popped out before Massha could form her own response. I was vaguely aware that the room had gotten very quiet, but most of my attention was on Aahz as he slowly cranked his head around to lock gazes with me.

“Now look, kid….” he began dangerously.

“No, you look, Aahz,” I exploded. “I may be your apprentice, but Massha is mine. Now if she wants to dump that agreement and sign on with you, fine and dandy. But until she does, she’s my student and my responsibility. If you think she can help, then you suggest it to me and I decide whether she’s up to it. There’s one lesson you’ve drummed into my head over and over, mentor mine, whether you meant to or not. Nobody leans on your apprentice but you . . . nobody! If you didn’t want to teach that lesson, then maybe you’d better be more careful with the example you set the next time you take on an apprentice.”