The beast looked at Arista. “Thou art regal.” “I am a princess.” “The best bait,” the Gilarabrywn said, but Arista was not sure she heard that right. It might also have said, “The greatest gift.” The phrase was difficult to translate. She asked, “Wilt thou honor thy trade or kill us?” “The bait stays alive until I catch the thief.” “Thief?”
