“Marat stronger than Tavi,” Fade said. “Faster.” “Thank you,” Tavi said, testily. “I needed that kind of encouragement.” Fade’s eyes glittered with something like good humor, and he ruffled Tavi’s hair with one hand. “Tavi smart. There. Bag of tricks. Be smart, Tavi. Important.” Tavi tilted his head to one side, peering at the slave. “Fade?” he asked. The glitter faded from the man’s eyes, and he gave Tavi his witless grin.
