Spy, Spy Again

1

Tory and his best friend, Prince Kyril Kee, to him finished their long trudge across Companion's Field and paused at the high stone wall surrounding the entire Palace complex just as the last of the sun disappeared in the west. The last rays gilded the very top of the wall and turned the Guard just above them into an odd silhouette, half in light, half in darkness. He took a breath of the balmy summer air with deep appreciation; some of the Companions began drifting their way across the lush, green field with anticipation, even though he and Kee wouldn't be doing anything until twilight had settled in. The Companions all took great interest in their nightly race. So much so that he suspected them of secretly placing bets.

I wouldn't put it past them. Though what would a Companion use as a wager? Extra apples? Pocket pies? They get everything they could ever want or need. Maybe bragging rights are enough.

Not on who would win.... it was a very off day for Tory when he didn't win. But whether or not he or Kee would finish without any penalty marks against them.

"Right, or left?" asked Kee, looking up, not at the formidable barrier of the wall but at the supple birch trees they'd be using to reach the top of it. The birches weren't nearly as old as many of the trees in the field; sadly, for all their grace and beauty, birches didn't live nearly as long as goldenoaks or beeches. But birches had one virtue that none of the other trees here had: flexibility.

The Guard glanced down at them. From where Tory stood, his amused expression was easy to read. The Guards enjoyed this nightly contest too, and even their commander encouraged their participation in it. Tory began warming up exercises, and Kee followed suit. Though.... sometimes he only pretended to warm up; there were tricks you could use when you had to move desperately fast without getting a chance to warm up first, and from time to time he needed to practice those

Mercedes Lackey is a full-time writer and has published numerous novels and works of short fiction, including the best-selling Heralds of Valdemar series. She is also a professional lyricist and a licensed wild bird rehabilitator. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband, artist Larry Dixon, and their flock of parrots. She can be found at mercedeslackey.com or on Twitter at @mercedeslackey.

Praise for the Valdemar novels

"Eye Spy feels like a present written especially for me. You're gonna want to read it. This one's a firecracker." Tor.com

"Whether it's the spellbinding world, the intrigue of the plot, or the simple yet remarkable narrative style it is impossible to say which of these makes the story so good, but one thing is for sure: Closer to Home marks the beginning of another fantastic Lackey series." RT Reviews

"Mags remains an engaging character, and makes a very capable spy/investigator.... His adventures still make engrossing reading." Locus

"Returning to her beloved Valdemar universe, Lackey opens her new series at a pivotal time in the history of Valdemar.... Series fans will enjoy the variations on a familiar theme, while enough information is presented for first- timers to discover a world of high adventure and individual courage. Highly recommended." Library Journal

"Closer to the Heart has the two things that have always made me love these books: a richly detailed history of the world, and beautiful writing." The Arched Doorway

"Lackey is a master at characterization." The Ranting Dragon