Free The Secret Of The Unicorn Queen -The Dark Gods by Josepha Sherman

really wasn't funny. Precious time was passing while they scrambled to find a way out of this maze. And they didn't want to waste too much more of it, because they only had this one night to get Illyria out before it was too late. Besides, just because they hadn't yet seen any guards patrolling the streets didn't mean there weren't any such patrols. Worse, who knew what supernatural means Kumuru might have to guard his city? They didn't dare attract anyone's attention! 
        Still, that ridiculous image of a startled Erech-bani housewife staring at her while she politely asked for directions kept popping back into Sheila's mind no matter what she did. 
        Think of something else, fast! Or you’re-- "Oh, no." Pelu's voice was a soft groan. "Not another dead end! And I was so sure we were finally going the right way.” 
        That stopped any urge Sheila had to laugh. For a moment the three warriors stared in silent dismay at the blank wall blocking their path. 
        Then Pelu sighed. "There's no help for it. We'll just have to retrace our steps and try again." 
        "Yes," whispered Dian urgently, "but which way did we come?" 
        "Why, down that way. I think." 
        "Uh, Pelu," cut in Sheila softly. "I thought we came that way. 
        "You see what I mean?" Dian's voice shook. "There aren't any straight streets here, or even any right angles. I don't know where we are! And neither do you!" 
        "Softly, Dian! Don't worry. We'll find our way out." 
        "How? Pelu, no one in this city bothered to paint us any street signs. And even if they had, we couldn't read the signs in the dark!" 
        "Why don't we just see if we can climb over the wall," suggested Sheila. 
        Pelu shook her head. "It's attached to that house. See? We'd only wind up in someone's garden. Besides," she added, peering up at the top of the wall, "it looks as if that someone has studded the top of the wall with bits of glass. A nasty way of keeping out thieves. And us. 
        "Well, then . . ." Sheila hesitated. Oh, no, she didn't dare! It was too dangerous-and too silly! But if somebody didn't do something, they would be lost here all night! 
        Gesturing to Pelu and Dian to stay back out of sight, Sheila took a deep breath and marched up to one of the houses. She had to knock for some time, but finally someone stirred within the house. The door opened a wary crack. 
        "Who is it? What do you want?" 
        Or at least Sheila thought that's what the voice said; although the Samarnans and Camporans spoke the same language, the exotic Erech-bani accent made it sound quite different. 
        "Please, I-I need directions," Sheila stammered. 
        "What's this? A girl? All alone?" 
        The door opened a crack wider. Sheila saw a woman standing there, candle in hand, night robe wrapped around herself, looking so much like the housewife she had pictured that she had to bite down hard on her lower lip to keep from giggling. 
        "Uh, y-yes." Warming to her role, Sheila continued in a timid little voice. "You-you see, I . . . uh . . . work in the palace kitchen." When the woman only nodded, Sheila dared to add, "I just started there the other day. But I ... Well ... I-" 
        "Snuck out, I take it? To see someone?" The woman's voice sounded a tiny bit more sympathetic. "A boy, perhaps?" 
        "Anyhow," Sheila hurried on, as though embarrassed, "I was trying to get back in without anyone seeing me. But-but I'm new here. And I got lost! Oh, please, can you tell me the quickest way back to the palace?" 
        The woman never hesitated. And she repeated her directions not once but three times, making sure Sheila had them memorized. 
        "Now, you hurry straight there, yes? And tell your boyfriend not to let you go home alone next time! A girl your age has no business being out so late!" 
        "Uh . . . No, ma'am. Thank you. You've been such a help." 
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