Free The Ways of Mages: Starfire by Catherine Beery

have a stone ? ”
    Razyan snorted .“ I would be a hypocrite if I did n’ t have one. You know that I tell all of the mages at the Keep to carry a stone . ”
    Zeeve looked apologetic .“ Sorry. Can I use it ? ”
    Razyan smiled .“ Take it .” From seemingly no where Razyan produced a glossy black velvet bag .“ You remember how to use it, yes ? ”
    Zeeve nodded .“ Put the stone in her hand. If it glows she has magic. If it does not.. . ”
    “ She does n’ t .” Razyan finished.
    “ Razyan, there is just one problem .” Zeeve said, letting the bag settle on the branch. Razyan cocked his head .“ This bag is a little too big and cumbersome for someone like me to carry down this here tree, through the forest, and to her house. Not to mention being undiscovered. She will be most unhappy if I was caught again. And frankly, I had enough fun being tossed around . ”
    “ Tossed around ?” Razyan asked, his eyes glinting .“ This I must hear . ”
    “ Ask Kadrean. Now, are you really going to force me to climb all the way down this tree and scramble through the forest and somehow survive the town ?” Zeeve asked with puppy eyes.
    Razyan rolled his eyes .“ If you want a ride, just ask . ”
    “ Fine, can you carry me back ?” If the bird could it would have raised an eyebrow .“ Please ? ”
    “ Very well, I shall .” Razyan said bowing his head over one wing; much like a gentleman bowing to a pretty dame.
    “ Quit being such a gentleman. I’ m not a woman .” Zeeve grumbled as he scrambled onto Razya n’ s back. He did n’ t see the twinkle in Razya n’ s eye that marked the beginning of a teasing storm.
    “ Really? I never knew. Ow! Hey! No pulling the feathers ! ”
    “ Ha !” Zeeve shouted triumphantly, waving a feather in the air.
    “ I ca n’ t believe you !” Razyan cried .“ Ow! My feather! My poor feather! You monster! Ow, that hurt. You have no idea how much that hurt. OW ! ”
    “ So dramatic, are you done whimpering ?” Zeeve asked the bir d’ s head .“ You know ,” Zeeve said stroking the glossy black feather .“ it is hard to believe that you are a powerful wizard when you act like this .” Zeeve scolded with a shake of his head.
    “ It is because I am a powerful wizard that I can act this way .” Razyan pointed out .“ If I am to lug you back to the town we need to have an understanding.  NO PULLING FEATHERS!  Understand ?” When no reply was forthcoming the Red-wing took the silence as an affirmative and took wing. Razyan was immensely, wickedly so, satisfied when he heard Zeeve yelp at his sudden movement .“ You can hold on, just no yanking the feathers .” He informed the Moleci patronizingly
    “ Okay, okay .” Zeeve hissed between clenched teeth.
    “ Besides .” Razyan said thoughtfully .“ You did give me an excellent opening with that woman comment. I just could n’ t resist . ”
    “ It is truly amazing that you are alive right now. One would think that you would have angered someone and ended up as a pile of ash .” Zeeve remarked.
    “ That is why I am only easily amused when I am around people I love . ”
    “ I feel the love .” Zeeve replied dryly.
    “ You should. You are many peopl e’ s favorite one to tease .” Razyan informed him as they approached Plarn.
    “ Is that why I am teased by everybody ?” Zeeve shook his head .“ Being who I am, you would think I would get more respect . ”
    Razyan cawed his laughter .“ Consider it a balance, my tiny friend. Your people treat you with all the pomp and circumstance you can take, plus extra. Among the people you escape to, you are treated to all the teasing you can take. It helps with your ego . ”
    “ Hmm .” Zeeve growled .“ Why do they always call me tiny? I’ m not !” He muttered into the Red-win g’ s feathers.
    “ I t’ s fun and you are .” Razyan answered helpfully. As they flew over Plarn he aske d“ Which house ? ”
    “ That one there, near the square on the