Chapter 29

Ash glanced up and asked, “Aren’t they coming in?”

“Another time,” I said, retrieving my gifts from the shelf. “They’re being chickens.”

“I heardthat!” Quiller called from outside.

Smiling, I returned to the porch, again pulling the door shut behind me. “Here,” I said, holding out my gifts. “I made these for you.” I handed a beaded bracelet to Garnet and a broach of feathers to Quiller.

They accepted them, staring in amazement. “Ooh,” Garnet breathed. “Pretty.”

“Mmm.” Quiller examined his broach. “You madethese?”

“All on my own,” I said proudly. “I’m going to make jewellery to trade with. It’s what humans do.”

Quiller raised an eyebrow. “Indeed.”

“Don’t tell Elfren.” Garnet giggled. “You know he loves shiny things.”

“Oh, he’s already visited,” I said. “You know how nosey he is. But I think he’ll be my best customer, so I don’t mind.”