She wagged a mock-admonitory finger in his face.

Grimm laughed, despite his sombre mood. "I'll be careful, I promise."

Then his face fell again. "You do realise that I may have to stay at the House for a while longer before I can come back home? I don't want anything more than to stay here with you, but I'm not a free man yet. After a few more Quests, a little more boost in reputation, and I may be trusted to spend all my free time in Crar without running away."

Drex nodded, her expression a little bleak. "I'll wait for you, Grimm Afelnor. I'll trust your friend Shakkar to look after me, and I'll be thinking of you while you're away."

Grimm shrugged. "It may not be too bad, Drex. Lord Thorn may not order me to stay at the House after all, and Quests don't come about all that often. I'll let you know, whatever happens."

"I know you will, Grimm. Anyway, enough of that! Why don't you tell me all about your first Quest, and your friend, Dalquist?"

"I'm sure Thribble here can tell it better than I could," Grimm replied, smiling. "What do you say, Thribble?"

The demon hopped onto the table in front of the divan, enthusiastic and athletic. "I thought you would never ask, human. I love to tell stories."

Drex clapped her hands and turned to Grimm. "He's so sweet, Grimm! I love him!"

"Sweet!" the demon squeaked in indignation.

"Please, just tell the story, Thribble, while I get my bags packed for the journey. Perhaps you'd like a little wine or brandy to lubricate your throat?"

"Brandy would be marvellous!" the demon crowed, clapping his tiny paws. "Well, young female, I first met Questor Grimm when the demon Starmor ruled this city: but it was a very different city then. Questor Grimm and his companions were trapped…"

Drexelica sat silent, her eyes wide as Thribble launched into his tale with his customary gusto. Grimm felt happy to let the demon take his mind off his uncertain future.