My Sparkling Misfortune (The Lakeland Knight) by Laura Lond, Alla Alekseyeva Page A

never were friends, only colleagues. However, we weren't enemies, either.
    "Thank you, Shabriak. How did you find me?"
    He smiled again.
    "I have my sources, just like you."
    Yes, of course. And no good villain will reveal those.
    "Have a seat," I offered. "What brings you here? Not business, I hope? Ulkaria is under my protection, I have to say that to you upfront."
    He sat down.
    "No, no, nothing of that sort. You can keep this lovely land to yourself. It's been a long journey for me, so, uh... Can you spare some food?"
    "Of course."
    I called Jarvi and asked him to bring something to eat. Shabriak removed his cloak. Not only he sported a skull on the chest, two more were grinning from his shoulders.
    "I see you still love your bones, Shabriak," I commented.
    "They can be very handy, if you know how to use them."
    From what I heard, he did. In critical moments of battle he was said to reinforce his army with skeletal warriors, and by "skeletal" I don't mean "skinny."
    Jarvi brought some food, set it on the table and left the room. Shabriak watched him with keen attention.
    "Is that him? Your sparklng?"
    "...Your sources are indeed good," I said. "Yes, it is him. So what can I do for you?"
    "I think the question is what I can do for you. It appears that you've got a bit of a problem, Arkus, and I can take it off your hands."
    "A problem? What are you talking about?"
    "Let's be honest, shall we? You are stuck with a sparkling who won't let you do any business. Not only that, he has put you in a ridiculous situation, making you look like some kind of a hero and forcing you to help a bunch of idiots. Well, I happen to know how to handle spirits. I'll be glad to take care of yours, plus compensate you for whatever decent service he does provide."
    So that's what he was after. My Jarvi.
    "I'm sorry, Shabriak, but you are very mistaken. Look at this, I've got a castle, with free staff and maintenance. I am best friends with the king of Ulkaria who listens to my every word. I am training a dedicated army that I don't have to pay for, either. As to Jarvi, I've never had a better attendant. I'd say I've got it pretty good. I wouldn't call it 'a problem.'"
    He was silent for a few moments, thinking.
    "Very well, Arkus, let us be completely honest. I have been searching for a way to obtain a sparkling for years. How did you get him?"
    See, that's something to know about villains. We can be honest , and then we can be completely honest . Those are two different things, and the latter does not guarantee full sincerity, either.
    I smiled.
    "Shabriak... You should know better than ask such a question. What's mine is mine, and what's yours is yours. I am not asking you how you make your skeletons move."
    "I can teach you that, in exchange for the sparkling."
    Wow. He was willing to share one of his most powerful secrets? It looked like Shabriak knew a sparkling's worth...
    "Thanks, but no thanks. I have no need for walking bones. I don't think I'd be able to put up with all the clatter."
    "What do you want for him, then?"
    "Who says I want something? He is not for sale."
    Shabriak narrowed his eyes.
    "Think about it, Arkus. Such offers do not come twice. You know that I am quite powerful, not to mention wealthy, and I am willing to let you name your price."
    Had this happened a few weeks ago, I might have agreed. Not now though.
    "Yes, Shabriak, I understand. It is very generous of you. However, my answer is still the same."
    "That's a pity. Well, if such is your decision, there is nothing I can do. I will go now. I hear you are a busy man, I will not take any more of your time. If you change your mind though..."
    "I won't."
    "As you wish. Farewell, then. Until we meet again."
    Shabriak left. Jarvi came in in a few moments, to clean up the table.
    "May I ask what this man wanted?"
    "You. He offered me to name any price for you."
    "And what did you say?"
    "I refused, of course. What's the use? He'd ask for his money back on the next day. Who