Tribute by Ellen Renner Page B

of a painful bump hatching on the back of my head. I give it a rub and look up to see Aidan standing over the pit, a large wooden mallet in one hand, ready to give me another lump on the head. He’s frowning, mistrust battling hope in his face. I watch him make up his mind.
    â€˜Want a hand?’ He drops the mallet, grabs my wrist and pulls me out before I can answer. The toe of my boot catches on the lip of the pit and the Maker grabs my arms to keep me from falling. We stand face to face, our noses nearly touching, and I lose my breath for the second time in less than a minute. Then Aidan releases my shoulders and steps back.
    â€˜I thought you were never coming again.’ His whisper is harsh with accusation. ‘Or that you were just playing with me and you didn’t mean it after all – promising to help me escape. You might not be working for your father, but you could still be having a bit of fun with the stupid Maker.’
    â€˜I wouldn’t do that.’ I look at him until he drops his eyes. ‘It’s almost impossible to get near you!’ I’m still angry. ‘Especially after Otter found me in the attic. If you had said one more word – told him that I promised to help you escape  …  that I’ve talked to people in the city about you  … ’
    â€˜Sorry. But how was I to know? It looked bad and  … ’ He frowns with embarrassment. Then gives me a sideways look and slow smile. His eyes are ridiculously blue. Aidan steps towards me, eyes holding mine, still smiling. He slowly raises his hand and runs a finger down the side of my face. My legs seem to melt. ‘Forgive me?’ The smile warms. Everything warms. I start to step back, remember the pit just in time and lurch sideways.
    â€˜It doesn’t matter now!’ I snap. ‘Forget it. But I have to be careful. If I get caught I’m no use to you or anyone else. I know it’s hard, but you have to trust me!’
    â€˜I don’t trust anyone. You should have told me who you were when we first met.’ His face grows stony again, almost sullen.
    â€˜Oh!’ I stare at him. I’ve never met anyone so obstinate! ‘I tell you I’m Benedict’s daughter, and you instantly trust me. Right! That was never going to happen. And try to realise that the more I tell you, the more we’re both at risk. I don’t even know that you’re worth any of it, Aidan of Gengst!’
    â€˜Want to find out?’ His eyes sparkle wickedly. They travel over my face, my hair, my body. I feel myself blushing. ‘You look different in daylight. Prettier.’ The corners of his mouth lift in another beguiling smile.
    I give him look for look, noticing the soft-straw colour of his clean hair, the shape of his mouth without the blood and swelling, the thin white scar that runs from under his fringe and divides a sandy eyebrow, a scar previously hidden beneath a layer of dirt. I raise my chin, pleased I’m as tall as he is. ‘And you don’t stink any more.’
    Aidan’s eyes grow light; he laughs.
    â€˜I have news,’ I say. ‘The people I told you about – the ones who can help. They’ve agreed to try and get you out of here.’
    â€˜When?’
    â€˜I can’t tell you that. We’re working on a plan. Be patient. Keep doing your work and don’t attract the Archmage’s attention!’
    The shutters come down again. His face is thundery. ‘I’m doing the work. For the kid’s sake. But as little as I can get away with. Look, Zara, I don’t know how long I can keep this up. You need to get me out of here quick or I’ll find my own way!’ It’s a threat. An empty one, but he doesn’t know that. I can feel his outraged pride. His frustration. He’s bubbling away like a pot about to boil over.
    And I finally lose patience. ‘Look!’ I reach out and grab his