"That's correct," said Wyrdrune.

"And yet you have a familiar?" Paul glanced at Broom uncertainly.

"How do you do, Professor?" Broom said, offering him a rubbery hand.

"Good Lord! It speaks!"

He shook hands with Broom, staring at it with utter fascination.

"It cooks, too," Broom said, "and cleans house and does the laundry and carries bags and whatever

other thankless task happens to come along."

"Amazing!" said Paul.

"And my name's Kira, Professor," she said, stepping forward and offering her hand.

"How do you do?"

He took her hand, and then stiffened as he felt the runestone in her palm through her fingerless, black

leather glove. She felt his grip tighten and saw his eyes unfocus. For a moment he looked as if he were

about to faint, then he suddenly jerked his hand away from hers and staggered backward.

"Paul!" said Merlin with alarm.

"I'm . . . all right," Ramirez said. He stared at Kira with awe. "Forgive me, I . . ."

"You felt it, didn't you?" said Merlin.

Paul shook his head. "I—I don't understand. What was that?"

Kira took off her glove and held her hand up, palm out, displaying the gleaming sapphire.

"An enchanted gem?" said Paul. "A runestone?"

"That's right," said Kira. "I'm sorry, Professor. I didn't know it would have that effect on you."

"I didn't, either," said Paul. He came closer. "May I? Do you mind?"

She held her hand out and he examined the stone, touching it very lightly.

"I've never felt such power!" he said softly. "You look so young! I didn't realize you were a sorceress."

"I'm not," said Kira. "I'm a thief."

"Athief ? You're joking."

"No, she's not," said Wyrdrune with a smile. "You're looking at one of the most successful cat burglars in

New York City."

"But it's a former occupation," Kira added. "We're independently wealthy now."