Mud Mania is drawing to a close. But before the conclusion of an exciting and action-packed tournament, Kessa has a difficult decision to make. Will she satisfy the king or follow her heart and her integrity?

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

The final day of competition arrived much too quickly, in Kessa’s opinion. The remaining six wrestlers and their standings were: Candy Cane, Violet Crush, Torrent, Blue Dawn, Pine Cone, and Clare. In Mud Mania’s history only three other competitors had held the title of undefeated. Kessa was proud of her first place standing and her undefeated status. Violet Crush, Torrent, and Pine Cone were the only competitors that had come close to beating her.

That morning while travelling to the competition, Charlo had warned that there was plenty a slip twixt a cup and a lip. Kessa had, with a wink, thanked her for voicing her confidence in Candy Cane.

An invitation to dinner is usually a welcome delight for Kessa. Food is, after all, her best and favourite ally. Hayland Green’s dinner invitation, however, borders a precarious pitfall. Should she fail to keep her identity secret, it could spell disaster. But if one thing is for certain, fully occupied dinner tables are as loaded with secrets as they are with food and conversation. All Kessa has to do is steer the secret unravelling conversation away from her. Easy for a clever spy, right?

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

In that instant, Hayland, Pantheus, and the servants morphed into a pack of ravenous wolves – in her mind. Her hand jerked toward where her dagger normally was as she envisioned fighting off the furry beasts just for a swig, and, boy, would she savour it. But she was not in the forest nor was she facing down any vicious animals. She was sitting at a civilized dining table pretending to be someone she wasn’t. All for the sake of keeping her identity secret and Pantheus safe; there wasn’t much she wouldn’t do to keep him safe.

Particularly good spies discover the most secretive of plots and schemes, which Kessa (a particularly good spy) has done. Discovery is only a slice of a spy’s assignment pie, however. Now, Kessa gets to prove just how good a spy she is by how she twists this particular plot to her advantage.

Audio version of, The Thief's Tale, written and read by Meena Mason. Copyright © Meena Mason

Excerpt:

Kessa dodged the tiny throwing stars flying in her direction. She avoided the one aimed at her head and felt a sharp jab in her side. Glancing down, she saw the shiny star, its points imbedded in her skin. Ripping it free, she tossed it back at the figure leaping toward her.