All the sweat, blood, bruises, sprains, and tears bestowed during Mud Mania would hardly be worth it if there weren’t a magnificent celebration at the conclusion.

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

Excerpt:

“Did you take any strange substances at the party?” Charlo questioned. “You watched your plate and goblet closely, right?”

Incredulous, Kessa blurted, “Yes! Routine, doctor.”

“You didn’t bump your head while swimming or anything, did you?”

“No!”

“Hmm.”

“Come on, Charlo. Spill the beans. Your secret’s safe with me.”

Her face scrunched up in confusion, Charlo said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Mud Mania is all wrapped up with a pretty, little crown on top. Time for the winner to step onto that center podium and wear that crown. Goodness - what winners have to endure!

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

Excerpt:

The king stood up, waiting for the crowd to quiet prior to pompously traipsing down to the podiums. The mayor of Fervour and one of his councilmen, draped in colourful regalia that reminded Kessa of peacocks, trailed the king, ceremoniously carrying the silken cushions that pillowed the medals and the crown.

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.

Teaser for Chapter 13 of The Thief's Tale by Meena Mason

Mud Mania has begun. Kessa’s mud wrestling skills will not be the solitary skills put to the test, particularly when an unexpected spectator shows up on the royal dais. Triumph in the mucky ring is a possible tick on Kessa’s ever growing to do list.

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

Excerpt:

Pantheus’ blue eyes met Kessa’s, and suddenly her heart was pounding, and her knees felt weak.

“Good luck out there,” he said.

Charlo, perceiving Kessa’s temporary paralysis – an odd response to Lord Aguilon’s felicitations – thanked Pantheus, hooked Kessa’s arm, and whisked her over to the competitor’s benches where they sat down.

“Are you sure everything’s okay?” she asked earnestly. “You don’t seem your usual self.”

Her cheeks flushing as pink as her companion’s hair, Kessa replied faintly, “You have no idea.”

Consequences are Kessa’s least favourite force of nature. You reap what you sow is an expression that only tickles her fancy when it’s a good harvest. Certainly, not alone there; she is alone in sneaking into Cyrene’s dungeon and living to tell the tale, though telling the tale was never on her to do list, and for good reason. Although mum was the word, Clandestine Services caught wind of it (duh), and she must bide her time while they decide just what those consequences will be.

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

Excerpt:

The grin wiped clean off her face, Kessa looked at the ground wishing it would open up and swallow her whole. Had she really realized the gravity of what she’d done? Not one bit!