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garden of them all, always full of wildflowers. There are towers, rotundas, and courts, and a thousand hives filled with great golden bees that never sting anybody. There are special places for dancing and games, for singing, for talking and teaching, and for practicing the arts of war, both inside and out. You're forever finding something new there, and it's always something good. Secret stairs leading to rooms full of books and instruments you've never seen anyplace else, or windows with beautiful views you never knew were there." "It certainly sounds like a place I'd like," Mani said thoughtfully. "Are there only four cats? It must be a very big house for four cats." "I only saw four," I told him, "but maybe there's more. Even though I lived there for years, I didn't see everything, and it's possible nobody could see everything, even if he lived there a thousand years. Did I tell you that the Lady and the Valfather swap heroes?" Mani shook his head. "They do. The Lady's the Chief of the Choosers of the Slain. Some are brought to her, and she keeps a few. But she lends to her father sometimes, and sometimes he lends her a few of his. I was lent to her for a while." "What do her cats do?" I smiled just thinking about it. "Hunt in the meadow and sleep in the sun. Wander through her hall for purposes you'd understand a lot better than I do. They're her friends and messengers. On great days they draw her chariot." "Male or female?" "Both, I think, and that's all I know about them." "No, it isn't," Mani declared. "What colors are they?" "Two tabby, one black-and-white, and one all black like you. Now it's your turn to talk." "You're aware that cats see ghosts?" I shook my head. "I'd never even thought about it." "Seeing ghosts," Mani explained with satisfaction, "is one of the many areas in which cats are superior to you, and seeing ghosts was one of the chief functions I performed for my late mistress. Dogs also see ghosts at times, as do some birds. Cats, however, are far superior to either." Gylf growled softly. "He knows it's true. It goes along with our nine lives. Once you've been dead, it seems very natural to see ghosts." "That's interesting." "Isn't it though," Mani purred. "Now, dear owner, we must go outside. My news requires it."
    CHAPTER FOUR TOUG'S MIRACLE
    "This is convenient," Mani said, "but not comfortable. Walk that way, toward the big barn. Would it be possible for me to get into your cloak with you, kind master?" I shut it around him. "I thought you were Idnn's now." "I am indeed," Mani explained. "Lady Idnn is a person of distinction. Thus I'm her cat whenever it's advisable. I'm your cat as well, however, just as I was. A cat can't have too many friends in these wild northlands." "I see." "Not my mistress's ghost, I hope, since I don't see it myself. But I did, earlier. She's been hovering around us ever since we left her house, hoping to do us some good turn. Now, having gained information she believes may be of value toAre you aware that your dog is following us?" "Of course." I turned to look at Gylf, who glanced behind him. "I know," I said. "Don't worry about it." Bracing his legs against my arm, Mani stood up to see over my shoulder. "Something's going on between you two." "Nothing important, but you said your mistress's news was. What is it?" "A friend of yours has been hurt." "I'm sorry to hear it." I stroked Mani's head with my free hand. "I don't have many." "And another friend, knowing you could help her, is refusing to ask you to." My hand shut on Mani's neck. "Is it Disiri? Tell me!" "It isn't, I promise you. Another friend." "A woman." I pulled the hood of my cloak up. "I've forgotten so much, Mani. Who is it?" "One of those red Aelf girls. I forget her name, but they're pretty well interchangeable anyway." The barn was as dark as the gut of a tar barrel. "This way," Mani said. "Up in the hayloft. There's a ladder." "I know. I slept up there. It seems so long ago." "Your dog will have to stay