Slowly, Kellermann nodded. “I was not blessed—or cursed—with that myself. But I have relatives among the Bruderschaft der Förster.”

And it was Cody who now leaned over the table, and added, in a confidential tone, something she (of course) could not understand.

“The Captain says to tell you that although he is not a great magician like Chief Leading Fox, he has some small abilities with fire himself.” Kellermann’s face showed no sign that he was trying to fool her—but still—this seemed altogether too convenient.

Could they all be trying to trick her, just to get her to join the show? Did they need her that badly?

Then she went cold all over, as she remembered another man who had seemed kind and amusing, and had only wanted to trick her into giving him access to her tower—and her—

But before she could move or speak or—well, anything, really—the Captain was peeling off his long, fawn-colored, fringed leather gauntlet from his right hand. He closed it into a fist, briefly, then opened it.

In the center of his palm, a little flame danced.

The Indian made a little sound of approval as she stared, mesmerized, at the flame. Which was not just a “flame” at all, really, for it was easy for her to see that in the heart of it, there was a little fairy-like creature, nude but for her long hair, performing a little dance of her own.

The Captain closed his hand, gently, and when he opened it, the Fire Elemental was gone. He put his glove back on, and gave her a long and solemn wink.

“So,” said Kellermann, after a very, very long pause. He regarded her, as she tried to get her head around the fact that not just the Indian but apparently several of these people knew about magic. “Now will you join us?”

She licked lips gone dry, but from excitement now, not fear. “I would be very glad to do so. It seems I have stumbled on a place where I am a perfect match in all things.”

It seemed the Captain did not need Kellermann’s translation. As soon as she finished, he whooped, pulled off his hat, and slapped his leg with it in glee.

5

CAPTAIN Cody was, as they said in the Karl May books, a “man of action.” As soon as he had her agreement, he jumped up and opened the front of the tent, barking orders to someone outside. A moment later, two sturdy, dark-complexioned men appeared. One was still in his fringed leather from the show, the other in dark, worn trousers and a faded plaid shirt.

“Would you prefer a tent, or a wagon?” Kellermann asked her. “The wagon will be better in bad weather and afford more privacy, the tent will be more spacious.”