Chapter 70

WE HEADED TOWARD THE GREAT Hall, all the while discussing creative ways to get back at Nnelg. Well, I swung between those ideas and some others in my mind, but I wasn't sharing those. When we reached the Great Hall laughter and applause greeted us. Nnelg sat centre table, preening his wings and looking very proud. Yakov and Elena attempted disapproving looks at the little blue cretin but failed.

'Gee I wonder who gave Nnelg the clever idea,' Loi said sarcastically.

The guys and others teased us through most of lunch but I didn't care. My appetite had returned in a rush, it was so good to enjoy food again. Alek pulled my chair close to his, so we leaned against each other while we ate. Everyone promptly switched from teasing us girls about Nnelg, to teasing Alek and me. I smiled smugly and continued eating.

After lunch we followed Yakov and the Lieutenants to the training room. We could hear a loud murmur of voices as we approached. Yakov glanced back and gave us a warm smile.

'The