“By the way, you don’t need the makeup.” Puck said.”

“Oh that looked painful,” called another Puck, a little farther down. “We really need to talk about your anger-management problems.”

“Oh, goodie,” Puck said as I stepped forward. “I’m going to have a rash in the most uncomfortable places.”

“It is the iron.” Grimalkin picked his way over a puddle, then leaped atop a fallen tree, shaking out his paws.”This close to the false king’s realm, his influence is stronger that ever. It will be worse once you are actually within its borders.”Puck snorted.”Doesn’t seem like it’s affecting you much, Cat.”That is because I am smarter than you and prepare for these things.””Really? How would you prepare for me tossing you into a lake?”

“Oh, we’re playing nice now? Shall we have tea first? Brew up a nice pot of kiss-my-ass?”