TWENTY
Anahita refused to allow Philemon to ride in a bucket on the back of her camel, where he would be a terrible temptation for her bird, or so she said, so she and Philemon reached a compromise. He rode in the neck of a half-filled water bag that was strapped in front of her saddle.
"I feel like a wax stopper," he complained.
Veiled against the sand, still she brought her hand to cover her mouth as she giggled. "Most stoppers don't have eyes. Nor are they small enough to slip inside the water bag if Merlin decides she wants to attack you again."
He glanced around, but he could not see the murderous bird. "Where is the creature?"
"She's riding with Asad on the lead camel. Leaving me free to listen to your tales while we travel. So, tell me about your quest, Philemon the frog."
Th
