Heads of the people nearest swiveled to look at us. I considered the gauntlet Farrell had thrown down, and decided that this was a challenge I could win.
“Oh!” I said loudly, tucking Moth under my arm so I could circle Farrell, giving him an appropriately scathing look. “Says you! Your words are but the purest drivel upon mine ears. I find you nothing but a claver-headed, fat-gilled moldwarp!”
More people turned to face us.
“Scold!” Farrell sneered, his eyes lit with unholy glee.
“Malt worm!” I answered promptly.
“Oooh, it’s an insult-off!” someone in the crowd cried, and immediately Farrell and I found ourselves in the center of a circle of bodies.
I faced him with a smile lurking around the corners of my mouth.
“Lady, you are nothing but a quaky, onion-eyed dewberry.”
The crowd o
