"I think you should see what the mud puppy wants first," he said.

The mud puppy moved to within a few feet of its edge and sat down.

Well, it didn't make any difference if the mud puppy wasn't there.

The mud puppy made certain never to get too far ahead, deliberately leading her on.

Perhaps she did not know of the mud puppy.

"You have all the faith of a mud puppy, child.

First the mud puppy and then Mistaya walked right past him.

She indicated the mud puppy, who was sniffing at the ground.

"The mud puppy who brought you to me is called Haltwhistle.

As well, mud puppies are present in the creek.

The mud puppy took her away from the Irrylyn and into the surrounding woods.

The presence of the mud puppy had upset Nightshade's plans.

You must never touch a mud puppy, the Earth Mother had warned.

The mud puppy appeared anew, materializing out of the night.

Since the mud puppy didn't seem to have a preference, Mistaya made the choice for them.

She remembered suddenly that mud puppies were supposed to be fairy creatures.

There was no sign of the mud puppy.

She failed because another magic intervened, the one that belongs to the mud puppy, we think.

The mud puppy regarded her with great, soulful eyes.

But Mistaya was already walking away, so the mud puppy dutifully followed after.

Mistaya glanced down at the mud puppy and smiled.

The mud puppy intervened, changed Nightshade's magic, and sent us here!

The mud puppy lingered for a soulful look back and then disappeared into the trees.

Mud puppies are not meant to be touched.

It was a risky thing she was doing, keeping the mud puppy's presence a secret.