Part 28 (1/2)

”No,” the voice answered, coming at him from every direction. ”Never will the Hand aid you again. I'm... sorry, Karl Cullinane, but we... can't.”

”I don't understand.”

True. I told her you were a decent persona”for a human, that isa”but I never claimed you were intelligent.*

”As I said, I've arranged some company for you.”

A huge, triangular head peeked in through the door.

”Ellegon!”

*Yes, I'm Ellegon. And you are Karl Cullinane.* A paw slapped against stone. *And this is a floor...*

”Enough. I take it you're the company.”

*Very clever. I am also transportation. We will camp on the edge of the forest tonight. Just in case you're interested, I've spent a good part of the past year ferrying some of your possessions here, things you left at the base of Bremon. Including one red mare that emptied her bowels all the way across the Waste. I don't think she likes me. But she does look tasty.*

We are not eating my horse. And are you certain you can carry all of us?

*No. Actually, I just want to see how high I can get before we crash. Any other stupid questions?*

”Well, I wanted to ask the Matriarch abouta””

*She wouldn't answer. You are on your own.*

”Isn't that we?”

*No. Not until you introduce me to the other three. I already know Walter Slovotsky.*

”And then?”

*Karl, it took me three centuries of being chained in a cesspool to learn what you found in months. You just may be able to do it.*

”You call that an answer?”

The dragon's head c.o.c.ked to one side. *As a matter of fact, I do.*

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:.

Profession.

Give me where to stand, and I shall move the world.

a”Archimedes.

Karl walked a few hundred yards from the fire before spreading his blankets on the damp gra.s.s.

Slipping out of his leggings and tunic, he slid between the blankets and lay back, pillowing his head on his hands. High above, a coal-black sky winked its million eyes.

How the h.e.l.l are we going to do it? Where do we start? With Pandathaway's Slavers' Guild, I suppose, but...

He shrugged. Slavery had been alive on this world for millennia. He wasn't going to figure out how to end it tonight.

But tomorrow was another day.

And besides, I've been told that thinking isn't my strong suit. He chuckled, and then sighed deeply.