[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
He knew that the cramped chamber was too small to contain the spirit of the
spearpoint, but he had no
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/harry%20kruis...hist%2002%20-%20Into%20T
he%20Thinking%20Kingdom.htm (33 of 262)19-2-2006 17:04:58
Into the Thinking Kingdoms: Journeys of the Catechist, Book 2
time in which to consider another action. The grunting, homicidal Khorog were
right on top of them.
What burst forth from the tooth that tipped the end of his spear expanded not
simply to dominate the room, but to fill it.
Out the back way, quickly! He could only shout and hope that the swordsman
could respond rapidly enough as the dead spirit of the tyrannosaur ballooned
to occupy the entire room. The massive, switching tail barely missed him as he
grabbed for his backpack and dove through the rear portal.
Those Khorog who were not crushed instantly beneath the weight of the
reconstituted carnivore suffocated themselves as they tried to squeeze back
Page 22
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
through the narrow front door. More were slain, devoured by the rampaging
demon as, seeking space to move about and breathe, it burst through the
storefront and the outer wall of the building. Its terrible roars and bellows
resounded across the waterfront, sending hitherto placid pedestrians running
for their lives or plunging into the harbor to escape. Surviving Khorog
scattered in all directions, throwing down their cumbersome weapons in their
haste to flee. The tyrannosaur s spirit pursued them, snapping at would-be
assassins and blameless citizens alike.
Simna had just avoided being stepped on and smashed to a pulp. Only his
familiarity with his friend s unexpected stratagems had enabled him to react
with a minimum of shock and flee before it was too late.
Now he let himself be led, following the herdsman as they stumbled out into
the alley behind the shop and hurried back toward the harborfront.
Wait a minute! he yelled breathlessly. Why are we going this way? The
monster you let loose is out there!
I know. Ehomba s tone was as equable as ever, but the swordsman thought he
might have detected just a hint of suppressed passion. But I am hoping there
may also be a smaller one slinking about.
Sure enough, they found Moleshohn lying in a small pinnace tied to the main
quay, cowering beneath loose canvas as he sought to hide from both the raging
prehistoric spirit and the surviving angry Khorog.
When the canvas was pulled back to expose his startled face, the All-Knowing
appeared something less than omnipotent.
Simna shoved the point of his sword against the seer s throat until he was
forced to lean back over the side of the small sailing craft. Eyes wide, their
erstwhile host found himself hanging inches from the dark water. Both hands
clung to the rail to keep him from tumbling over into the depths, the fingers
tapping out a panicked ostinato on the smooth wood.
Teeth clenched, Simna ibn Sind pushed harder with the sword. I ll give you a
choice, oracle. That s more than you gave us. Tell us where to find Haramos
bin Grue, and I ll only cut your face instead of your throat!
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/harry%20kruis...hist%2002%20-%20Into%20T
he%20Thinking%20Kingdom.htm (34 of 262)19-2-2006 17:04:58
Into the Thinking Kingdoms: Journeys of the Catechist, Book 2
I don t the failed prophet began, but Ehomba, looming behind the tense
swordsman, silenced the incipient protest with his eyes.
You betrayed us to him. I should have at least suspected, but I am used to
dealings among the people of my country, where souls and manhood are not
bartered for gold. Being the All-Knowing, you knew where he was, and what he
would pay to be rid of us. Being the All-Knowing, you know that I speak the
truth when I tell you that if you do not reveal his whereabouts to us within
your next heart s breath, it will be your last.
Simna s sword drew blood from the slim, wrinkled throat.
Yes, yes, I ll tell you, I ll tell you! So loudly and hard were the smaller
man s fingertips rapping nervously on the gunwale of the pinnace that they had
begun to bleed. He he has a place of business on Zintois Street. The house is
behind. Are you going to kill me?
Simna grinned wolfishly. You mean you re the All-Knowing and you don t have
the answer to that?
Maybe you should change your title to the Maybe-Guessing.
Leaning forward, Ehomba put a hand on the swordsman s shoulder. Let it go,
Simna. If we are going to make the effort to free Ahlitah, we should hurry.
Breathing hard, his friend hesitated. There is the small matter of the money
we paid. In good faith for information, not betrayal. Palm up, he extended a
demanding hand.
A trembling Moleshohn fumbled with a hidden pocket. Straightening, he passed
the swordsman a fistful of coin. Counting it while Ehomba waited impatiently,
Simna had a few choice final words for their betrayer. If you re lying to us,
Page 23
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
or have given us the wrong address, we ll find you. My friend is a great
sorcerer, a true sorcerer. Not a cheap storefront fake like yourself!
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]