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 Nevertheless. Buncan looked back to the merchant.  We don t claim to be
masters.
There s still a lot we need to learn. But I ve spent my whole life watching
and studying my father. All I ve wanted to do is be like him. I can do some
spellsinging on my own, but the otters are in better voice, and the three of
us have spent so much time growing up together that we ve been a unit of sorts
practically since birth. That s why we were able to scatter those bandits the
way we did.
 Sure our control isn t perfect, but neither was my father s when he started.
Maybe we re not as proficient as him, but we re a damn sight more powerful
than anyone else you re likely to encounter. Do you still want the kind of
special help we can offer, and if so, how badly do you need it? He stopped,
watching the merchant intently.
Gragelouth sighed.  Your style and sound of spellsinging is entirely new to
me. I
admit that it frightens me some.
  Ell, said Squill,  it bloody well frightens us some. Anythin new is a
little bit frightenin , wot? But it works.
 It nearly worked on you.
 That s a risk we re willing to take, said Buncan.  What about you?
 You espy clearly my desperate situation. The merchant sighed deeply.  Have
any of you ever taken a long journey away from your homes?
 O course. Squill responded without hesitation.  Wot does we look like to
you, mewlin babes? Why, our sire is Mudge the Stupendous!
 Mudge the otter, anyway. Gragelouth turned contemplative.  I have heard that
name elsewhere, though usually in connection with extensive debts long owed or
assorted ingenious moral outrages.
Neena nodded.  That sounds like Dad right enough.
 Yes, I know of his reputation. Mudge the great thief, Mudge the great drunk,
Mudge the great wencher, Mudge the great . . .
 Well, at least the operative adjective is still  great,  Squill muttered.
 You have daring and guts, Gragelouth admitted.  I wonder how extensive is
your quotient of courage.
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 As big as any bloody merchant s, Squill shot back testily.
 Your inexperience in matters sorceral and otherwise still concerns me, he
readily admitted,  but as is clearly evident I have no army of wizards
clamoring to accompany me. There are occasions when youth can work to an
advantage. So . . . I
will allow you to accompany me until such time as your presence becomes more
of a burden than an asset.
Buncan couldn t repress a pleased smile.  I hope we never give you reason to
regret your decision, merchant.
 Right, then! chirped Neena.  Tis on to L bor.
 L bor? Gragelouth made room for Buncan on the bench seat and for the others
behind.  We do not go to L bor.
Buncan eyed him.  But this is the road to L bor. That s where you were
heading.
 To seek wizardry aid and advice. I now have, the Great Counter watch over me,
you
three to supply that. So there is no reason to waste time journeying to L bor.
We will procure final supplies at Timswitty, which is nearer, before striking
out northwestward.
 Northwest. Squill s brows scrunched together.  That means crossin the
Muddletup
Moors.
 That is correct. Gragelouth was watching him closely. Watching all of them.
Squill spat over the side of the wagon.  Piece o carp. A little lousy
weather, the projected mental murmurin s o some discontented fungi, maybe an
 umble but interestin ogre or two. We ve  eard all about the place from Mudge
an Jon-Tom.
They made it through. So will we.
 Bravado is useful when it translates into assurance and not foolhardy
overconfidence. He glanced at Buncan.  Do you have money of your own?
 Very little.
The merchant nodded resignedly.  My resources are limited. Now it seems they
are to be stretched still further. We will manage somehow. When pressed we
have my wagon for shelter, though it will be crowded with four of us. He
shuffled the reins in his hands.  We should move on. Great mysteries await
resolution. He chucked the reins and the wagon trundled forward. Squill and
Neena settled themselves on some cushions behind the bench seat.
 You hope to capture, or acquire, this Grand Veritable? Buncan asked their
host.
 Nothing so estimable, replied the merchant modestly.  I wish merely to
ascertain the truth of gallant Juh Phil s story. Yes, when that moment arrives
it will be good to have three young, strong companions by my side.
Buncan repressed a grin.  You forget that I overheard the whole conversation.
Gragelouth looked slightly abashed.  Well, there would be nothing immoral in
making a profit as well.
Tack strained and creaked as the two dray lizards increased their pace,
hissing in protest at Gragelouth s insistent reins.
Buncan settled himself as comfortably as he could on the padded wooden seat.
They were on their way! This must be how his father used to feel when starting
off on one of his inimitable adventures. Though if he and Clothahump were
right there wouldn t be any adventure. Just a lot of hard, difficult
traveling.
At least it was a. journey. At his age that was adventure enough in itself.
Everything they saw from now on would be new and different from everything
which had been seen before, and therefore exciting. Different if not
startling, stimulating if not overawing.
From their excited chatter behind him he could tell that Squill and Neena felt [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
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