AVENGERS THE EXTINCTION KEY by Greg Keyes

Author:Greg Keyes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Titan Books
Published: 2020-08-31T23:00:00+00:00

* * *

THE old man’s name was Suta, and the girl—his granddaughter—was named Thawda. They lived in a modest brick house a few hundred yards down the road. Once inside, Suta spoke a few words to Thawda, who quickly brought tea and a platter of shriveled leaves that Thor gathered were snacks. Everyone, Cap included, took off their shoes or boots at the door, so he did also, albeit reluctantly.

Suta insisted that Strange be given the only chair in the house, so they propped him in it and helped him drink some water. After a short time, they gave him a little of the tea. The snack leaves were pleasantly sour, accompanied by ground nuts and chilies that would be far too spicy for most Asgardian tastes.

Cap asked Suta about the building that had just burned, which it turned out wasn’t a shrine but a museum documenting the history of the region and especially the Pyu Empire which had once ruled the area.

“I grew up near here,” Suta said. “My father told me the stories of our past. Archaeologists came when I was a little boy, and I volunteered to help them dig. Mostly I removed dirt for them, but it was very interesting to me. When they built the museum, I studied to get a job there. I hoped one day they would expand it, but… now it’s ruined.”

“Will your country rebuild?” Cap asked.

“I hope so,” Suta said, “but the government has many concerns.” He fidgeted a little. “Can you tell me why?” he asked, finally. “Why my museum was destroyed?”

“They didn’t care about your museum,” Cap said. “They were looking for something.”

“I know,” Suta said. “They questioned me, but I did not know what they were talking about. They laughed at me and said I knew nothing.”

“Did they find anything?” Thor asked. “Did they take anything from the—?”

Abruptly Strange began coughing. Suta signed for Thawda to bring him more tea.

“No,” Strange murmured. “I’m fine, thank you. Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Thawda told me you took the poison from me,” Suta said. “If I had a million times what I have, I could not repay you.”

The sorcerer did look better, Thor thought. His color had improved —he was no longer blue—and his eyes had returned to normal.

“SHIELD analyzed that toxin after the New York incident,” Cap said. “It’s supposed to be pretty nasty stuff.”

“I am… acquainted with many poisons,” Strange said. “Over the years I have been exposed to more than my share. Even so, this was more virulent than I expected. Not entirely of this Earth, or any of the realms I ordinarily frequent. I miscalculated my ability to adapt.”

“You seem to be doing okay,” Cap said.

“Fortunately,” Strange said. “But I was expecting, you might say, an ant bite. It was more like being dropped into a pit of cobras.” He took a deep breath. “That’s an analogy,” he said. “I’ve actually been in a pit of cobras, and it wasn’t nearly as bad.”

“You saved this man from certain death,” Thor said.

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