Lord Demon by Roger Zelazny & Jane Lindskold

Author:Roger Zelazny & Jane Lindskold
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

NINE

I learned a bit more about the frailties of the flesh when we returned to Plum's house. After a hearty dinner ordered from a convenient takeout place, I could hardly keep my eyes open. Reluctantly, we all concluded that sleep was necessary if we were to successfully plan our next step.

"In any case," managed Li Piao between yawns, "we should wait until Spilling Moonbeams can join us. Otherwise, we will end up repeating our efforts."

"True," said I, and we let the matter and ourselves rest.

Angus of the Hills departed as soon as we arrived, promising that he would check in daily at O 'Keefe's Pub in case we needed him. Before he left, I made him a gift of the cut gemstones I had found in the ruins of my palace. Unlike the humans, he graciously accepted them as his due.

I slept long, slept well, and was awakened by the ringing of the telephone. It was answered only after the third ring, leaving me to conclude that I was not the only one who had slept late. A tap came at my door a few moments later.

"That was Spilling Moonbeams," said Plum, her voice faintly muffled by the wood. "I told her to wait, and I'd be there in about a half hour. She didn't seem to mind apparently she had never been to Chinatown before."

"She wouldn't have," I answered, swinging my legs out from under the covers and marveling at aching muscles in calves and thighs. "Her father is a traditionalist. Their Gate probably opens into mainland China."

"Do you need anything before I go?"

"No. I'm fine."

I showered, shaved, and donned some of my new clothes, thinking that I'd need to learn how one did laundry if I stayed here much longer. The venture into my bottle depressing as it had been in many ways had left me feeling uplifted. I was growing somewhat accustomed to the limitations of my human form, if not resigned to remaining in that state. Now at least I had money, as well as the green-and-orange bottle.

It stood on my bedside table, the blown glass threaded with tiny bubbles. I amused myself with the fancy that I could feel its beneficial emanations working for me. Then I sobered. If the possession of Kai Wren bottles did indeed grant any benefits to the owner, then whatever I had, Viss had many, many times more. I dared not become too hopeful.

For a moment, I contemplated hiding it, then shrugged. If anyone could trace me here, they had power enough to take whatever they wanted. Let the bottle stay there in the sunshine, absorbing the light and casting its ambience on the house and all within it.

"Good morning, Lord Demon," greeted Li Piao as I came into the kitchen. "Can I get you anything to eat?"

"After last night's dinner," I said, "I thought I would never be hungry again. Amazing how wrong I am. However, don't disturb yourself. Tell me where things are."

He did this thing. I fetched myself some pastries and fresh fruit.

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