Something Myth Inc. by Robert Asprin

Author:Robert Asprin [Asprin, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780441010837
Google: 47KONwAACAAJ
Amazon: 0441010830
Publisher: Ace
Published: 2003-07-29T00:00:00+00:00

TEN

Actually, it was a pretty feeble ambush. Particularly after the big buildup I had given it. Still, I hadn’t managed to build and maintain the long career I am enjoyin’ by un-derestimatin’ the opposition . .. even when they deserve underestimatin’.

We are still a good ways from the tree, call it a stone’s throw, when, with a snappin’ of twigs and a small shower of leaves, this kid drops onto the trail ahead of us. He lands off balance and ends up on his rump, but he’s game and manages to scramble back to his feet without droppin’ his sword.

“Tell me again about how we were selling this guy short,” Pookie murmurs to me.

I give a little shrug, as there is nothin’ else to say.

I have to admit, the perpetrator does not strike an impressive figure. He’s a short little runt, even with the hat, to a point where his head would maybe come halfway up my chest if I wasn’t wearin’ a disguise. He has the build of a gangly teenager and the grace of a three-legged mule, which he proceeds to demonstrate by gettin’ his sword tangled in his cloak as he tries to brandish it. Despite the spiffy black outfit, I would figure that Spyder could take him and four more just like him without mussin’ her hair.

“Good day to you, minions of Evil,” he sez, tryin’ to make his voice sound deeper. “I am here to relieve you of your troublesome burden. Your wheelbarrow is laden with monies taxed from the sweat of honest citizens. I will take charge of it from here.”

Pookie and Spyder are lookin’ at me with raised eyebrows, so I figure it’s my show.

“I don’t think so,” I sez, foldin’ my arms. “Really?” the kid sez, genuinely surprised. “And why not, may I ask?”

“Well, other than the fact that we outnumber you three to one,” I sez, “there the detail that we’re all outside the range of that sword you’re wavin’.”

“Forgive me,” he sez with a smile. “I neglected to introduce my associate.

‘Nardo!”

“Perhaps you should count again, soldier,” sez a voice to my right. “And believe me, you’re well within my range.”

I had marked that particular tree as bein’ the most likely spot to give cover fire from, and I was right. The big guy had eased out from behind it just enough to get a clear shot if he had to, but could still duck back quick if things got rough. He had his crossbow loaded and cocked, all right, but at the moment he had it pointed straight up so we could get a good look at what he was holdin’.

“Well,” I sez. “I guess there’s only one thing I can say to that. Pookie! Drop the disguises!”

As I’m sayin’ that last bit, I’m duckin’ behind the wheelbarrow for cover as I pluck my own crossbow from my belt and level it at the kid. Pookie and Spyder follow my earlier instructions and hit the dirt, movin’ in opposite directions from where I am, then freeze.

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