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scalp and down the nape of his neck a stiff brush of black-red fibers. Not to be outdone by Vus, he had attached several fine pearls to this bristle. Vus and Vuwas, at this moment, sat beside their sentinel box, hunched over a chessboard wrought from black iron and bone. The pieces stood four inches high, and cried out as they were moved, in derision, shock, outrage, or occasionally approval. The gryphs paid no heed to the comments and played their own game. Shimrod pushed through the iron gate and entered the fore court. The gryphs glared hot-eyed over their pronged shoulders. Each ordered the other to rise up and kill Shimrod; each demurred. Do you take me for a fool? demanded Vuwas. In my absence, you would make three illicit moves and no doubt abuse my pieces. It is you who must do your duty, and at this very moment. Not I! said the moss-green Vus. Your remarks merely indicate what you yourself have in mind. While I killed this sheep-faced fool, you would push my reignet into limbo and baffle my darkdog into the corner. Vuwas growled to Shimrod over his shoulder: Go away; it is simpler for everyone. We avoid the trouble of killing you, and you need not worry about arranging your affairs. Out of the question, said Shimrod. I am here on important business. Do you not recognize me? I am Murgen s scion Shimrod. We remember nothing, grunted Vuwas. One earthling looks much like another. Vus pointed to the ground. Wait where you stand until we finish our game. This is a critical juncture! Shimrod sauntered over to inspect the chessboard. The gryphs paid him no heed. Ludicrous, said Shimrod after a moment. Hist! snarled Vuwas, the maroon-red gryph. We will tolerate no interference! Vus looked around challengingly: Do you intend insult? If so, we will tear you limb from limb on the spot! Shimrod asked: Can a cow be insulted by the word bovine ? Can a bird be insulted by the word flighty ? Can a pair of bumbling mooncalves be insulted by the word ludicrous ? file:///F|/rah/Jack%20Vance/Vance,%20Jack%20-%20Elder%20Isles%203%20-%20Madouc .txt (74 of 256) [1/17/03 8:02:28 PM] file:///F|/rah/Jack%20Vance/Vance,%20Jack%20-%20Elder%20Isles%203%20-%20Madouc Page 78 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html .txt Vuwas spoke sharply: Your hints are not clear. What are you trying to tell us? Simply that either of you could win the game with a single move. The gryphs glumly examined the board. How so? asked Vus. In your case, you need only conquer this bezander with your caitiff, then march the arch- priestess forward to confront the serpent, and the game is yours. Never mind all that! snapped Vuwas. How might I win? Is it not obvious? These mordykes stand in your way. Strike them aside with your ghost, like this, whereupon your caitiffs have the freedom of the board. Ingenious, said Vus the mottled green gryph. Those moves, however, are considered improper on the world Pharsad. Further, you have called the pieces by their wrong names, and also you have disarranged the board! No matter, said Shimrod. Simply replay the game, and now I must be on my way. Not so fast! cried out Vuwas. There is still a small task to be accomplished! We were not born yesterday, stated Vus. Prepare for death. Shimrod put the reed baskets on the table. Vuwas the dark red gryph asked suspiciously: What is in the baskets? They contain honeycakes, said Shimrod. One of the cakes is somewhat larger and more tasty then the other. Aha! said Vus. Which is which? You must open the baskets, said Shimrod. The larger cake is for whichever of you is the most deserving. Indeed! Shimrod sauntered off across the forecourt. For a moment there was silence behind him, then a mutter, then a sharp remark, an equally sharp retort, followed by a sudden outburst of horrid snarls, bellows, thuds and tearing sounds. Traversing the forecourt, Shimrod climbed three steps to a stone porch. Stone [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |