"Of course," she said, rising to her feet. "Go with my personal gratitude, as well as the fees you so richly deserve. I'll be in touch."
I was so uncomfortable about the reference to our fees, that I was nearly to the door before her last comment sank in.
"Umm ... Your Majesty?" I said, turning back to her. "One more thing. Next time you need me, could you just write a note like everyone else instead of sending me a finger? It was a bit unnerving when it arrived."
"No problem," she said. "By the way, could I have the finger back? If nothing else, I'd like to have the ring to remember Roddie by."
"I thought you had it." I frowned. "I haven't seen it since our conversation when I first got back here."
"Hmm ... I wonder where it's gotten to. Oh well, I'll put the maids to work looking for it. If you happen to come across it in your things, be a dear and send it back to me?"
"Certainly, Your Majesty. Goodbye."
With that, I gave her my deepest bow and left.
Chapter Twenty:
"Meanwhile, back at reality ..."
G. LUCAS
I FELT AS if a huge weight had been lifted from my back! For the first time since my return from Perv, I was in control of my own destiny!
No more wondering about what I should or shouldn't do about marrying Queen Hemlock for the good of the kingdom, or the good of the team ... or the good of civilization, for that matter. Things were back in perspective! My future was mine to do with as I wished, without the pressure of trying to sort out what was best for others.
I found myself whistling to myself as I strode through the castle corridors, something I hadn't done in a long while, and had to fight the temptation to break into a jig.
As soon as that realization hit, that I was resisting a temptation, I immediately did a little hop-skip.
I was through trying to judge everything I did on whether or not other people thought it was proper ... or, more specifically, whether I thought other people would think it was proper. From now on, I was going to do what / wanted to do ... and the rest of the world, or the dimensions at large, could just bloody well adapt!
With that decision, I threw in an extra high kick. It may not have been classic dance, but it felt good. Heck! I felt good. Better than I could ever remember feeling.
I became aware of a couple people staring at me from afar, and a few more craning their necks for a better look. Rather than feeling embarrassed or self-conscious, I waved at them gaily and continued my prancing.
I had to tell someone! Share my new-found happiness with my friends. They had all stood by me through the bad times. Now I wanted to be with them when I felt good!
I'd tell Bunny ... no, Aahz! I'd tell Aahz first and then Bunny. My partner deserved to be the first to know.
"Hey Boss! Skeeve!"
I turned to see Nunzio beckoning me from the other end of the corridor. I was surprised to see him, and started to wave. Then it dawned on me that this was the first time he had ever called me to join him instead of the other way around. A feeling of alarm swept away my earlier euphoria.
"Come quick, Boss! It's important!"
My fears were confirmed. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong.
I hurried to join him, but he moved off down corridor ahead of me, looking back from time to time to see if I was following.
"Wait for me, Nunzio!" I called.
"Hurry, Boss!" he replied, not slackening his pace.
I was starting to get a bit winded trying to catch up with him, but if anything he seemed to be increasing his speed. Then he ducked down a flight of stairs, and an idea came to me.
When I reached the stairs, instead of descending normally, I vaulted over the railing and used my magik to fly (which is really levitation in reverse) after him. This seemed to be a bit faster than running, and certainly a lot easier on the lungs, so I kept it up. I managed to catch my breath and catch up with my bodyguard just as we were emerging into the palace courtyard.
"What's this all about, Nunzio?" I said, slowing my speed to match his pace.
Instead of answering, he pointed ahead.
There was a group of people gathered in the courtyard. Some were guards or other people I had seen around the palace, but there also seemed to be a batch of costumed characters with them. Then I saw Guido and Pookie in the group ... and Aahz!
"Hey Aahz! What's happening?" I called.
At the sound of my voice, the whole group looked in my direction, then fell back slightly and ...
And then I saw what they were gathered around.
"GLEEP!"
My pet dragon was lying on his side, showing no sign of his usual energy and life.
I don't recall landing ... or of moving at all. I just remember crouching at my pet's side and gathering his head into my lap.
"What's wrong, fellah?" I said, but got no response. "Aahz? What's the matter with him?"
"Skeeve, I ..." my partner began, but then I saw it.
Protruding from Gleep's side, just behind his leg, was an arrow!
At that moment, I felt my pet stir in my arms, weakly trying to raise his head.
"Take it easy, fellah," I said, trying to sound soothing.
Gleep's eyes found mine.
"Skeeve?" he said faintly, then went limp, his head falling back on my lap.
He had said my name! The first thing he had ever said other than the sound that had given him his name.
I carefully eased his head onto the ground and rose. I stood looking down at him for several moments, then raised my eyes to the surrounding crowd. I don't know what my expression was, but they all gave ground several steps as my gaze passed over them.
When I spoke, I tried to keep my voice soft and level, but it seemed to come from far away.
"All right," I said. "I want to know what's been going on here ... and I want to know now!!"