If he rejected the transformation, he was stuck here. Good and bad in that, he supposed. It didn t need
detailing. Of course, High Lord Ben Holiday was stuck as well; there would be no help from this end. On
Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
the other hand, if he allowed Questor to invoke the magic, he would presumably return in time to help the
High Lord. But would he, in fact? Was there some real purpose to be served in going back, or would
matters run their course whether he returned or not? If only he knew. It was one thing if by returning he
would help save the High Lord and his family from Rydall and Nightshade. It was another if his return
would make no difference at all.
He glanced toward the house. Mrs. Ambaum was looking out the window at them, sipping contentedly
at her tea. Retribution by nightfall, she was thinking. Still no sign of Elizabeth. Beyond, where the road
curved past the front yard and disappeared over a rise, the sunlight was a hazy curtain through the trees.
He walked back to Questor Thews and stopped in front of him, eyes fixed on the worn old face. I
really don t think I can do this, he said quietly.
The wizard nodded, face scrunched into a mass of wrinkles. I don t blame you.
Abernathy held out his hands and looked at them. He shook his head. Do you even remember the
magic you used to change me that first time?
Questor did not look up but nodded that he did.
After so many years. Isn t that something? Abernathy looked down at himself. He hadn t been
changed back all that long, and already he was comfortable with himself in his old skin. I like myself as I
am, he whispered.
Elizabeth appeared in the doorway. Breakfast!
Neither moved. Then Questor waved. We ll be there directly! he called. He looked at Abernathy. I
am truly sorry.
Abernathy smiled ruefully. Of course you are.
I would give anything not to have to tell you this, anything not to have it so. He bit at his lip.
If it isn t so, for the sake of argument, Abernathy mused, I will be trapped here not as a man but as a
dog.
Questor Thews nodded, holding his gaze this time.
But it is so. You re sure. As sure as you can be, aren t you?
The wizard nodded once more, didn t speak.
I have to make up my mind about this right away, don t I? Abernathy pressed on reluctantly. If we
are to be of any use to the High Lord and Mistaya, we have to get back quickly. There isn t time to give
this a lot of thought.
No, I m afraid there isn t.
Why don t you argue the matter with me, then?
Argue with you?
Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
Convince me, one way or the other. You choose a side. Argue both ways if you like. But give me some
issues I can debate. Give me something to dispute. Give me a voice besides my own to listen to!
I have already explained
Stop explaining! Abernathy was suddenly livid. Stop being rational! Stop being passive! Stop
standing around waiting for me to make this decision all by myself!
But it is your decision to make, Abernathy not mine. You know that.
I know nothing of the sort! I know nothing at all! I am sick and tired of being ignorant of what is
happening in my life! All I want is to be able to go back to the way things were, and I am not being
allowed to do that! I am still being required to perform, just as I was when we appeared at that
Bumble-whatever festival, only the audience isn t anyone we can see! Why should I agree to go along
with this? It would be better just to sit down and refuse to do another thing!
Doing nothing is the same as doing something! Questor was growing a bit heated himself. A choice is
made either way!
Abernathy clenched his hands in fury. So it still comes down to the same thing, doesn t it? A choice
must be made one way or the other, even if the choice is not really a choice at all?
You are babbling!
I am trying to make sense!
Questor Thews sighed. Why don t we eat some breakfast and then perhaps
Oh, forget it! I m going back!
things will be a little easier. The wizard caught his breath sharply. What did you say?
Abernathy struggled to keep his voice from breaking. I said I am going back! I want you to use the
magic to change me! He grimaced at the look on the other s ragged face and was suddenly calm. It
isn t so difficult a decision, Questor Thews. When this matter is over and done, I have to be able to live
with myself. If I am required to be a dog again, I can adjust. I can accept it knowing that I did everything
I could to help the High Lord and his family. But if I stay a man and learn later that by changing to a dog I
could have saved their lives ... well, you can imagine.
He cleared his throat. Besides, I swore an oath. For a long moment he looked to be the saddest man
who ever lived. I am Court Scribe to the throne of Landover and pledged to serve her King. I am
bound to serve in whatever way I can. I might wish it otherwise just now, but I cannot change the fact of
it.
Questor Thews stared. The old eyes were fierce. You really are quite remarkable, the wizard said
softly. Really.
Impulsively, he wrapped his arms about his friend and hugged him, whiskers rubbing roughly into
Abernathy s smooth skin. Well, Abernathy said in reply, overcome by the other s response. He tried to
shrug his indifference. Really, yourself.
Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html
They went up to the house to have breakfast with Elizabeth. The three of them sat at the little kitchen
table, crowded over bowls of cereal and milk. Mrs. Ambaum bustled about officiously for a few
moments as if attempting to supervise in some way, then gave up trying and disappeared out the front
door with a promise to be back by noon.
As soon as she was gone, Elizabeth said, Dad is coming home tonight, flying in from New York.
So Mrs. Ambaum informed us, Questor advised.
He did not look at Abernathy. His friend was eating with his head bent close over the bowl and his hand
to his forehead.
We have to make up a new story, Elizabeth continued. Her curly hair was damp from washing, and
her face was freshly scrubbed. It won t be hard. We ll just say that Mrs. Ambaum got it wrong, and that
you ... But Questor was already shaking his head. No, Elizabeth. That won t be necessary. Abernathy
and I are leaving.
Leaving? When?
Questor smiled sadly. Right away. As soon as we finish eating.
Disappointment showed immediately. You found a way to go back, didn t you? Questor nodded,
Last night. She bit her lip. She looked at Abernathy, brow furrowed. But you only just got here. Can t
you stay another day or so? Maybe I can
No, Elizabeth. Abernathy straightened and met her desperate gaze with kind eyes. The High Lord
needs us. Mistaya needs us. Any further delay is dangerous. We can t stay.
Elizabeth looked down at her cereal and gave it a few stirs with her spoon. It doesn t seem fair. I don t
want to be selfish, and I know it s important you go back. But you just got here. She glanced up, then
quickly down. I ve been waiting four years to see you again. Abernathy couldn t speak. His face was
stricken. There was a momentary silence. What about Poggwydd? she asked finally. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]