. I
simply stood and stared, hoping for some betraying bit of business within
the damaged area. Then I heard Random mutter, "I guess he's gone," and I
called back, "Yeah? What is it?"
"Get your ass up here quick," he said. "I need your advice."
I stepped out into the corridor through the opening which remained in
that wall,
coach outlet, and I looked upward, Immediately I could feel the capabilities in
the ring that I wore, responding like a musical instrument to my most
immediate need. The appropriate line was activated as I assented to the
suggestion, and I took the gloves from behind my belt and drew them on as I
was levitated toward the opening in the ceiling. This, because it had
occurred to me that Random might recognize the ring as having once been
Brand's,
wholesale coach purses, and that could lead to a complicated discussion I'd no desire for
at the moment.
I held my cloak close to my side as I came up through the hole into the
studio, to keep the blade under wraps also.
"Impressive," Random said. "Glad you're keeping the magical muscle
exercised. That's what I called you for."
I gave him a bow. Being dressed up made me feel vaguely courtly.
"How may I be of service?'
"Cut the crap and come on," he said, taking hold of my elbow and
steering me back toward the demibedroom. Vialle stood at the door, holding
it open.
"Merlin?" she said as I brushed by.
"Yes?" I answered.
"I wasn't certain," she said.
"Of what?" I asked.
"That it was you," she responded.
"Oh, it's me, all right,
coach clearance," I said.
"It is indeed my brother,
cheap coach purses," Mandor stated, rising from his chair and
approaching us. His arm was splinted and slung, his face considerably
relaxed. "If anything about him strikes you as strange," he continued, "it
is likely because he has had a number of traumatic experiences since he left
here."
"Is that true?" Random asked.
"Yes," I replied. "I didn't realize it was all that ap