Read Online Castle Perilous by John Dechancie - Free Book Online Page B

either,” Snowclaw said. “Leastwise, none that I know of.”
    â€œBut it’s only under siege in one of them,” Gene said. “So far as we know.”
    â€œWe know nothing,” Snowclaw muttered. “We can’t even find our way to the pisser.”
    â€œWhat was it we’re supposed to be looking for?” Linda asked.
    â€œThe armory,” Gene said. “Dalton suggested we might need weapons.”
    â€œOh. I’d like some clothes. It gets cold here sometimes, and this thing . . .” She plucked at her T-shirt disdainfully.
    â€œYeah, I’d like to get out of this monkey suit,” Gene said.
    Smiling toothily and rubbing his white pelt, Snowclaw said, “I’m rather attached to this coat.”
    Linda giggled. “It must keep you really warm.”
    â€œYeah, too warm for this climate. I should begin to shed some of it soon, though, if I stay here much longer.”
    â€œUnfortunately,” Gene said, “it looks as though we’re going to be stuck here for a while.”
    Linda’s face fell. “Yes. It is unfortunate, isn’t it.” She stared moodily into her lap. “I don’t know how long I can last before I go completely to pieces.”
    â€œSorry, Linda. I didn’t mean it to sound as if we’d never get out. If anyone thinks we’re going to stay lost in this funhouse on a permanent basis, they have another think coming. I intend to find a way back home. Somehow.” He reached and gave her shoulder a playful shake. “So buck up.”
    â€œI’m sorry.”
    â€œIt’s okay. I’m scared shitless myself.”
    â€œWant a Valium?”
    â€œHuh? Are you still conjuring those things?”
    â€œI haven’t taken it yet,” Linda said. “I’m debating.”
    â€œIf you think you need it, go ahead.”
    Linda looked at the white pill in the palm of her hand. She closed her fist over it. “I don’t think I will . . . just yet.”
    â€œGood.”
    â€œI could use a drink,” Snowclaw said.
    â€œAlcohol, you mean?”
    â€œI don’t mean snow melt. I’ve been looking for a drink ever since I came into this place. Didn’t care for that smelly flower water they had upstairs.”
    â€œWhat do you drink usually?”
    â€œIt’s called shrackk. Made from the blubber of a big land mammal.”
    â€œSomething like a seal?”
    â€œWhat’s a — ” Snowclaw regarded the ceiling with a look of mild surprise. “Yeah, I guess I do know what a seal is. Or at least I know what you mean. Right, it’s sort of a seal but with big teeth and claws. Pretty dangerous if you let one corner you. They can be outrun pretty easily, though. I hunt ’em. That’s my trade.”
    Gene asked, “Is there civilization where you come from?”
    â€œOh, sure. I make it into town about two, three times a year. I sell my pelts, get drunk, kick some butts, rip a few heads off, generally have a good time.” He snorted sarcastically. “And lose all my money and wind up strapped again.” He yawned and snapped his massive jaws shut. “What a life. What a life.”
    â€œSounds like a colorful occupation,” Linda commented.
    â€œIt’s a living.”
    They rested awhile, then left the room to continue down the winding stairs.
    They reached a landing and went out into a hallway. Turning right, they walked for a while before coming to an intersecting corridor. To the left a short way down was a doorway spilling light. They went in.
    â€œI don’t believe we found it,” Linda said.
    Looking like a museum, the room was filled with ancient and odd-looking military apparel. Suits of mail hung upon wooden dummies, suits of armor stood by themselves. The walls were festooned with shields of various shapes and sizes. At the far end of the room was an opening and a counter. Behind the counter