Read Online Madwand (Illustrated) by Roger Zelazny - Free Book Online Page A

Larick repeated, writing it. “You are fourth on my list. I still have six to go.”
    “I take it that the rescheduling is as much a surprise to all those involved?”
    “I’m afraid so. That’s why I have to find everyone in a hurry.”
    The tea arrived and Pol poured.
    “We will meet at the Arch of the Blue Bird,” Larick said, gesturing. “It is the farthest archway to the west. It is somewhat south of here, also.”
    Pol nodded.
    “I’ll find it. But when do we meet?”
    “I was hoping we could all get together by noon,” he answered. “But that seems unrealistic, the way things are going. Let’s say by the time the sun lies midway between noon and sunset.”
    “All right. Anything special I should bring?”
    Larick studied him for a moment.
    “How much preparation have you had for this?” he asked.
    Pol wondered whether the flush he felt in his cheeks was visible through his magical disguise, scar and all.
    “It depends upon what you mean by preparation,” he said. “I’ve had some instruction as to the metaphysical side of things, but I was counting on more time here for learning something of the practical aspects.”
    “Then you did not—as your nickname implies—serve what might be referred to as a normal apprenticeship?”
    “I did not. I know what I know by means of aptitude, practice and some study—on my own.”
    Larick smiled.
    “I see. In other words, you have had as little preparation as one can have had and still be said to have had some preparation.”
    “I’d say you’ve put it properly.”
    Larick took a drink of tea.
    “There is some risk, even for those with full training,” he said.
    “I already know that.”
    “Well, it is your decision, and I will have time to go over things somewhat during the climb and while we wait for sundown outside the entrance. To answer your first question, though, bring nothing but the clothes you wear, one small loaf of bread and a flask of water. These may be consumed at any time during the journey, up until the actual entry into the mountain. I would suggest you keep most of it until near the end, as we maintain a total fast during the night’s progress through Belken.”
    Larick finished his tea and rose.
    “I’ll have to be locating the others now,” he said. “Thanks for the tea. I’ll see you at the Blue Bird Archway.”
    “A moment,” said Mouseglove.
    “Yes?”
    “At what point on the mountain will you be emerging in the morning?”
    “We’ll come out of a cave low on the eastern fece—this side, that is. You can’t see the place from here. If you want to walk along with me I’m going up to a higher level now. I might be able to point it out to you from there.”
    “Yes, I’ll come.”
    Mouseglove rose. Pol did also.
    A flight of tarnished butterflies swept by as they mounted the stair. When Pol rested his hand against an ornamental column, it felt more like the trunk of a tree than cold stone. The huge gems set into walls had lost much of their brilliance in day’s hard glare. But Pol smiled, for the impression of beauty still held despite all of this.
    They climbed a hill and Larick pointed at the mountain.
    “Yes. Over there,” he said. “Near the base—that triangular, darkened area. You can see it if you look closely.”
    “I see it,” Mouseglove said.
    “Yes,” said Pol.
    “Very well. Then I must be on my way. I will see you later.”
    They watched him head off toward a group of buildings to the south.
    “I’ll be waiting there when you come out,” Mouseglove said. “Don’t trust anybody while you’re inside.”
    “Why not?”
    “I’ve gotten the impression here and there that Madwands are looked down upon and resented by those who have served regular apprenticeships. I don’t know how strong the feelings might be, but there’ll be nine of them in there with you. I wouldn’t turn my back on them in any dark corridors.”
    “You might have a point there. I won’t give them any