Read Online Pandora Gets Angry by Carolyn Hennesy - Free Book Online Page A

“Not just an egg. My word, you really didn’t do your homework, did you? Every immortal visitor must, at all times, be in possession of a roc’s egg.”
    â€œWhat’s a roc?”
    â€œWhat … whaaaa … what’s a roc? Do you know anything ?”
    â€œHow to turn you into an oil lamp,” Hera thought.
    â€œA roc is the most sacred of all our birds, and an unborn roc, still in its egg, is the most powerful creature in Persia, able to bestow abilities great and small on whoever possesses one. The unborn roc has two functions. One, it is the source of a visiting immortal’s powers while in Persia; or, in other words, it will allow you to use your powers while you are here. And two, it is the master of all genies. You have heard of genies, yes? Well, I can’t imagine you actually have, since you seem to know so little about Persia, but our main group of immortal beings is made up of genies and peris, or female genies. An unborn roc has one or several of these in his service. Yes, a genie or peri may be enslaved to a human, if a human is lucky enough to capture one that is being punished and is condemned to a ring or a lamp or a slipper or a chair or some such. But the unborn roc is the ultimate source of their powers, it is their ‘god’ if you will, and the death of a roc means disaster. This is why the egg must be guarded so closely by visiting immortals, and why it must be surrendered upon leaving.”
    Hera noticed the monkeys, now sitting on top of the table, picking things off each other.
    â€œYou give an egg to a monkey?”
    â€œYou mind dropping the snide tone?” said the official. “You know I have half a mind to kick you out right now. We’re a tolerant and hospitable land, but you’re just a pill.”
    â€œI am … sorry,” Hera squeezed out. “I was only wondering.”
    â€œThe monkeys you see all around are disobedient genies or peris. They either defied their human masters or, worse, defied their roc. One of the alternative punishments to being pent up in a lamp or a ring is that the roc sends them here to the Bureau, changed into animal form, very mortal I might add, which is rather debasing for them, and they are forced to do odd jobs and busy work until they finish off their punishment. The eggs around their necks are a constant reminder. And the unborn roc can communicate without words, so they are continually providing guidance. When the genies or peris have been properly rehabilitated, we take the collar off, they are restored to immortal form, and everything is back to normal.”
    â€œSo that’s what I would—will—get if—when—I fill out all this paperwork? A roc egg?” Hera asked sweetly, her mind racing. “That’s what’s going to help me truly experience the wonders of your beautiful country?”
    â€œI see you’re a quick study,” the official said with a smirk. “Fortunately, we are blessed with a surplus of roc eggs, and those with no genies to command elect to come to the Bureau and help with Persia’s immortal visitors. You can’t get around without one and with it, you have the potential to do almost anything. That’s why you have to put your big ‘H’ on all of these. And now I’ll leave you to your signing. I’ll see you in about a week—mortal time.”
    â€œAnd I’m going to be monitored by monkeys?”
    â€œI’ll bet you were the sharpest one in your class,” the official snapped, his back now turned on Hera. “I’ll have a snack brought to you in a few days. Don’t eat the monkey food.”
    Hera watched the man go until one of the monkeys threw a quill pen at her with such force that it stuck in her forearm. She looked down at the feather, its point stuck in her immortal flesh. She looked at her robes, still singed from Pandora setting her ablaze. Pulling the quill out,