Read Online Xone Of Contention by Piers Anthony - Free Book Online Page B

part of what nettled Pia about him.
    When they reached the lair, the dragon charged out snorting fire and smoke. Pia stepped back, but Breanna caught her elbow. “Don't cross the line, even on the far side It will hurdle that path and came after you."
    “But the fire—”
    “Can't touch you on the path.”
    Now she saw that there was no smoke crossing the path It flattened out as if up against an invisible barrier, and wafted over the top well above head height. This was truly a protected section.
    Meanwhile the two children were making faces at the dragon. Realizing that no one was going to step out of the safe section, the dragon snorted one last blast and retreated into its lair, as disgusted as the tangle tree had been.
    “I am beginning to appreciate the enchanted path.” Pia said
    “Folk who know the dangers can go where they want,” Breanna said “But visitors are restricted for their own safety.”
    The day was getting late “Perhaps we should camp, and visit the centaurs tomorrow.” Justin suggested “There is a suitable spot nearby.”
    They went to it. It was a park like section, marked by a colored line so that no one would accidentally step out of the safe area.
    "This is beautiful,” Pia said. She hated to admit it, but this Land of Xanth was beginning to get to her. It was more interesting than Mundania, and it seemed quite real. Her body felt better than it had, as if she had taken a pill to invigorate her, rather than just a shot. She had had some doubt that she had actually changed bodies with Chlorine, but was becoming reassured.
    “Yes. we try to keep the facilities pristine,” Justin said. “We want all travelers to be both safe and satisfied.“ He paused. ”Will the two of you be sharing a nest?"
    “Nest?” Pia asked, confused.
    Justin gestured. There was a large, plush nest nestled in the triple fork of a spreading tree. “A roc bird helped. You may be sure it is secure.”
    “But we are expected to sleep in a nest?” she asked, more amazed that dismayed.
    Justin looked perplexed. “There is a problem?”
    “Oh, that's right, I remember now.” Breanna said. “They use beds in Mundania. I didn't think of that. But it's very comfortable, and there's a canopy if you want privacy. Let me show you. Come on in." She climbed up a vine ladder and disappeared into the nest.
    Pia shrugged and followed. The ladder was flexible but firm. She was conscious of the two men standing below as she reached head height, but knew she had pretty good legs, so didn't worry about it. When she got to the rim of the nest, she heaved herself over, lost her grip, and tumbled into the center of the nest.
    “Fun, no?” Breanna asked. She was sitting on the far slope of the depression. “You can even bounce.” She demonstrated, and in a moment was bouncing high, as if on a trampoline.
    “'Course you don't want to do that when there's a man watching; might show your panties.”
    “What's this business about panties?” Pia asked. “You told that demoness not to show them, and she listened.”
    “They fry men's eyeballs,” the girl explained. “They freak out and can't do anything until the sight goes away.”
    “That's interesting.”
    "Your tone makes it sound like ‘That's a load of dragon manure.'”
    Exactly. “Men don't freak out at such sights.”
    “Not in Mundania.”
    “You mean they really do?”
    Breanna smiled. “I shouldn't, but I'm a rebellious teen, so I'll show you. Watch this.”
    The girl climbed up the curving side of the nest and stood on the wide rim. “Hey, boys, look at this!” she called. Then she turned, bent over, and hoisted her skirt, showing her black panties. She was mooning them!
    There was no sound. Curious, Pia climbed the nest and peered over the rim.
    Justin and Edsel were standing below, motionless, eyes bulging, jaws slack. They were, indeed, freaked out.
    The two children were giggling. “That's showing 'em, Blackwave girl!” Ted cried naughtily.