The Stranger - Max Frei [179]
“And who is this Loiso Pondoxo you buried who-knows-where?” I asked when we had crossed the threshold.
“Ah, Loiso, Grand Magician of that same Order of the Watery Crow—the name of which was such a source of amusement to you. Listen, go get some sleep, hero,” Juffin said with a wink. “Some Nocturnal Representative you are! You’re practically asleep on your feet. All the same, Sir Kofa and I will be working all night.”
“Working on such a sacred task is no chore,” Sir Kofa announced, nodding solemnly. “My congratulations, Juffin! It was so easy for you to push through those changes in the Code. You know how to wrap the old man around your little finger.”
“It’s a good thing I was the one to do it. Imagine what would happen to the World if someone else were able to do the same!”
“Horrors! Do as Juffin says, Max. Go to bed. You aren’t up to making any sense, anyway.”
I didn’t object. Making sense was a fairly remote prospect just now.
I was terribly drowsy on the way home. All the same I sent Melamori a call.
How are things, my lady?
Not much to report. While you were waltzing around Jafax, I had to entertain Melifaro. And the girls, of course. They all took to each other immediately. Poor fellow, his head’s probably still spinning after so much heavy-duty flirting. He’s used to taking on the ladies one by one. But here—what a range of possibilities!
And how did they like me?
I don’t know. I can’t remember. I really overindulged in the liqueur and the hard stuff yesterday. Sweet dreams, Max. I’m falling asleep.
Will I see you tomorrow?
Sure! Over and out.
Melamori had also picked up my inane little expression. It was pleasant, as though she had a keepsake of mine in her pocket that she took out to show her friends from time to time.
As soon as I fell asleep, my life—interesting though it already was—became even more interesting. I dreamed that an invisible guest had just made himself at home in my bedroom.
“Greetings, clairvoyant!” I recognized the voice of Maba Kalox instantly. “You were very clever to discover me back there. But in future, don’t show off, all right? Everyone already knows how smart you are, and I like to stay incognito.”
“I’m sorry, Sir Maba!”
I was already asleep, but I was still aware enough to understand just what he was saying.
“It wasn’t such a terrible faux pas. Those three would have sensed my presence even without your help. From now on, though, remember—if you want to talk to me, well, that’s what Silent Speech is for. Announcing to everyone that ‘Sir Maba is here!’ isn’t the thing to do. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” I mumbled. I was ashamed of myself.
“Good. Now, since I just blew in on a wild wind, I’m going to give you a present.”
“What kind of present?”
“What do you mean ‘what kind’? A good one! Keep an eye on your pillow from now on. Make sure no one tries to move it from its proper place.”
“Why?”
“Because the pillow of such a great hero can be an excellent plug in the Chink between Worlds. Am I making myself clear?”
“No,” I admitted.
“Oh, Max. How does poor Juffin manage to teach you anything? I can’t imagine! Fine. Remember how I fetched all those silly treats for you from under the table?”
“Oh yes,” I said, smiling broadly in my sleep. “Do you mean to tell me that I can do that, too, now?”
“Well, let’s just say that you can’t do it like that yet, but if you set your mind to it, you may be able to rustle up a few of those funny smoking sticks from distant Worlds that you so crave. Try it when you wake up. And nail your pillow to the floor so it won’t get lost, is my advice to you!”
“What do I have to do?”
“Stick your hand under the pillow. Then everything will happen on its own. Only