The Stranger - Max Frei [226]
“Caravans to Kettari form once every two dozen days. The next one leaves about four days from now, if I’m not mistaken. I hope everything will be ready for your departure by then.”
“Everything?” I asked in surprise. “What is there to get ready? Or haven’t you finished yet?”
“I’ve hardly begun. First, you’re not to go alone. Don’t even think of arguing that point. It’s not just some idiosyncrasy of mine. It’s a rule.”
“I wouldn’t think of arguing. Who’s going with me?”
“I’d like to hear your suggestions first.”
“I’m a creature of habit. If I’m going to set out for who knows where and who knows why, I want Lonli-Lokli by my side. I’ve tried it once, and I like it. But who will strike the fear of the Magicians into the bad guys of the Capital if both of us high-tail it out of Echo at the same time?”
“Don’t worry, Max,” Juffin grinned. “You’ve never seen me in action. I’ve become lazy with both of you around, but even I can come out of hibernation if need be. And it’s time to shake some of the fat off Sir Kofa.”
“You can say that again. I must admit, it never occurred to me that you might want to come out of hibernation. So you don’t object to Lonli-Lokli as my traveling companion?”
“Object? Those were my thoughts exactly. Only curiosity prevailed. I wanted to find out whether you’d guess where my sympathies lay, or whether you’d slip up this time and land in a puddle. Congratulations!”
“I assume that Shurf and I will have to disguise ourselves. The whole city recognizes us at a glance. I’m sure no one wants to go to Kettari in the company of two professional killers from the Secret Investigative Force.” I glanced at Juffin. “Did I land in a puddle?”
“Not yet. Keep going, Max.”
“It won’t be a problem for me,” I said confidently. “But how will Shurf pull it off? He’s so conspicuous. I guess Sir Kofa is our only hope.”
“Plop!”
I looked at the chief, stunned, then burst out laughing.
“Oh, you mean I fell in the puddle after all?”
“You sure did.” Juffin was beaming. “How modest you are, Sir Max. If there is to be a problem with anyone, it’s going to be with you. You don’t seem to be very observant. Praise be the Magicians, Shurf has an extremely inconspicuous appearance. The city is full of fellows just like him! Change the color of his hair, dress him in something bright and colorful instead of his white looxi, take off his gloves—and even you won’t recognize him. And there are plenty of tall people in the World.”
“All the better. But why should I have problems disguising myself? Do I have an unusual face or something?”
“To tell the truth, your face really is unusual. Have you ever seen anyone in Echo who could be mistaken for your brother?”
I was somewhat abashed. In fact, I had never paid any attention to such matters.
“You’re a rare bird in these parts. But that’s not the problem. Sir Kofa can transform your face into anything that strikes his fancy. The problem is your accent, Max.”
“Do I really—” I blushed.
“Yes, you do. You’re the only one who doesn’t notice it. And half the city already knows that only the ‘fearsome Sir Max, wrapped in his Mantle of Death’ speaks in such an abrupt and choppy manner. They’ll see through your disguise, however you might dress up. I won’t even mention your Silent Speech—sometimes it’s downright difficult to understand you.”
“But what will I do? Feign muteness?”
“Mute people use Silent Speech better than anyone. It’s the only way they can communicate. But don’t despair, Sir Max. We’ll turn you into an elegant damsel.”
“A damsel? Elegant? Me?!” My astonishment knew no bounds.
“Why are you so surprised? Sir Kofa will do some work on your face and voice, pick out a wig for you . . . It’s all quite simple.”
“I’ll become the laughing stock of the House by the Bridge this season!” I wailed. “Juffin, just what kind of damsel would I make?”
“A tall, skinny, and fairly broad-shouldered one. Perhaps not the type that appeals most to men, but that’s Lonli-Lokli’s problem. He’ll just have to travel with an ugly wife.”
“A wife! Surely you