The Stranger - Max Frei [277]
“To let me win! Are you mocking me?” The fellow seemed to take it as an insult.
“Well, of course I had to lose occasionally,” I said in a conciliatory tone. “But it hasn’t been such a great blow to your business, has it? So a good morning to you all. I’m going to call it a night.”
With that, I left the sweet place, hoping wih all my heart that I wouldn’t have to play the hero in a big fistfight.
Nope! Made it out without a scratch.
At home, I carefully counted my winnings.
Eighty-one crowns and some change—a whole handful of it. It was still far less than Shurf had in his pouch before his charming antics got underway, but at least we could live like people again. I looked around. Lonli-Lokli was probably sleeping upstairs, and I decided I could sleep a spell, too. Right here, on the short divan I had already grown so fond of. Too short, to be honest, but I’m a creature of habit. That’s for sure. After thinking about it a while, I wrote a note: “Wake me at noon! No matter what,” and attached it to the wall above my head. We had things to do today.
This time I was shaken violently out of my sleep. Sir Shurf is nothing if not disciplined. And very thoughtful—he had prepared the bottle of Elixir of Kaxar beforehand, so my morning suffering lasted just a few seconds.
“Thanks, Shurf.” I was already able to smile not only at my tormenter, but at the pathologically bright noonday sun.
“I have two pieces of good news. First, we’re rich.”
“Max, I hope you didn’t do anything that—”
“That I wouldn’t risk telling the Police General Boboota Box? No, I just decided to find out what you found so fascinating in the local game of chance. I completely agree with you. It was great!”
“You mean to tell me you played cards with the locals? I never thought you’d turn out to be a cardsharper.”
“A cardsharper? Give me a break! I’m a very honest fellow. Just luckier than they are.”
“How much did you win?”
“Count it,” I said proudly. “You can subtract one crown and some change—that’s what I started out with. I’m going to bathe.”
When I came back to the living room, Lonli-Lokli gazed at me in almost suspicious admiration.
“Your talents truly are inexhaustible,” he declared solemnly.
“Oh, no, they’re limited, believe me. I don’t know how to sing, to fly, or bake Chakkatta Pie. Let’s go get some breakfast, Shurf. Good gracious, it’s nice not to have to count every penny.”
We breakfasted at the Old Table, where we had been the day before. The dyed-in-the-wool conservative who told me to leave well enough alone had gained the upper hand in me. The hospitable tavern-mistress recognized us, which was gratifying in itself. But my appetite was roaming around elsewhere and promised to catch me later. On the other hand, Lonli-Lokli ate for two people. This touched me. I felt like a concerned father and sole breadwinner. A strange feeling.
“What about the second?” Shurf asked suddenly, still chewing his food.
“The second what?” I have to admit, I had clean forgotten.
“This morning you said there were two pieces of good news. That we were rich was the first. What was the second? Or is it—”
“A secret? No, Shurf, this news is especially for you. A bit of work for your capable hands, after which we can split this crazy town in good conscience. You see, a certain Sir Kiba Attsax is wandering around Kettari, if I’m not mistaken about his name.”
“You’re not mistaken.”
“Well, it’s excellent that his name is familiar to you. As I understand it, things in Kettari are just fine and dandy—but the presence of this gentleman changes the picture somewhat.”
“I understand,” Lonli-Lokli said somberly. “Everything in Kettari is just hunky-dory. I’m glad you’re so certain about that.”
“Shurf,” I said gently. “Take my word for it. Things are fine in Kettari. Something very strange did happen here—but it’s most likely a good thing. I like it, I must say. And Juffin will, too, as far as I can foresee. But this gentleman must be stopped dead. His presence may destroy everything. What, did I spoil your appetite, Shurf?”
“No, it