Universe Twister - Keith Laumer [211]
"Since you won't answer my questions, O'Leary, why should I answer yours?"
"Because I need to get to the bottom of this, that's why! There's a plot afoot, Lom! Bigger than anything you could imagine! And I'm mixed up in it! And I want out!"
"Oh? In that case, why not tell me all you know—"
"Never mind." O'Leary got painfully to his feet. "I've got to get going, Lom. Time's a-wasting. I have to make contact with—" He broke off. "With some friends of mine," he finished.
"Suppose I go with you," Lom suggested, jumping up.
"Out of the question," Lafayette said. "I don't mean to be rude, but I can't afford to be slowed down. Beside which it might be dangerous."
"I don't mind. And I'll do my best to keep to the pace."
"Look, Lom, you're far better off right here. You have your hut, and you can live on leaves and berries and Bavarian ham, in peace and quiet—"
"I still have hopes," Lom cut in, "of clearing my name. Possibly these friends you mentioned could help me."
"King Shosto and his boys will be combing the woods for me. If they catch you in my company they'll probably allocate five hundred of those hooks to you."
"I doubt it, lad. I know the trails through these hills quite well. In fact, without me to guide you, I doubt if you'll ever reach the city."
"Well—come on then. I can't stop you. But don't expect me to wait for you." He turned away.
"Wait!" Lom said sharply. "Not that way, Mr. O'Leary." He stepped forward and parted the bushes to reveal a narrow path leading down the rocky slope. "Shall we go?"
2
Twice in the hour before sunrise, O'Leary and Lom were forced to take refuge in deep shrubbery while a party of Wayfarers thrashed their way through the underbrush close at hand. From their conversation it was apparent that there would be plenty of hooks to go around when the owner of the footprints near the broached cage was apprehended along with the escaped prisoner.
"Tsk. Such an uncharitable attitude," Lom commented as they emerged from their last concealment.
"Just wait until I get my hands on this Zorro character," Lafayette said. "He's the one at the bottom of this—"
"I thought you were Zorro?" Lom said sharply.
"Not really. I just look like him. I mean—well, never mind. It's too complicated."
He turned to see Lom staring hard at his thumb, which he was solemnly waggling.
"Playing with your fingers?" O'Leary snapped.
"Ah—not at all, my boy," Lom said, thrusting both hands into his pockets. "Tell me—what will you do when we reach the city?"
"I'll have to play it by ear. Once inside the palace, if I can just get a word with Adoranne . . ."
"Frankly, my boy—you look a trifle disreputable. Your garments are somewhat the worse for wear, and it appears you haven't shaved of late, and that gold earring in your left ear is hardly calculated to inspire confidence."
"I'll think of something. I'll have to."
As the sun cleared the treetops, they emerged from the woods onto a stretch of sloping pastureland dotted with peaceful cows, which gazed placidly at them as they tramped down to the road. A passing steam-powered wain gave them a lift to the city limits. As they walked through the cobbled street, redolent of early-morning odors of roasting coffee and fresh-baked bread, a few early risers gave them curious looks. They paused at a sidewalk stall within sight of the palace towers, rosy-tinted in the early light, for a quick breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast and jam, which seemed to Lafayette to drop into an empty cavern the size of a municipal car-barn.
"It's amazing what a little food will do," he commented, as he finished off his second cup of coffee. "Suddenly, everything seems simpler. I'll go to the palace gates, explain that I have important information, and request an audience. Then, after I've told Adoranne a few things that could only be known to me—I'll explain who I am. After that it will be routine. By this time tomorrow, everything will be straightened out."
"I take it you know