Universe Twister - Keith Laumer [62]
"So you reach my citadel," a thickly accented voice near the lower level of the audible range rumbled. "I thought you might—though sage Nicodaeus think otherwise."
"You're—you're darn right," O'Leary said, trying had to control a quaver in his voice. "And if you know what's good for you, you'll turn Adoranne over to me right now and maybe I'll put in a good word for you with King Goruble."
"If I know what is good for me? Alas, little man, none ever know what is good for him. And if one knew, would he follow that path?"
"I'm warning you, Lod—you are Lod, aren't you? If you've hurt her Highness—"
"Yes, Lod is my name." The giant's voice rang with a harder note. "Undertake to offer me no warnings, small creature. Instead, speak to me of the errand that brought you hither."
"I came for Princess Adoranne . . ." O'Leary stopped to swallow. "I know you've got her, because who else—"
"At first lie, I give you pain," Lod said. "Like this." He leaned forward with a swift motion, gripped O'Leary's shoulder with one huge hand and squeezed. O'Leary yelped in agony.
Lod rolled back, eyeing him with a touch of amusement. "At second lie, I give disfigurement; the loss of an eye, perhaps, or a crushed limb. And at third, I condemn you to hang in the cage of tears, where you will die with a sloth that will surprise you."
"Who—who's lying?" O'Leary managed, blinking away pain tears. "I heard Adoranne was missing; everybody thought I did it, but that's nonsense. You're the one with the motive and the organization—"
"What? Must I inflict lesson two already?"
"He's telling the truth, you great ugly imbecile," a sharp, though muffled voice piped up from somewhere. Lod halted in mid-reach, looking disconcerted.
"Of course I'm telling the truth," O'Leary moved his shoulder. Nothing seemed to be broken. What a pity he hadn't equipped himself with a .45 automatic while he was at it; it would be a pleasure to plug this leering man-mountain.
"Who sent you here?" Lod barked. "Nicodaeus, I think, that sly traitor!"
"Nicodaeus tipped off the palace guard when I paid him a visit in his room," O'Leary said. "I'm no messenger of his."
"Ask him who he is, not the name of his master," the snappish voice came again. It seemed to O'Leary that it emanated from behind Lod. He craned to see who might be crouched behind the chair.
"Name yourself then, little man," Lod commanded.
"I'm Lafayette O'Leary. What's that got to do with it? I demand—"
"Where do you come from?"
"I left Artesia yesterday, if that's what you mean. Before that—well, it's kind of complicated—"
"I sense a strangeness in this man," the shrill voice piped. "Let him go, let him go!"
Lod's eyes narrowed. "You came alone and unarmed against mighty Lod. How did you pass dragon who guards my eastern gate? How—"
"As well ask the west wind why it blows," the shrewish voice shrilled. "You face power here, vile usurper! Have the wit to turn from it in humility!"
"Speak up!" Lod's voice was a snarl. "I think you fairly beg for torment!"
"Look, all I want is the girl and my freedom," O'Leary said desperately. "Tell your gorillas to release us, unharmed, and—"
Lod's immense hands jumped, caught O'Leary between them and lifted him off his feet, bruising his ribs.
"Must I tear you in two, stubborn mite?"
"Aye, kill him now—ere he tells you that which you fear to hear," the shrill voice snarled. "Shut off the voice of doom impending!"
Lod snarled, tossed O'Leary from him.