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Show XVIII "A wight with courage needs no other weapon, though a stout club will oft make the battle go quicker-" from Sayings of the Simple Sage, Northern Kingdom Archives "Kostya's devils," said Deputy AVM Chu as she flung herself into her chair. She commenced drumming her fingers on the desk top while she glared at Phrapp and the wiry; sullen man standing beside him. Chu's small mouth was drawn up tightly, her eyes fairly throwing sparks. Phrapp, on the other hand, was standing there bewildered, his loose mouth hanging open in an astonished half smile. What a surprise to have found himself followed into the PrivilegedRoom by this ragged scoundrel! The ragged scoundrel had hold of the big man's arm in an iron grip, and had been holding it steadily since Phrapp regained consciousness in Chu's sanctum a few moments before. The room was illuminated by three flares positioned on the walls-a normal part of the decor in NewOxbridge where power was likely to fail at any hour. "What did thee with the Governor?" Chu demanded of Phrapp. Phrapp's smile evaporated. "Naught," he replied mournfully. This was true-he'd had no time. He reached into his longdoublet with his free hand for a peppermint and grunted as his other arm was wrenched back behind him. The peppermints scattered all over the floor. The scoundrel was understandably miffed. By the Mass, what a fool's circus he'd had in the £rivilegedRoom with this excrementi! The rumpus had been enough to wake n61 |