10 – Aftermath by Asprin, Robert

“Jarveena: I gave Klikitagh his freedom.”

There was a long stunned silence. When it had become more than she could bear, Jarveena husked, “But you said it would have killed him!”

“Which it did.”

“What?”

“I speak in plain words, do I not? Despite the deformation I endure!” The tone was savage now, and sent new shivers down Jarveena’s spine. “Well, maybe your nature fights acceptance. Words plainer then than ever must be tried.

“I gave him his release! He died! And even dead,- so dreadful is the power of that spell, he rose again and said-praise all the gods that no one save myself could hear those awful words!-‘Dead or not dead, I am condemned to walk the world. I may not eat a second time from the same table, nor may I sleep a second time from the same bed. It is decreed. By me. It shall continue!'”

From his recital of the quoted words rang forth a hint, an echo, of the force that had endowed the curse on Klikitagh with its original power. It was unbearable. Crying aloud, her brain assailed by hideous visions, Jarveena slumped fainting from her chair.

In the light of torches, both her cheeks gleamed wet.

She woke, once more at dawn, and found herself alone at Melilot’s, as had often happened to her in the past. Not this time, however, was her frame pervaded by the truly magic skill of Enas Yorl’s caresses. Only a dull sense of deprivation filled her mind as she kicked aside the covers and moved to use her chamber pot, then douse herself with the contents of the ewer on the nightstand. Then, unconcerned as ever about naked- ness, she dragged the curtains back and threw the shutters wide to the new day- Cold air combined with cold water to bring her back to full alertness. She reached for her clothes-and checked, catching sight of her reflec- tion in the tall and expensive mirror that hung beside the window.