Another Fine Myth by Robert Asprin

“Gentlemen!” our victim squealed. “There seems to have been a mistake!”

“That’s right,” I commented. “And you made it.”

“You don’t understand!” Frumple persisted, “I was surprised and horrified when I heard about your deaths.”

“Yeah, we weren’t too happy about it ourselves.”

“Later, kid. Look, Frumple. Right now we have both the ability and the motive to kill you. Right?”

“But I….”

“Right?”

Aahz moved the knife until the point was indenting the skin on Frumple’s throat.

“Right!” the Deveel whispered.

“Okay, then.” Aahz withdrew the knife and tucked it back in his waistband. “New let’s talk business.”

“I … I don’t understand,” Frumple stammered, rubbing his throat with one hand as if to assure himself that it was still there.

“What it means,” Aahz explained, “is that we want your help more than we want revenge. Don’t relax too much, though. The choice wasn’t that easy.”

“I… I see. Well, what can I do for you?”

“C’mon, Frumple. You can honor our original deal. You’ve got to admit we’ve laid one heck of a false trail for your two fugitives. Now it’s your turn. Just restore my powers and we’ll be on our way.”

The Deveel blanched, or at least he turned from red to pink.

“I can’t do that!” he exclaimed.

“What?”

The knife appeared in Aahz’s hand again as if by magik.

“Now look, you double-dealing refugee. Either you restore my powers or….”

“You don’t understand,” Frumple pleaded. “I don’t mean I won’t restore your powers. I mean I can’t. I don’t know what’s wrong with you or how to counter it. That’s why I set you up with the mob. I was afraid if I told you before, you wouldn’t believe me. I’ve spent too much time establishing myself here to risk being exposed by an unsatisfied customer. I’m sorry, I really am, and I know you’ll probably kill me, but I can’t help you!”