Another Fine Myth by Robert Asprin

“There seems to be some mistake,” I said hastily.

“I’ll say there is,” the Deveel scowled. “And you’re making it. We don’t take kindly to shoplifters on Deva!”

“Gleep!” said the dragon.

Things were rapidly getting out of hand. If needed Aahz’s help or advice, it was now. I shot a desperate glance toward the tent he was in, hoping beyond hope to see him emerge.

He wasn’t there. In fact, the tent wasn’t there! gone, vanished into thin air, and so had Aahz!

Chapter Eighteen:

“No matter what the product or service might be, you can find it somewhere else cheaper!”

-E. SCROOGE

“WHERE did that tent go?” I demanded desperately.

“What tent?” The keeper blinked, looming behind me.

“That tent,” I exclaimed, pointing at the now vacant space.

The Deveel frowned, craning his neck, which at his height, gave him considerable visibility.

“There isn’t any tent there,” he announced with finality.

“I know! That’s the point!”

“Hey! Quit trying to change the subject!” The keeper growled, poking me in the chest with an unbelievably large finger. “Are you going to pay for the dragon or not?”

I looked around for support, but no one was watching. Apparently disputes such as this were common on Deva.

“I told you there’s been a mistake! I don’t want your dragon.”

“Gleep!” said the dragon, cocking his head at me.

“Don’t give me that!” the keeper boomed. “If you didn’t want him, why did you feed him?”

“I didn’t feed him! He ate a piece of my sleeve!”

“Gleep!” said the dragon, making another unsuccessful pass at my shirt.

“So you admit he got food from you?”