“Is that you?” came the old man’s quavering voice.
Haplo rose to his feet, brushing off bits of moss.
“Oh, no, it isn’t,” said Zifnab in disappointment, shaking his head. “Still”-he peered closely at Haplo-“I seem to remember looking for you, too. Come, come.” He took hold of Haplo’s arm. “We’ve got to take off- Go to the rescue! Oh, dear! Nice Doggie. N-nice doggie.”
Seeing a stranger accost its master, the dog left off its pursuit of nonexistent game and dashed over to confront live quarry. The animal stood in front of the wizard, bared its teeth, and growled menacingly.
“I suggest you let go of my arm, old man,” advised Haplo.
“Uh, yes.” Zifnab removed his hand hastily. “Fine . . . fine animal.” The dog’s growls ceased, but it continued to regard the old man with deep suspicion.
Zifnab felt in a pocket. “I had a milk bone in here a few weeks ago. Left over from lunch. I say, have you met my dragon?”
‘Is that a threat?” Haplo demanded.
“Threat?” The old wizard seemed staggered, so completely taken aback that his hat fell off. “No, of … of course not! It’s just that … we were comparing pets …” Zifnab lowered his voice, glanced around nervously. “Actually, my dragon’s quite harmless. I’ve got him under this spell-”
“Come on, dog,” said Haplo in disgust, and headed for his ship.
“Great Gandalf’s ghost!” shouted Zifnab. “If he had a ghost. I doubt it. He was such a snob . . . Where was I? Yes, rescue! Almost forgot.” The old man gathered up his robes and began running along at Haplo’s side. “Come on! Come on! No time to waste. Hurry!”
His white hair stood up all over his head, his beard stuck out in all directions. Zifnab clashed past Haplo. Looking back, he put his finger to his lips. “And keep it quiet. Don’t want him”-he pointed downward, grimacing-“along.”
Haplo came to a halt. Crossing his arms over his chest, he waited with some amusement to see the old man come crashing up against the magical barrier the Patryn had established around his vessel.
Zifnab reached the hull, laid a hand on it. Nothing happened.
“Hey, stay away from there!” Haplo broke into a run. “Dog, stop him!”
The dog sped ahead, flying over the mossy ground on silent paws, and caught hold of the old man’s robes just as Zifnab was attempting to climb up over the ship’s rail.
“Get back! Get back!” Zifnab flapped his hat at the dog’s head. “I’ll turn you into a piglet! Ast a bula- No, wait. That turns me into a piglet. Unhand me, you beast!”
“Dog, down!’ ordered Haplo, and the dog obediently dropped to a sitting position, releasing the old man, keeping a watchful eye on him. “Look you, old man. I don’t know how you managed to break through my magic, but I’m giving you fair warning. Stay off my ship-”
“We’re going off on a trip? Well, of course we are.” Zifnab reached out, gingerly patted Haplo’s arm. “That’s why we’re here. Nice young man you’ve got,” he added, speaking to the dog, “but addled.”
The wizard hopped over the rail and proceeded across the top deck, moving toward the bridge with surprising speed and agility for one of ‘advanced years.’
“Damn!” swore Haplo, bounding after him. “Dog!”
The animal leapt ahead, sped across the deck. Zifnab had already disappeared down the ladder leading to the bridge. The dog jumped after him.
Haplo followed. Sliding down the ladder, he ran after and onto the bridge, Zifnab was staring curiously at the rune-covered steering stone. The dog stood beside him, watching. The old man stretched out a hand to touch. The dog growled, and Zifnab quickly snatched his hand back.
Haplo paused in the hatchway, considering. He was a passive observer, not supposed to directly interfere with life in this world. But now he had no choice. The old man had seen the runes. Not only that, he had unraveled them. He knew, therefore, who the Patryn was. He couldn’t be allowed to spread that knowledge further. Besides, he was-he must be-a Sartan.
Circumstances on Arianus prevented me from avenging myself on our ancient enemy. Now, I’ve got another Sartan, and this time it won’t matter. No one will miss crazy Zifnab. Hell, that Quindiniar woman will probably give me a medal!