Hit or Myth by Robert Asprin

Chapter Fourteen:

“Some farewells are easier than others.”

– P. MARLOWE

“So, where do you go from here?” Tananda asked.

She and Chumly were helping me pack. We had all agreed that having incurred the combined wrath of the King and Queen, it would be wisest to delay my departure as little as possible. Massha was off seeing to deep and Buttercup as well as saying her goodbyes to Badaxe.

“I don’t really know,” I admitted. “I was serious when I said I had accumulated enough wealth for a while. I’ll probably hole up someplace and practice my magic for a while . . . maybe at that inn Aahz and I used to use as a home base.”

“I say, why don’t you tag along with little sister and me?” Chumly suggested. “We usually operate out of the Bazaar at Deva. It wouldn’t be a bad place for you to keep your hand in, magik-wise.”

It flashed through my mind that the Mob must have started its infiltration of the Bazaar by now. It also occurred to me that, in the pre-wedding rush, I hadn’t told Tananda or Chumly about that particular portion of the caper. Having remembered, I found myself reluctant to admit my responsibility for what they’d find on their return.

“I dunno, Chumly,” I hedged. “You two travel pretty light. I’ve got so much stuff, I’d probably be better off settling down somewhere permanent.”

It was a pretty weak argument, but the troll seemed to accept it… maybe because he could see that mountain of gear we were accumulating, trying to clear my quarters.

“Well, think it over. We’d be glad to have you. You’re not a bad sort to have around in a tight spot.”