“We are here representing the merchants of the Bazaar on the Deva, seeking an audience with the Great Skeeve.”
“About what?” my mentor challenged.
The Deveel fixed him with an icy glare.
“We seek the Great Skeeve, not idle chit-chat with a Pervert.”
“Well, this particular Per-vert happens to be the Great Skeeve’s business manager, and he doesn’t waste his time with Deveels unless I clear them.”
I almost said something, but changed my mind. Concerned or not, this was not the time to take a conversation away from Aahz.
The Deveel hesitated, then shrugged.
“There is a new difficult at the Bazaar,” he said. “A group of organized criminals has gained access to our dimension threatening to disrupt the normal flow of business unless they are paid a percentage of our profits.”
Tananda and Chumly exchanged glances, while Massha raised an eyebrow at me. I studied the ceiling with extreme care. Aahz alone was unruffled.
“Tough. So what does that have to do with the Great Skeeve?” he demanded.
Anticipating the answer, I tried to decide whether I should fight or run.
“Isn’t it obvious?” the Deveel frowned. “We wish to retain his services to combat this threat. From what we can tell, he’s the only magician around up to the job.”
That one stopped me. Of all the strange turns events could have taken, this had to be the most unanticipated and … well, bizarre!
“I see,” Aahz murmured, a nasty gleam in his eye. “You realize, of course, that the Great Skeeve’s time is valuable and that such a massive undertaking would require equally massive remuneration?”