Myth conceptions by Robert Asprin

“Well, boss” Brockhurst cleared his throat getting to his feet “I think I’ll turn in now.”

“Me, too,” echoed Gus, also rising.

“Just one thing.” The Imp paused and met my gaze squarely. “For the record, it’s a real pleasure working for you.”

The gargoyle nodded his agreement, and the two of them faded into the brush.

There was a soft kiss on my cheek, but by the time I turned my head, Tanda had disappeared.

“You know, kid,” Aahz said, “you’re going to make a pretty good leader someday.”

“Thanks, Aahz,” I blinked.

“.. .if you live that long,” my mentor concluded.

We sat side by side in silence for a while longer. Gleep had apparently dozed off, for he was snoring softly as I continued petting him.

“If it isn’t prying,” Aahz asked finally, “what is this master plan you have for tomorrow that’s built around Ajax?”

I sighed and closed my eyes.

“I haven’t got one,” I admitted. “I was kind of hoping you’d have a few ideas.”

“I was afraid you were going to say that,” Aahz grumbled.

Chapter Nineteen:

“What if they gave a war and only one side came-“

-LUCIFER

“WAKE up, kid!”

I returned to consciousness as I was being forcefully propelled sideways along the forest floor, presumably assisted by the ready toe of my mentor.

After I had slid to a stop, I exerted most of my energy and raised my head.

“Aahz,” I announced solemnly, “as leader of this team, I have reached another decision. In the future, I want Tanda to wake me up.”

“Not a chance,” Aahz leered. “She’s off scouting our right flank. It’s me or the dragon.”