Myth conceptions by Robert Asprin

-F. CHRISTIAN

THE mood back at the camp was understandably celebratory. If I had had any hopes for joining in the festivities, however, they were dashed when Aahz hailed me.

“Over here, kid!” he waved. “We’ve got some planning to do!”

“That’s the other side o’ bein’ a general, youngster,” Ajax murmured sympathetically. “Taint all speeches and glory. You go on ahead. I’ll do my drinkin’ with the boys.”

With a jerk of his head, he indicated Gus and Brockhurst who were already at the wine. Tanda was waiting for me with Aahz. That made my choice a little easier.

“Okay, Ajax,” I smiled. “I’ll catch up with you in a little bit.”

“Congratulations, handsome!” Tanda winked as I joined them. “That was as neat a bit of work as I’ve seen in a long time.”

“Thanks, Tanda,” I blushed.

“I see you and Ajax are on speaking terms again,” Aahz said, regarding me with cocked eyebrows. “That’s not a bad trick in itself. How did you do it?”

“We … um … we had a long talk,” I replied vaguely. “You said we had some planning to do?”

“More like a briefing.” Aahz admitted. “Tanda here brought along a few special effects items I think you should know about.”

I had completely forgotten about Tanda’s errand which had left me alone at the Bazaar. Now that I had been reminded, my curiosity soared.

“Whatcha got, Tanda?” I asked eagerly.

“Nothing spectacular,” she shrugged. “Knowing Aahz was involved, I figured we’d be on a tight budget so I stuck to the basics.”

“Just show him, huh?” Aahz growled. “Spare us the editorial comments.”