Myth-Nomers & Im-Pervections by Robert Asprin

“Sorry, Massha,” I said finally with real regret, “I can’t let you do it.”

“But . . .”

“. . . Because you’re going to be my stand-in when the rest of the team takes on Queen Hemlock.” That stopped her, as I thought it would, and she bit her lip and stared into the distance as I continued. “It’s bad enough that the rest of the crew is going to fight my battle for me, but to have both of us sit it out is unthinkable. They’re going to need all the help they can get. Besides, part of the reason for having an apprentice is so that I can be two places at once . . . isn’t it?” I figured that would end the discussion, but I underestimated Massha’s determination.

“Okay, then you lead the fight against Hemlock and I’ll fetch the Scaly Wonder.”

I shook my head.

“C’mon, Massha. You know better than that. It was my thoughtlessness that made him leave in the first place. If anyone should, if anyone can make him come back it’s got to be me.”

She muttered something under her breath that it’s probably just as well I didn’t hear, but I was pretty sure it wasn’t wholehearted agreement. With one problem already at hand from my lack of attentiveness to my associates’ moods, I thought it ill-advised to ignore the fact my apprentice was upset.

“Look, can we take a few minutes and discuss what it is that’s really bothering you?” I said. “I’d just as soon we didn’t part company on an off note.”

Massha pursed her lips for a few moments, then heaved a great sigh.

“I just don’t like the idea of your taking on this chore alone, Skeeve. I know you know more magik than I do, but this is one of the meanest of the known dimensions. I’d feel better if you had a backup is all . . . Even if it’s just a mechanic like me. These little toys of mine have helped us out more than once in the past.”