Gilla’s chill drove deeper. This woman reeked of evil like some deadly perfume.
Gilla found herself retreating within the fortress of her flesh; she had never
understood until now how her bulk had protected her. Physically her sheer mass
had made her formidable. And it had shielded her psychically from all but the
most powerful personalities. But Roxane was pure power, and Gilla was afraid.
“Great Lady, I am indeed grateful,” she said between set teeth. “But surely you
have no use for me here-“
“No? We shall see. There is no need to act hastily!” Roxane gave a throaty
laugh, as if she were savoring some private amusement. “I will keep you for a
while as a companion for my servant here. But in that case I suppose you must be
fed,” she looked at Gilla with another laugh. “Though surely it would do you no
harm to starve for a while. Snapper-leave one of the serpents on guard and get
food for her.”
“And food for Snapper, too, Mistress? Nice food-red, still twitching?” The fiend
clutched at the air and smacked his narrow lips, his eyes glazing.
Gilla watched him and shuddered, reminding herself not to trust his apparent
affability.
“Snapper, be still!” Roxane flickered her fingers casually and the fiend froze,
watching her with rolling eyes.
“Great One, please let me go home,” Gilla whispered, bowing her head to keep
Roxane from seeing her eyes.
“Oh, you don’t want to go home,” Roxane smiled prettily. “Your home is going to
become very damp and uncomfortable very soon. Believe me, Ilsig sow, you will be