Gary Gygax - Dangerous Journeys 1 - Anubis Murders Read Online Free PDF Page B

herself just to his left hand, eyeing the pale strangers.
    "You are the one called Inhetep?" Aldriss inquired. It was almost a statement.
    "I am he," Setne answered. "You are a bard, aren't you? From the Isles of Avillon—specifically Lyonnesse."
    "How do you know that?" the man asked, startled.
    Inhetep cocked his right eyebrow. "Your fingers. Harping and playing stringed instruments causes callouses, does it not, Aldriss? Besides, your comrade Tallesian is unquestionably a druid— he wears that proclamation in the beaded chain beneath his robe. The one claiming himself the Behon must then be a sage, a worker of dweom-ers of some considerable heka from the blankness of his aura. It is therefore clear that you three represent the political power of your state— noble, ecclesiastic, and magickal."
    The Behon cleared his throat. His two companions looked inquiringly at him. "That is astute reasoning, Setne Inhetep. I had hoped for
    nothing less. We are, as you have discerned, men from Lyonnesse come to seek you out."
    "I see." Inhetep turned to the girl. "The servants have deserted us, I fear. Please be so kind as to bring the refreshments I ordered from Carlos, my dear Rachelle, for I believe we will be conversing here some time." She hesitated, so the priest-mage reassured her. "Don't be concerned about my safety. These three men may appear threatening, but they mean us absolutely no harm—at this time, anyway. I'll be quite safe in their company until you return." Rachelle's mouth was set in a moue of disapproval, but she stood and went into the building. "While we wait, gentlemen, may I suggest you doff those woolen robes? This climate is not suitable for such apparel, and there will be nobody here to observe us, I think."
    There was a little laughter from all three at the last remark. The men did as suggested, revealing white gowns worn beneath the heavy blue outer wraps. Both Aldriss and Tallesian were muscular of build but quite wiry. The Behon was merely thin. "We have searched for you for some time now," the druidical member of the trio said as he arranged his robe over the back of the seat. He straightened the amber beads and seven-rayed sun and rowan tree of gold which proclaimed him a druid of Mur Ollavan, the City of Sages and chief temple seat of the druids of Lyonnesse.
    "Yes, I thought it would be the rowan shown atop the sun," Inhetep said as he watched the druid's action. "Tell me, which is the tree held sacred by Albion, yew or oak?"
    "The yew, Magister Inhetep. The Caledonians bear the oak, while the folk of Cymru venerate the elm, and those of Hybernia the ash tree."
    "Thank you for the enlightenment. I shall not forget."
    Rachelle returned to the little courtyard laden with a big tray bearing cold tea and orange-flavored shaved ice in ceramic cups, guarded against the heat by a little lid on each. There was also a carafe of strong coffee and an assortment of small cakes and biscuits covered with nuts, candied fruits, and glazes. She placed the tray on a nearby table and began serving the four men, beginning with the gray-haired one who was identified as the Behon.
    "The coffee, please. Now I see that this is more than a pretty face and strong arm," he said, accepting the proffered cup but declining any other refreshment. "I would that I had such an associate," he said to Inhetep.
    The other two were more liberal in their selections. As Rachelle was seeing to them, Setne responded, "And why not? But surely, there must be someone in a city so populous as Camelough for training as apprentice. ..."
    It was the Behon's turn to show surprise, albeit he allowed only a mild bit to show. "So you are aware of who I am."
    "It would be a fool indeed who failed to recognize the direct successor of Myrlyn and chief sage and magus of Lyonnesse. Who other than the ovate could be in such company as the master bard of that kingdom and its archdruid? So then, I am most honored to serve as host to three great men."
    "I am