Harpy Thyme Read Online Free PDF Page B

don't think so,” Hugo said uncertainly. “Father had several children before me, I think. So I must be the third or fourth, but I'm not sure.”
    “Do you know where I can find a good husband?” Gloha asked. “Preferably a flying goblin about my age.”
    Hugo shook his head. “I don't think there are any other flying goblins. The goblins and harpies were at war for a thousand years or so before your parents got together, so I don't think any of them, you-know.” He had to stop, because he was starting to blush.
    “He's so sweet,” Wira murmured. “Sometimes I wonder whether he ever really joined the Adult Conspiracy.” She winked, to indicate that she wasn't quite serious. Then, again to him: “Do you have any idea who would know about all Humfrey's sons?”
    “Maybe Lacuna. She recorded his whole history.”
    “Yes, that's a good idea,” Wira agreed, and Hugo smiled with pleasure at the compliment. Gloha had to agree: love was wonderful. If only she could find it for herself.
    Meanwhile they went downstairs to see if the Gorgon knew. “I should think that would be the business of his prior wives,” she remarked. “They will all show up here, in due course.” She considered briefly, and a wisp of smoke rose from the spot on the cheese where her masked gaze rested too long. “I believe Dara had a son, however.”
    “Who?” Hugo asked.
    “Dara Demoness. His first wife.”
    “Oh, you mean Dana Demoness,” Wira said.
    “No, I mean Dara. Do you think I don't know her name, after meeting her in Hell?”
    “But Humfrey calls her Dana.”
    “Humfrey never did pay much attention to details. She never bothered to correct him, for fear he'd be grumpy. Names aren't as important to demons as they are to us.”
    “I don't think I can wait five months to check with all the other wives,” Gloha said. “I'm getting constantly older, and my young little youth is fleeting.”
    The Gorgon laughed. “Believe me, dear, your youth will last long enough if you keep your fine little figure.”
    “Do you really think so?” Gloha asked, beginning to hope.
    “Assuredly. You can keep your youth for several years merely by hiding your blasé little birthdays from men. All smart women know this.”
    “And hide your intelligence, too,” Wira added.
    “I never knew about such things,” Gloha said, impressed.
    “Which is part of your charm, dear.”
    “Maybe you should go home,” Wira suggested, “and I'll ask the wives as they appear. Then I'll send you a message when we learn who his second son was.”
    “Thank you,” Gloha said gratefully. She realized that this was her best and only chance to pursue her quest.
    The Gorgon served them a snack of funny punwheel cookies and candy-striped milk, to fortify Gloha for her flight home. The Gorgon seemed slightly uncomfortable; her ringlet snakes were panting. The castle was warm, and it looked hot under the thick veil.
    “If I may ask-” Gloha inquired with a halting little hesitation.
    “By all means, dear,” the Gorgon said, wiping her brow. “We aren't as fussy about questions as the Good Magician is.”
    “Why don't you get some vanishing cream from the Good Magician to make your face invisible-”
    “I did that once, but it was awkward going about faceless, so I still had to wear a veil.”
    “And then mask it with the illusion of your face?” Gloha finished. “So that you would look just like you, snakelets and all, but wouldn't stone anyone.”
    The Gorgon paused, her veil flexing into an attitude of astonishment. “Why, I believe that would do it, when I'm Xanthside,” she said. “Then I could have the spells nullified when I returned to my job as a horror actress in the dream realm. Thank you, dear; I shall see Humfrey about it immediately.” She got up and headed for the stairway.
    “He's grumpy today,” Wira called warningly.
    “He wouldn't dare grump at me,” the Gorgon replied. “Not until after he provides those spells.”
    Wira