The Eyes of the Overworld Read Online Free PDF Page A

gloom obscured the land. Cugel returned to Smolod. Oil lamps flickered before the hut of Radkuth Vomin, where the obese and misshapen village women wailed and groaned.
    Cugel stepped cautiously forward, wondering what might be expected of him. As for his disguise: it would either prove effective or it would not. To what extent the violet cusps befuddled perception was a matter of doubt; he could only hazard a trial.
    Cugel marched boldly up to the door of the hut. Pitching his voice as low as possible, he called, “I am here, revered princes of Smolod: Squire Bubach Angh of Grodz, who for thirty-one years has heaped the choicest of delicacies into the Smolod larders. Now I appear, beseeching elevation to the estate of nobility.”
    â€œAs is your right,” said the Chief Elder. “But you seem a man different to that Bubach Angh who so long has served the princes of Smolod.”
    â€œI have been transfigured — through grief at the passing of Prince Radkuth Vomin and through rapture at the prospect of elevation.”
    â€œThis is clear and understandable. Come then — prepare yourself for the rites.”
    â€œI am ready as of this instant,” said Cugel. “Indeed, if you will but tender me the magic cusps I will take them quietly aside and rejoice.”
    The Chief Elder shook his head indulgently. “This is not in accord with the rites. To begin with you must stand naked here on the pavilion of this mighty castle, and the fairest of the fair will anoint you in aromatics. Then comes the invocation to Eddith Bran Maur. And then —”
    â€œRevered,” stated Cugel, “allow me one boon. Before the ceremonies begin, fit me with the magic cusps so that I may understand the full portent of the ceremony.”
    The Chief Elder considered. “The request is unorthodox, but reasonable. Bring forth the cusps!”
    There was a wait, during which Cugel stood first on one foot then the other. The minutes dragged; the garments and the false beard itched intolerably. And now at the outskirts of the village he saw the approach of several new figures, coming from the direction of Grodz. One was almost certainly Bubach Angh, while another seemed to have been shorn of his beard.
    The Chief Elder appeared, holding in each hand a violet cusp. “Step forward!”
    Cugel called loudly, “I am here, sir.”
    â€œI now apply the potion which sanctifies the junction of magic cusp to right eye.”
    At the back of the crowd Bubach Angh raised his voice. “Hold! What transpires?”
    Cugel turned, pointed. “What jackal is this that interrupts solemnities? Remove him: hence!”
    â€œIndeed!” called the Chief Elder peremptorily. “You demean yourself and the dignity of the ceremony.”
    Bubach Angh crouched back, momentarily cowed.
    â€œIn view of the interruption,” said Cugel, “I had as lief merely take custody of the magic cusps until these louts can properly be chastened.”
    â€œNo,” said the Chief Elder. “Such a procedure is impossible.” He shook drops of rancid fat in Cugel’s right eye. But now the peasant of the shorn beard set up an outcry: “My hat! My blouse! My beard! Is there no justice?”
    â€œSilence!” hissed the crowd. “This is a solemn occasion!”
    â€œBut I am Bu —”
    Cugel called, “Insert the magic cusp, lord; let us ignore these louts.”
    â€œA lout, you call me?” roared Bubach Angh. “I recognize you now, you rogue. Hold up proceedings!”
    The Chief Elder said inexorably, “I now invest you with the right cusp. You must temporarily hold this eye closed to prevent a discord which would strain the brain, and cause stupor. Now the left eye.” He stepped forward with the ointment, but Bubach Angh and the beardless peasant no longer would be denied. “Hold up proceedings! You ennoble an impostor! I am Bubach Angh, the