The Pixilated Peeress Read Online Free PDF

human skeleton grinned whitely from a corner. Shelves were jam-packed with books. Atop these volume s lay others on their sides; and on this makeshift shelving reposed skulls, limb bones, mineral specimens, the stuffed or dried remains of various creatures, and dusty bottles, jars, and jugs. More flotsam fr o m the past hung from the ceiling; as he entered, Thorolf hit his head on a small stuffed crocodile.
     
                  After introductions, Yvette turned on her formidable charm. "Thorolf has told me much of you," she said to Bardi with a winning smile."Do you live here all alone?"
     
                  "Aye, save for a woman who comes in betimes to clean and cook. Every moon or so she is seized by a passion to tidy up my house. After such a purification, I can never find the book or scroll I need. And now, my dears, if ye would not have me add the time spent in polite persiflage to my fee, let us to business."
     
    -
     
                  "Dear me!" wheezed the ancient iatromage after learning his visitors' problems. " 'Tis a bit out of my line; I do not command deltas nor yet give rubbish the semblance of gold. But whereas Thorolf asks, I will do what I can. Ye s ay ye wish the look of a short, dark, dumpy female, eh? Dear me. Shall this be merely an illusion or glamor? Or would ye that I truly change your nature?"
     
                  "What are the virtues and faults of each proceed ing?" Yvette asked.
     
                  "The illusion is easily cast and cheap; but it is ban ished as easily. A drop of wine or beer in the eyes were enough to reveal the true appearance of the ensorcelled one, as will a view of the subject in a mirror. The true change requires a more difficult and costly spell, and it w i ll not soon reverse itself without an additional oper ation. Moreover, those who undergo it complain that it causes pain during the actual change."
     
                  "I choose the true change," said Yvette. "How long can I count upon its endurance?"
     
                  "For six months to a year, unless ye cause me or another to cast the reversing spell sooner. For, I must add, the usual fee."
     
                  "Charge the cost to Master Thorolf," said Yvette air ily. "He knows I shall repay him when I recover my land." She smiled at Thorolf. "That's understood, is it not?"
     
                  Thorolf understood nothing of the kind; in fact he had been wondering how Bardi's services were to be paid for. He opened his mouth to protes t, but so regal was Yvette's demeanor that nothing came out but a fee ble, "Well — ah — "
     
                  "Good! That's settled," said the Countess. "When shall we begin, learned Doctor?"
     
                  "Forthwith; but the preparations will take — dear me — above an hour." Bardi stepped to a set of book shelves, moved a dried human head encumbering the books, and pulled out an ancient folio. He blew dust off it, causing Thorolf to sneeze; put it back, and fum bled for another.
     
                  "Can we be done by dinner time?" asked Thorolf.
     
                  "Assuredly." The mage pulled out another volume.
     
                  "One other matter, Doctor," said Thorolf when he had blown his nose. "Show him the coronet, Countess."
     
                  Thorolf explained the need for a safe hiding place for the object. Bardi agreed to give it, too, a magical dis gu ise and keep it in his custody until a more lasting arrangement could be made.
     
    -
     
                  An hour and a half later, they watched as the old iatromage puttered about a pentacle drawn in charcoal on the floor. Five black candles had been set in the corners of the pentagram, casting a shimmery, greenish light around the otherwise darkened room.
     
                  "There!" said the magus, wiping his