The Source of Magic Read Online Free PDF Page B

was the replay, not illusion.
    “So the distaff proves itself again,” the Queen said, smirking at Crombie the woman-hater. “The prize is—” She paused. “Doorman, fetch the second prize. You should have had it ready.”
    Crombie’s scowl became truly ominous, but he walked to a cabinet half concealed by seaweed and brought out a covered container.
    “The prize is,” the Queen repeated, then whipped off the cover. “A potted snapdragon!”
    There was a murmur of well-meaning awe and envy from the ladies present as the plant’s several flower-heads flexed about on their stems, snapping viciously. Snapdragons were very good for eliminating insect and animal pests, and served as useful guards for houses. Woe to the intruder who stepped in or near such a plant! But they did not take readily to potting, so that a special and rather difficult spell was necessary to confine them. Thus wild snapdragons were common enough, but potted ones rare and much prized.
    Bianca showed her pleasure as she accepted the plant, turning her face away with a smile as a little dragon-head snapped at her nose. Part of the potting process included a spell to render the plant harmless to its owner, but it took a while for it to get to know that owner. “It’s beautiful,” she said. “Thank you, Queen Iris.” Then, diplomatically: “You’re beautiful too—but not the same way.”
    The Queen snapped her teeth in mock imitation of the snapdragon, then smiled graciously. She craved the recognition and praise of such established and reputable citizens as Bianca, for Iris had lived in semi-exile for years before assuming thecrown. “
Now
the top winner, servitor,” she said to Crombie. “This time give it some flair, if you have any.”
    “The winner, with thirteen correct identities,” Crombie drawled without flair, “is Millie the ghost.” And he shrugged as if to express bemusement at yet another female success. He had made the count, so he knew the contest wasn’t rigged. However, it was generally understood that the men had not been trying very hard.
    The pretty, young-seeming ghost floated up. She was in her fashion both the youngest and the oldest of Castle Roogna’s inhabitants. She had been in her teens when she died over eight hundred years before. When Bink first saw her she had been a formless blob of vapor, but since the occupancy of the castle by mortals she had shaped up until her outline was as firm and sightly as that of any living woman. She was a very sweet ghost, well liked by all, and there was applause at her victory.
    “And the grand prize is—” The Queen spread her hands dramatically. “This certificate for one free Answer by the Good Magician Humfrey!” There was background fanfare, punctuated by magically augmented applause, as she handed the paper to the ghost.
    Millie hesitated. Having no physical substance, she could not carry the certificate.
    “That’s all right,” the Queen said. “I’ll just write your name on it, and Magician Humfrey will know it’s yours. In fact, he’s probably watching us in his magic mirror at this moment. Why don’t you ask your question now?”
    Millie’s reply was inaudible, for she could hardly speak above a ghostly whisper.
    “Don’t be concerned; I’m sure everyone will be glad to help,” the Queen said. “Here—we’ll write it down on the magic slate, and Magician Humfrey can respond in the same way.” She gestured at Crombie. “Flunky, the slate!”
    Crombie paused, but his curiosity made him go along with it. He fetched the slate. The Queen conscripted the nearest centaur, who happened to be Chester (who had been trying without success to sneak a cookie from the refreshment stand without having it pickled), to transcribe the ghost’s inaudiblewords. Centaurs were literate; many of them were teachers, so writing chores fell naturally to them.
    Chester did not like the Queen’s attitude much better than Crombie did, but he also played along.