"02 Myth Conceptions (e)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asprin Robert)

"Okay," Aahz nodded. "Go on."

The man took a deep breath, then hesitated,
frowning.

"King of Possiltum," I prompted.

"Oh yes! Thanks." The man shot a quick smile,
then another quick stare, then continued, "King of
Possiltum, who sends his respects and greetings to
the one known as Skeeve the magician ..."

He paused and looked at Aahz expectantly. He
was rewarded with a polite nod of the head. Satis-
fied, the man continued.

"His Majesty extends an invitation to Skeeve the
magician to appear before the court of Possiltum
that he might be reviewed for his suitability for the
position of court magician."

"I don't really feel qualified to pass judgment on
the king's suitability as a court magician," Aahz said
modestly, eyeing the man carefully. "Isn't he content
just to be king?"

"No, no!" the man corrected hastily. "The king
wants to review your suitability."

"Oh!" Aahz said with the appearance of sudden
understanding. "That's a different matter entirely.
Well, well. An invitation from . . . who was it
again?"

"Rodrick the Fifth," the man announced, lifting
his head haughtily.

"Well," Aahz said, grinning broadly. "I've never
been one to refuse a fifth!"




14 Robert Asprin

The man blinked and frowned, then glanced at me
quizzically. I shrugged, not understanding the joke

myself.