Gary Gygax - Dangerous Journeys 3 - Death in Delhi Read Free

a royal summons which he deemed impossible to refuse.' Obviously I regret the inconvenience to Tarina Bilkhnu and Lady Atamati, Repa Min-hoten and Repat Hatamet, General Smer Khnemos and his . . . ah . . . friend. You will, naturally, convey that regret, Djemer-t." With that little bit of instruction, Inhetep returned to readying his traveling gear.
    The usually implacable butler was unable to hide his stricken expression. He actually groaned. The first named of the guests that he, Djemer-t, a mere major domo, must break the bad news to was Tarina, Minister of Noble Affairs, a prince and blood relation, no matter how distant, to Pharaoh. It was no better in regards to the Duke Minhoten and Duchess Hatamet. The militaiy officer was a count with a hero's record and vast estates. What was he to do? "Begging your pardon, my lord, but wouldn't it be possible for you to delay your departure just a little . . . ?"
    Upon seeing the state Djemer-t was in, the magister took pity. "No, it isn't. However, in conveying my apologies and deepest regrets, do extend the hospitality of my home to them. You have my permission to bring forth whatever you deem suitable under the circumstances, from larder, buttery, and wine cellar. I believe that chilled Francian champagne, the Haut Kristal, would be refreshing to dry palates upon arrival. Then some cold roast fowl, fruit, more champagne—you know the routine."
    "You mean, my lord, that I may actually . . . ?"
    "That's correct, Djemer-t. Don't spare the vintage wines, the best ales, or the most ancient of the liquors. There's sufficient quantities of them to keep even those six happy here for a fortnight or more! Send someone to buy any provisions if you run short. Here's five atens," he added, dropping the heavy gold coins into the butler's hand as he paused in his packing to dig them from his purse, "in case the household treasury is strained, or you need something where I haven't established an account on credit. The staff will be under unusual demands during the coming days, I'm sure, so do feel free to give them some special treats, also. When I get back, I'll consider other things—depending on my guests' satisfaction and the state of the manor."
    That more cash would be required for so few visitors to the villa was most unlikely. Hardly an establishment within a dozen miles and more didn't happily sell to Inhetep on credit. He never quibbled about price and paid promptly. Most unusual in an aristocrat. Besides, the household budget was ample, and there were several thousand dinars in coin on hand. Such liberality with regard to the wine cellars was most unusual, indeed! Whatever the magister was up to, thought Djemer-t, it was of utmost importance to Inhetep to get to it, and in a hurry. With wealth such as he possessed, it could hardly be a case of avarice. Still, the necklace he had noted was itself worth enough to buy an estate. What could be the incentive? It had to be uncountable wealth! Never had he seen the wizard-priest so liberal with his coin.
    Ah, yes. With so much he would be able to add a few dinars to his retirement cache, too. . . . Putting such thoughts aside, Djemer-t replied, "It will all be as you wish, my lord. Have a splendid journey. It goes without saying, sir, that all will be in order here upon your return."
    When the butler departed, Setne turned to Rachelle. "Amazing. Did you see how quickly he went from near hysteria to perfect composure? The fellow is in absolute control once again!"
    Rachelle was long finished with her packing, but the magister always fussed over not only his magickal equipage but clothing as well, so he took twice as long to ready half as much as she carried on any journey. This time t hey were traveling light, but he was exceeding even his usually lengthy preparation. Resisting an urge to comment on his painstaking progress, Rachelle said, "It was a good idea to extend the full hospitality of your villa as you did, Setne. Those folks will