Stalking the Dragon Read Free Page B

more,” he said.
    Another even larger monster surfaced and stared at them.
    â€œI want that one,” said Felina, pointing toward it.
    â€œDarn!” said Mallory. “I left my fishing rod at home.”
    â€œJust reach in and pull him out,” said Felina.
    â€œNow why didn't I think of that?” replied Mallory sardonically.
    The creature roared again, staring straight at Mallory.
    â€œWell?” said Felina impatiently.
    â€œMaybe later.”
    â€œI'll starve to death!”
    â€œThat's too bad,” said Mallory. “I guess I'd better cancel that carton of catnip I ordered.”
    â€œWell, maybe not quite to death,” she amended.
    â€œI can't tell you how relieved I am,” said Mallory, staring at the drawbridge that crossed the moat.
    â€œAre you going to stand here all night, John Justin?” asked the cat-girl.
    â€œJust casing the joint. Do you see anyone or anything on the other side?”
    She peered into the dark and shook her head.
    â€œSomething's wrong,” said Mallory. “This place is always protected.”
    â€œOh, I didn't say there wasn't anyone there,” said Felina.
    â€œYes you did.”
    â€œI said I couldn't see them, and I can't.” She sniffed the air. “But I can smell them.”
    â€œHow many and what kind?”
    She sniffed again. “A thing, and another thing, and then another thing, and…”
    â€œThanks a heap,” said Mallory. He walked to the foot of the bridge. “Let me know if any of those things are sneaking up on me.”
    â€œYes, John Justin.”
    â€œYes, you'll let me know, or yes, they're sneaking up?”
    â€œYes, I'll let you know,” said Felina.
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œAnd yes, they're sneaking up.”
    Suddenly a leprechaun carrying a small spear raced across the drawbridge with a savage war cry.
    Mallory stood watching him for a moment, then turned to Felina. “If he gets within five feet of me, he's yours.”
    â€œHey, Mac, I'd watch that if I were you,” said the leprechaun, skidding to a stop ten feet away. “Slavery went out with the Seventh Amendment.” He frowned. “Or was it the Fourteenth Commandment?”
    â€œIt's okay,” said Mallory to the little leprechaun. “She's not going to own you. She's going to kill you.”
    â€œShe is?” said the leprechaun, his eyes widening. “But that's ridiculous! What did I ever do to her?”
    â€œShe's my bodyguard.”
    â€œBut she's a female!”
    â€œYou noticed.”
    â€œThat's what we get for ever letting them read and write. Have her kill, clean, and cook one of the moat monsters while you and I relax and discuss the errors of giving them the vote. Louie, this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
    â€œI'm not your friend,” noted Mallory. “In case it's slipped your mind, you were just threatening me with your spear.”
    â€œThat was business ,” said the leprechaun with a shrug. “I'll tell you what: Let's go over to the Emerald Isle Pub and cement our camaraderie with a couple of pints. Your treat.”
    â€œSome other time,” said Mallory. “Right now I have to see the Grundy.”
    â€œSay not so, my dear friend. If you try, I'll just have to run you through.”
    â€œFelina, take his spear away and throw it in the moat,” said Mallory.
    The cat-girl grabbed the spear out of the leprechaun's hands.
    â€œYou're destroying a beautiful friendship!” whined the leprechaun.
    Felina hurled the spear at a moat monster, which opened its mouth and swallowed it whole.
    â€œNow look what you've done!” whined the leprechaun. “I just know that's going to come out of my pay!” He glowered at Mallory. “You're going to be sorry for this, fella. My companions are waiting for you on the other side of the bridge, and they're going to tear you to