"Asprin, Robert - Myth 07 - M.Y.T.H. Inc Link" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asprin Robert)

video parlors. I probably would have been hard-pressed
to even find it if I hadn't gotten directions along with
the name. The coordinates dropped me at the edge of a
town, and since they were the same ones little sister had
used, I could only assume I wasn't far behind her.

At first viewing, Arcadiaseemed pleasant enough; one
might almost be tempted to call it quaint—the kind of
quiet, sleepy place where one could relax and feel at
home. For some reason, I found myself fervently hoping
it would be the same when we left.

My casual inspection of the surroundings was cut short
by a hail from nearby.

"Welcome to Arcadia, Stranger. Can I offer you a
cool glass of juice?"

The source pf this greeting was a rather gnomish old
man who was perched on the seat of a tricycle vending
cart. He seemed to take my appearance, both my physical
makeup and my presence at this time and place, so casu-
ally I almost replied before remembering that I had a
front to maintain. It's a bit of a bother, but I've found
no one will hire a well-mannered troll.

"Good! Good! Crunch thirsty!"

With my best guttural growl, I grabbed two of the
offered glasses and popped them in my mouth, rolling
my eyes as I chewed happily. It's a good bit ... one
that seldom fails to take folks aback. The gnome, how-
ever, never batted an eye.

"Don't think I've seen you before. Stranger. What
brings you to Arcadia?"

I decided to abandon any further efforts at intimidating
him and instead got right to the point.

"Crunch looking for friend. Seen little woman . . .
so high . . . with green hair?"




44

Robert Asprin