Free Harpy Thyme by Piers Anthony Page A

effect after this is done. Then we ancients of Xanth can fade out in style."
    “Oh!” Gloha said, feeling maidenly faint.
    “However,” Iris said sharply, in that tone which suggested that there was a formidable caveat coming to the surface, “the rest of us should not be expected to twiddle our tired thumbs while you two enjoy yourselves gallivanting around the country, slaying dragons and such: What are we going to do-play tag with monsters?”
    Trent considered for a good three quarters of a moment. “Maybe you could rest in the Brain Coral's pool.”
    Chameleon laughed, but Jewel was serious. “Why not?” Jewel asked with nymphly innocence.
    Iris answered her. “The Brain Coral likes to collect things in its pool, but it doesn't like to let them go. So unless we want to give up our freedom immediately, it is best to remain well clear of it.”
    “That's not so,” Jewel protested. “I have been there many times on my errands, placing gemstones for mortals to find. Sometimes when I've been tired, the Brain Coral has let me rest in its pool, and then released me much refreshed. It honors any deal it makes.”
    Trent reconsidered. “Perhaps my humor was ill advised maybe we misjudged the Brain Coral anyone does; he could say.”
    “Did someone speak my name?” the Good Magician asked, appearing in the doorway. Beside him stood Crombie, looking about ten years younger and forty years happier. “My son and I could not help overhearing.”
    “Your son?” Jewel asked, surprised.
    “It's a long story,” Crombie said. “What's this about the Brain Coral?”
    “Jewel says that the Brain Coral will honor a deal,” Bink said. “When I was young I regarded it as an enemy, but that was some time ago.”
    “The Brain Coral does what it feels proper,” Humfrey said. “When you sought to free the Demon X (A/N)th and thereby bring on the Time of No Magic, it fought you, knowing better than you did. But when you are not bent on mortal folly, it is not your enemy.”
    “So if we made a deal to rest in its pool until Trent returns for our fade-out party, it would let us go at the right time.”
    “Assuredly,” Humfrey agreed. “But it would ask a price for such a service.”
    Bink turned to the others. “Then maybe we do have something to do while we wait. I understand that a sleep in the Brain Coral's pool is like an instant; you go in and come out immediately, yet centuries may have passed.”
    “That will do,” Iris agreed.
    “But you can take time out from that sleep,” Jewel said. “You can be conscious if you want to, and talk with other folk there. There are some really interesting creatures in storage, with fascinating histories.”
    “Then let's go and inquire,” Trent said. “See if we can make a deal.”
    “You go,” Jewel said. “I want to learn this long story about who is whose son.”
    “Gloha and I will go,” Trent said. “It's our mission.”
    The others exchanged a shrug, not objecting. It did seem that the rapprochement between Magician Humfrey and Crombie had excited their greater interest.
    “Now just where is the Brain Coral's pool?” Trent asked.
    Crombie pointed a direction. It seemed to be downstream, so they went to Swiftmud, who was muddily snoozing on the dark underworld river.
    “Sip the water there,” Humfrey said. “That will enable you to communicate with it.”
    They set off through the caves. Now Gloha was able to admire the glowing colors of the walls and ceiling, and the convolutions of stone under the clear surface of the water. This was really a rather pretty place, in its somber way.
    They came to a cavern that seemed to be half filled with water. But when Gloha peered down through the water she saw that it was much deeper than she had thought, so that she could not see the bottom. The sides were shallower, and there on slopes and ledges were all manner of things and creatures. All were still; none were swimming or showing signs of life. It was an eerie