Free Stork Naked by Piers Anthony Page A

fire woman.
    “But we expect to be going into unspecified danger,” Che said. “The Good Magician indicated that aspects could be extremely ugly. Why would you want to face that?”
    “Because I am tired of being cooped up here alone except for monsters,” Pyra flared. They had to step back from her heat. “I want to get out and see Xanth, live life, find a good man to be with, and become a family woman. I don't know in what reality there may be someone for me, but I may find out if I visit several.”
    “Oh, I understand,” Surprise said. “You're a woman.”
    “I'm a woman,” Pyra agreed. “I need to act while I remain young enough.”
    “Can you not use the Mask to orient on suitable prospects?” Che asked.
    “I can and have, often. But they are far away, and don't know I exist, and have girlfriends of their own. Most are in other realities, which I can see with the Mask but can't go to in person. You folk, I gather, have the means to cross realities.”
    “We do,” Che said.
    “That makes a difference, obviously. In any event, how can I know a man is right just by looking at him? His personality counts a lot. And even an ideal one may be turned off by my talent. What man desires a woman as hot as I am when aroused?” Now her whole body glowed with fire.
    “Personal interaction counts considerably,” Che agreed. “I believe you have made your case. Surprise?”
    He was asking her agreement to bring Pyra along. The fiery one's plea was reasonable, and they did need her, but Surprise had trouble responding. This was a talented, shapely, mature woman. The last thing Surprise wanted was such a creature constantly near Che. She had turned Azalea down; Pyra was worse.
    That brought her up short. Was she jealous of Pyra's possible influence on Che? As if they were rivals for his attention? He was married elsewhere and not interested in any such dalliances. She was letting the love elixir influence her unrealistically.
    They were waiting for her answer. What else could she do? “Yes, she should come with us,” she agreed.
    “You agree,” Pyra said, amazed.
    Surprise did not care to elaborate on the reason for her hesitation. “It does make sense.”
    “But you are in love with Che, because of the elixir.”
    “In the centaur manner,” Che said. “Which differs from the human manner. In addition, you are not seeking a centaur.”
    “I am seeking a suitable male. If that turned out to be a centaur, I would take him and find an accommodation spell.”
    “But not one who is married elsewhere.”
    “No, of course not,” Pyra agreed. But it seemed to Surprise that there was an element of doubt. This could become complicated.
    “What about your garden?” Che asked.
    “The monsters will care for it. They like pretty things. They are ugly only to others; inside they can be beautiful. Those who have come and married some of them have fared better than others expected. The grounds and garden will be all right until my return.”
    “Return?” Surprise asked. “I thought you wanted to get away from here.”
    “Not exactly. I want to have a full life. I can do that here, with the right man. I simply need to go out and find him.”
    Che nodded. “Then you can ride one of us across the marsh so as not to touch the elixir. Thereafter we will repair to the Stork Works, where they have the ability to transfer across realities. We can use the Mask there to locate the one we require, then enter it personally. But I must warn you again that there may be danger. There are elements of this situation we do not understand.”
    “In short, you expect to have an adventure,” Pyra said. “I think I will enjoy that.”
    “Perhaps.” But he was grave. What did he know that he wasn't saying?
    Before long they were on their way back across the lake. Surprise carried Pyra, who kept her feet well up clear of the water. They waded carefully so as not to splash.
    “I confess I am impressed by the way you handle the