Free The Coldstone Conflict by David Lee Stone Page B

in an alternate dimension,” the boy explained.
    Burnie flashed him a disbelieving smile.
    “Yeah, yeah,” he muttered. “Well, Mr. Wustapha, please stop following us—or you’re going to end up having a very bad day.”
    The little troglodyte turned and began to walk away.
    “You don’t believe me, do you?” Diek yelled after him. “I’m sick of nobody believing me when I’m telling the truth! I am Diek Wustapha, damn it, and I really have been trapped in an alternate dimension!”
    “Of course you have!”
    “It’s TRUE! I was released earlier today, when someone opened a portal at Dullitch Palace. I escaped on a magic broom, and ended in loads of trouble I didn’t go looking for … again! If you don’t believe me, ask Groan Teethgrit: he’s inside this box!”
    Burnie stopped dead in his tracks, and slowly turned around.
    “ What did you say?”
    When the Royal Consort dropped anchor at Spittle Harbor, a carriage was already waiting for Lady Vanya. She nodded to the footman and climbed inside hurriedly, followed by Effigy, Jimmy and Obegarde. Horses were urged into a trot, and the carriage began to move.
    “My father never wastes time,” she said. “I don’t doubt that he has probably sent for the other lords already.”
    “A relief, to be sure,” said Effigy, sagging slightly in his seat. The coach had picked up speed and was now practically rocketing through the crowded streets of Spittle.
    “Do you think he will let us in on the meeting?” Jimmy asked, expecting the answer “no.”
    “Oh, absolutely,” said Vanya. “I have told him to expect you as special guests. Besides, my father will value your intricate knowledge of the capital. He’s a very wise man.”
    “Er … not to be rude,” said Jimmy, “but how do you know I’ve got an intricate knowledge of the capital?”
    Vanya shrugged. “You’re a thief, aren’t you?”
    “Actually, he’s a gravedigger,” said Obegarde, with a crafty smile. “But let’s just say that, from time to time, he inexplicably finds himself in other people’s houses.”
    Jimmy glared at him.
    “Well, I’m sure you will all be valued as advisors, nevertheless.”
    “I hope so,” said Effigy, his voice on the verge of exhaustion. “I don’t think I’ve got the energy to escape from another city.”
    The group arrived at Spittle Tower, where Vanya departed to one of the many outbuildings while the rest of them were quickly ushered inside (though not before Obegarde had voiced his astonishment at the sight of the structure). The tower’s inner door creaked open and the trio was met by two royal pages and an old man who turned out to be the tower’s ageing caretaker: he immediately noted their expressions of disbelief.
    “I take it none of you have ever visited the greatest wonder on Illmoor?” he said, yawning afterward.
    “Er … never,” Effigy confirmed. “And, to be honest, I can’t believe anyone can li—”
    “I’ve been here before,” said Jimmy suddenly, causing everyone to turn and stare at him.
    Effigy raised an eyebrow. “You have?”
    “Yeah. I … did a few jobs here, in my youth. Actually, I—”
    “Yes, well, probably the less said about that, the better,” Obegarde interrupted, turning back to the old man. “You were about to say something?”
    “I was,” said the caretaker, with a sigh. “You need to be particularly careful when walking these halls. As you can see, they slant somewhat, and it is very easy to damage your lower back if you don’t hold on to the ring-pulls that line the walls—like this one.” He took hold of an iron circle and tugged on it. “Do you understand the concept?”
    Jimmy, Obegarde and Effigy all shared a glance.
    “I think so,” said the vampire.
    “Good. You may proceed.”
    The pages bowed before the old man, as if they were going through some sort of ritual, and began to climb up the corridor. Effigy and Jimmy followed close behind, with a sniggering Obegarde bringing up