Free Pan's Realm by Christopher Pike Page B

calculator carefully, it will take ages before the batteries go dead.”
    Klandor considered. “What else have you brought?”
    Watch held aloft the lighter, flicked it a couple of times so the flame appeared and disappeared. “This lighter is brand-new,” he said. “Its fuel reserve is at maximum. But even when it does run out, even in this dimension, you should be able to replenish it with another source of fuel.”
    Klandor acted unimpressed. “I’m a powerful wizard. I can start a fire by snapping my fingers. What do I need a lighter for?”
    â€œExcuse me for putting it this way,” Watch said. “But you’re an old powerful wizard, and you ain’t getting younger. I bet starting a fire isn’t as easy as it used to be. But with this lighter in your pocket, you won’t even have to remember the spell for fire.”
    â€œAre you questioning my memory, young human?” Klandor snapped.
    â€œNot at all,” Watch said. “But as the years roll by, all of us have a little more trouble remembering the most obvious facts. All I’m saying is that the lighter and the calculator make living life that much easier and pleasanter.” He paused. “These are the two items we have brought to wager. Two items, I believe, that are difficult, if not impossible, to obtain in this dimension.”
    Klandor considered. “What do you want me to wager in return?”
    Watch didn’t hesitate. “Your wizard’s hat for the lighter.”
    â€œIs that all?” Klandor asked.
    Watch shrugged. “It’s a nice hat. I want it.”
    â€œYou want it because it’s a magical hat,” Klandor said sternly. “It is worth far more than your silly lighter.”
    â€œThat’s my offer. Take it or leave it.”
    â€œI’ll make you a counteroffer,” the wizard said. “Both the lighter and the calculator for my hat.”
    Watch shook his head. “No dice.”
    Klandor smiled thinly. “We won’t use dice. We toss a coin. Heads or tails. It is very simple. You either win or you lose.” He paused. “You must wager both.”
    â€œNo,” Watch said.
    â€œWhat are you saving the calculator for?”
    â€œA second wager.”
    â€œWhat do you want for it?” Klandor asked.
    â€œThat is none of your business. Not unless you win both items from me.”
    The wizard scowled. “You are a stubborn human.”
    â€œWe are a stubborn race,” Cindy chipped in.
    Klandor waved his hand. “All right, I will put up my hat for the lighter. I will even let you toss the coin and let you call it while it is still in the air. Does that sound fair?”
    â€œYes,” Watch replied, bringing out the crystal necklace. “The only condition I have is that you wear this necklace while we play.”
    Every dwarf and elf in the room leaned in closer.
    Pan smiled slightly although he remained silent.
    Klandor was suspicious. “Why should I wear it?”
    â€œWhy not?” Cindy asked. “You say it has no effect on the wearer.”
    â€œI must insist that you wear it if you want to win this fine lighter and this superb calculator,” Watch said. “Our good friend Pan had to wear it before, and now it’s your turn.”
    â€œI did not force Pan to wear the necklace,” Klandor said. “He chose to wear it.”
    â€œIs there some reason you are afraid to wear it?” Cindy taunted gently.
    The wizard snorted. “I am afraid of nothing.” He stood up from his throne. “Give me the necklace. Loyal slaves, get my pillow and gold coin.” He rubbed his hands together as if he were eager for the contest to begin. “Step forward and lay out your goods, Watch. This will be the last time you see them.”
    A few minutes later Watch was sitting opposite Klandor, with the whole assembly looking on. Many held their breath—the tension was