Podstrony
|
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
Castle War and had oval windows. A lava pond fronted it, spritzing liquid rock
like a fountain.
They entered what looked like the lobby of a hotel. An assortment of strange
creatures variously clawed and scaled, fanged and furred were sitting
around on stuffed chairs reading newspapers.
Well, it s not restricted, Thaxton said.
Where s the bar?
I m famished. Let s drink at a table.
Fine. Let s see, that looks like the eatery.
A somewhat demonic-looking creature, presumably the maître d hôtel, met them
as they entered the dining room.
Two for lunch? it said in a cultured, deep-throated voice. Its barbed tail
twitched back and forth.
Yes, please, Dalton said.
This way, gentlemen.
By the window, if you can, Dalton added.
By all means, sir.
Their table offered a prospect of a large crater filled with bubbling pitch.
Fire danced in the distance.
Charming, Thaxton said, sitting down. There were no other patrons in the
room.
Would you like to see the wine list, gentlemen?
Hmm. I was going to have a martini, but wine might go better, Dalton said.
I ll have a gin and bitters, easy on the bitters, Thaxton said.
Your waiter will be with you in a moment, sir.
This Château Avernus sounds good, Dalton said. Could you recommend a good
year?
All vintages are good, sir. The climate where it s produced doesn t vary.
file:///K|/eMule/Incoming/John%20DeChancie%20-%20Castle%2004%20-%20Castle%20Wa
r.html (80 of 255)23-12-2006 0:24:59
Castle War
Sounds like a hell of a good vino to me. We ll have a bottle.
I ll tell the wine steward.
I could eat a horse, Thaxton said.
Or a roc, maybe?
God, no. Rather a tough old bird, wouldn t you think?
Maybe so. Well, I sort of like this course. How about you?
Oh, so-so. I ve seen better. It certainly is different.
Unique, I d say.
Tell me. Have you given any thought as to how we re going to get back?
Oh, we should be able to find the first tee again. That s where we came in.
The first hole is miles back, Thaxton said.
The first hole is always somewhere near the clubhouse.
But the place wasn t like this when we started. The first tee can t be
anywhere near. Besides, it might not have been the first hole. How can you be
sure this course has the regulation number of holes?
Why wouldn t it?
Thaxton shrugged. No good reason. Do you suppose the portal s still there?
It s occurred to me that it might have moved or disappeared.
Oh, that s occurred to you? Perhaps we might give it some thought.
Relax, Dalton said. I ve been walking in and out of portals for years now.
Never been lost yet.
There s always a first time, old boy.
file:///K|/eMule/Incoming/John%20DeChancie%20-%20Castle%2004%20-%20Castle%20Wa
r.html (81 of 255)23-12-2006 0:24:59
Page 45
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
Castle War
Yes, I suppose there s always a first time. Come to think of it, though, I
wouldn t mind being stuck on a golf course for the rest of my life.
God forfend.
Another creature came up to the table. This one s scales were shinier and its
horns longer.
Hi, I m Gamalkon, and I ll be your waiter today. The creature handed out
menus.
Thaxton ordered his drink. The waiter said, I ll be back to take your
orders, and left.
Interesting bill of fare, Dalton said.
Thaxton looked it over. What the devil & Filet of basilisk ?
Haven t had basilisk in a long time. Hmmm. Cockatrice au vin breast of
cockatrice sautéed with wild mushrooms and fresh tender roots in a light wine
sauce. Sounds good.
Are you joking? This is abominable.
Broaden your palate, my friend.
Eat this rubbish and you ll have your palate broadened, all right. Into a
death rictus.
Hmmm. I might try the luncheon special.
Where s that?
Up at the top.
Oh. Thaxton s eyebrows shot up. Chimaera casserole chunks of tantalizing
chimaera with noodles and wild herbs in a rich cheese sauce ? Chimaera? You re
actually going to ?
That or the barbecued harpy.
Good God.
Now, if you really want to experiment, the stuffed python & but maybe that s
a little intense for lunch.
By all means keep it light.
file:///K|/eMule/Incoming/John%20DeChancie%20-%20Castle%2004%20-%20Castle%20Wa
r.html (82 of 255)23-12-2006 0:24:59
Castle War
The wine steward showed up, uncorked a bottle, and poured a taste for Dalton.
Dalton breathed the bouquet, then took a sip and swished it around.
Swallowing, he said, A very playful little wine. Fruity.
Barbecued bleeding harpy, Thaxton muttered, still vainly searching the menu.
Leave the bottle, Dalton instructed.
The steward filled Dalton s glass, then turned to Thaxton.
Having wine, sir?
Hm? Later, I have a drink coming.
The waiter returned with Thaxton s gin. Dalton ordered the cockatrice, with
gryphon soup to start.
And what will you be having, sir? the waiter asked Thaxton.
God, I don t know. Do you have & do you happen to serve hamburger à la carte,
by any chance?
The waiter s red eyes rolled. Yes, sir, we do.
Hamburger, then.
How would you like that done, sir?
Oh, I like my beef flamed to a turn. You shouldn t have any trouble doing
that.
Dalton said drolly, Are you sure it s beef?
The waiter said, Our hamburger is ground from the freshest
I don t want to know! Dalton said, holding up a hand. When the waiter left
he downed his drink in one gulp.
Dalton sat back. Well, a few drinks and a leisurely lunch ought to put us
right for the back nine.
Thaxton gave him a skeptical look.
Page 46
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
zanotowane.pldoc.pisz.plpdf.pisz.plkskarol.keep.pl
|
