Skeleton Key

by Piers Anthony

  Squid was impressed. This seemed like complete candor.

  “An ad hoc boyfriend?” Hilda asked.

  Benny glanced at her. “That is an advanced expression.”

  “Ad hoc. It means for this special purpose. You may have a regular girlfriend, but today you will treat me that way.”

  Benny nodded. “You’re savvy.”

  “That annoys you?”

  He laughed. “Not at all! It impresses me. Now I know I want to learn more about you. For the record, I am between girlfriends, and turned on by intelligence. I just didn’t expect to encounter it in a child.”

  “And you are not a child.”

  “I am not. But you won’t be a child much longer, and you may, in due course, become the kind of woman I want to have, though I fear you are well beyond my league. I am no prince, Magician, or genius. I am just an ordinary guy, the kind who would fetch your shoes in your realm. So I am realistic. This relationship is limited and temporary.”

  Hilda nodded. “I am interested. But first, I want to talk about my brother Ion. He is a Magician, but unable to walk, which is why he uses his little magic carpet. I worry that a pretty girl might fascinate him, but that her interest would never be real because he is lame. I don’t want to see him hurt.”

  “He wants to walk, but can’t? We have healing elixir.”

  “Here is his problem: he is immune to all elixirs. This is great when they are bad ones, but he can’t turn it off when they are good ones, such as healing potions. His Magician status prevents him from being magically healed. It’s ironic. Also a turnoff for girls. I know he would love to have a girlfriend, a real one, not one assigned by our parents. But how can he ever trust a girl from outside? He’s not as assertive or cynical as I am, and he’s, well, male. He’s more likely to get harmed, at least emotionally. If she didn’t want his magic, she’d want his status as a prince. He couldn’t believe anything she said. He’s a Magician, and he knows how to use his talent, but he’s a babe in the woods socially. I know this hurts him, and I hate it, but there it is.”

  “And it would please you and make you more willing to be my ad hoc girlfriend, if you knew your brother had a similar relationship,” Benny said. “One you could trust.”

  “You got it.”

  Squid was coming to appreciate Hilda more. She was putting it to the goat.

  “I like your concern for your brother,” Benny said. “It is possible we have an answer.”

  “What, a girl Ion can really trust? I don’t trust that, and I’m a girl.”

  Benny laughed. “You are definitely a girl! I think I like even your distrust of your own gender. You are the kind of person whose respect must be earned, and I like that. I will do my best to earn it. Let me see whether I can find an avenue.”

  Squid, after having seen Nancy in action, was not about to underestimate Benny. The selected companions were clearly experienced in handling visitors. But she didn’t see how he could come up with a girl for Ion they could trust. Squid, too, was female, and was wary of the devious ways of women. Especially grown ones.

  Benny walked to a mirror on the wall. “Mirror Central, Benny Buck here. I need information.”

  So it was a magic mirror! What else did these odd castles have?

  “Mirror Central here. What is your concern?”

  “My memory says that a year or so back, there was a human girl who came to this planet, Animalia, as a tourist, and stayed because of our clean environment. She had a talent but couldn’t use it because she couldn’t safely go outside. Is she still here?”

  “Vinia Human, age ten,” the mirror said. “She took up residence in Equine Castle because she likes horses, though she can’t actually go out and ride one. We are unpolluted, but that is not sufficient for her health.”

  Girls did like horses, Squid knew. That sounded authentic.

  “What specifically is her problem?”

  “She is highly sensitive to even the most dilute toxins in the environment. Her room is kept constantly purified, because even our fairly pristine air can set off her allergy. She is a virtual prisoner, and lonely because of it.”

  “That’s the one,” Benny said. “What is her talent?”

  “Telekinesis, or levitation. That is, she can lift and move close objects up to her own weight with her mind. But she can lift and carry with her hands, so hardly uses her magic.”

  “We may have an answer for her. Please send a shuttle to pick up a party of four here at Caprine and conduct us to Equine for a visit. Notify the equines that we are coming.”

  A party of four?

  “In process.”

  Benny returned his attention to Hilda. “Now, let’s join with your brother and his companion, and go to the courtyard for the shuttle.”

  Oh, of course.

  “You know, Ion could shield that girl as long as he was close to her,” Hilda said. “He has a naturally antiseptic environment because of his magic.”

  “This is ideal.”

  What did they have in mind? Squid wondered. She was already discovering that the Caprines had a good deal more technological magic than had first been evident.

  Hilda and Benny went to the room where Ion was being flattered by Nola Nanny, a remarkably comely and personable doe. Squid’s distrust accelerated. This girl was in the process of wrapping Ion around her little finger. Even young boys were subject to the charms of grown women. So far, Ion was holding out, depending on his mistrust of women in general to protect his vulnerable feelings, but he was surely losing ground. Nola, like the other companions, was clearly older, perhaps adult, and experienced in handling folk.

  “We’re going to see Vinia at Equine Castle,” Benny said. “She just may be the girl for you, Ion.”

  “I was working on that role,” Nola said. “I am a perfectly competent temporary girl.”

  She was indeed, Squid thought.

  “A permanent girl,” Benny said.

  “That would of course take precedence.” Nola shrugged. “If she doesn’t work out, I will remain for temporary duty.”

  As Squid saw it, that duty was dangerous to the mission of the children.

  They went to a high turret where there was a large basket. The four of them climbed into the basket. Nola managed to flash her nice thighs at Ion as she climbed, surely no accident. Those were definitely not children’s legs. Of course, Ion looked as he hovered beside the basket. Had he been grown he would have freaked out: as it was, he merely heated somewhat.

  Why, Squid wondered, was Nola trying so hard to impress him, if she was about to be out of the picture? It must be back-up, in case the girl didn’t work out. These folk left nothing to chance if they could help it.

  Ion was the last to board, guiding his carpet to the place beside Nola. She caught his hand and held it firmly.

  When they were settled in the basket, two griffins flew in. They caught the ends of cords attached to the rim and flew up. In two-thirds of a moment, the basket lifted. In four-thirds, they were swinging above the castle.

  “Wow!” Hilda said. “This is fun.”

  “It is part of the lifestyle,” Benny said. “There are dances each night at one castle or another, and of course, the neighbors attend.”

  “Dances,” Hilda echoed.

  “The women dress up,” he said. “Actually Nola is quite a dancer.”

  “I enjoy it,” Nola said. “Some of the men of other castles are pretty dashing.”

  “We dance too,” Hilda said. “We might put on a show for you before we go.”

  “It would surely be well attended,” Benny said.

  They chatted as they traveled, and Squid saw that Benny’s interest in Hilda appeared to be genuine. She was certainly interested in him, though careful. He had a quick mind, and Hilda seemed intrigued though still reserved.

  “T
onight, the dance will be at Equine Castle, coincidentally,” Benny said. “You and I can be partners.”

  “Those horse women can really prance,” Nola said.

  Ion looked sad. It was clear he would have liked to dance, but it simply wasn’t possible for him.

  “I’m sorry,” Nola said immediately. She lifted his hand to her mouth and kissed his fingers. “I did not mean to be thoughtless.” Ion visibly melted.

  Oh, she was skillful!

  Soon they arrived at Equine Castle, with its pennant showing a splendid horse. Squid realized belatedly that each castle flew its mascot picture: they just hadn’t noticed.

  The basket landed, and the two griffins settled down in the courtyard to rest. The passengers debarked and were greeted warmly by Hero Horse and Mona Mare, an attractive couple. In fact none of the folk on this world seemed unattractive; it was almost as if they were all in show business. Their small party was ushered into the castle, and to a chamber where a girl waited.

  She was plain rather than pretty, but her body looked healthy. She was ten, a year older than Ion, but smaller. “Hello, Vinia,” Benny said. “This is Ion, who as you can see, is unable to walk, so—”

  “Oh, Ion!” the girl said. “I can help you stand and walk.” She went to him and put her hands on his shoulders, gently lifting him. To Squid’s surprise he came right up, off the carpet, and his legs dropped down until they touched the floor.

  “You’re lifting me!” Ion said, seeming surprised. “But I don’t feel anything.”

  “It’s my talent, telekinesis. It lifts every part of your body so you don’t feel awkward.” Then she glanced around. “Oh! Maybe I shouldn’t have done that. Shouldn’t have touched you. I just wanted to help.”

  “Keep doing it,” Ion said. “I’ve never stood before, not like this. Am I tiring you?”

  “No, I can do it indefinitely, as long as you’re close. Touching is best, but I can do it from a short distance less precisely. But I mean I shouldn’t have just put my hands on you as if we knew each other. I just got carried away.”

  “You can touch me anytime,” Ion said. “Can I actually walk?”

  “Well, it would be more apparent than real. I can make your feet move, but it’s like working a marionette on strings. I don’t think you’d want that.”

  “Try it,” Ion said.

  “We can walk together.” She held his hand, and the two stepped forward together, perfectly synchronized. “I am making your legs do what mine do; it’s easier to have you copy me than to pull each string directly. But you don’t have any control yourself, so—”

  “Stop apologizing!” Ion said. “I love it!”

  She was taken aback. “You do? I thought you’d feel, well, used. I’m not pretty or royal or anything. I don’t want to embarrass you or—”

  Ion drew her into him and kissed her, shutting her up. She was plainly astonished. Then it was his turn to have a second thought. “Maybe I shouldn’t have done that. I do have control of my upper body. I apologize for taking advantage—”

  This time she kissed him, to shut him up.

  When the kiss broke, they stood there, staring into each other’s eyes. Then they kissed a third time, more lingeringly. And a little heart floated up.

  “I think we have a match,” Benny said.

  “We do,” Nola agreed.

  “Now wait half a moment,” Hilda said. “They hardly know each other. He’s a Magician and prince, while she’s just a common girl. Maybe she just wants to use him for status. Why should he settle for that?”

  Vinia turned her head to face Hilda. “He needs me,” she said joyfully. “And I need him. Right here with him I can finally breathe free. We’re using each other. I don’t much care whether he’s royal or whatever. I just feel so great being near him. I’d like to stay close to him forever.”

  “We’re a couple,” Ion said. “The rest doesn’t matter.”

  “You know you need someone to dress you each day,” Hilda reminded him. “To help you in the bathroom. There are endless little chores.”

  “I can do that,” Vinia said. “I’m a servant class girl.”

  “Not any more,” Ion said. “Can we dance?”

  “We can dance,” Vinia agreed happily. Then the two of them danced, facing each other, perfectly synchronized. It was impressive despite the knowledge that the synchronicity was because Vinia was actually doing both parts.

  “You’re both satisfied?” Hilda asked. “You’re sure?”

  “We are,” the two answered together as they continued dancing.

  “And you really do like each other, regardless of what anyone else thinks?”

  “Hilda, she’s the real thing,” Ion said. “A girl who needs my magic just to exist in the outside realm. There’s an element of truth mist around me, part of my inherent nullification of falsity: it doesn’t affect me, but it affects others near me. You know that. It’s why the maids who attend to me are always completely candid about what they think of my helplessness, especially when I accidentally poop my pants because of my paralysis. They would falsely flatter me if they could, but they can’t. It’s why I’d rather be out traveling with you than staying at home in the palace. Vinia is not deceiving anyone. She really does need me. And I need her. To bleep with what anyone else thinks.”

  “I’d be glad to clean up your poop,” Vinia said. “I know how it is. I get so sick when I venture out of my sterile room. I vomit and poop and collapse. I’m such a mess. But with you, I’m perfect. That is, I mean—”

  “I know what you mean,” Hilda said. “We’ve been there, done that. Being a prince’s consort isn’t all flowers and applause. It’s covering for him when he messes up. I just wanted to be sure you understood.”

  Vinia smiled. “Suddenly I love poop.”

  Hilda turned to Benny. “You set this up. You knew about Vinia and what she needed, and her talent. You found the perfect girl for Ion.”

  “Yes,” he agreed. “Isn’t this what you wanted?”

  For an answer, she kissed him. It was a surprisingly mature smooch. Her heart was plainly in it. She really did care about her brother, and was truly grateful for what Benny had done. That was rapidly translating into a kind of passion.

  “I presume this means we’re on for the dance tonight,” Benny said, taken aback but pleased.

  “For longer than that, if you’re interested.”

  “For the duration of your stay here at the castles, then.”

  “Longer, maybe. I think I’d like to take you home with me.”

  Now it was his turn for caution. “But you are a princess and Sorceress. You may be destined for a prince or Magician when you grow up. You won’t want an association with a nondescript crossbreed to embarrass you.”

  “And I may be destined for whom I bleeping well choose. Who will tell me no? I am long beyond embarrassment.”

  “Suddenly I have a thought. That little flying carpet your brother rides on—you sewed it!”

  “I did. What of it?”

  “That’s awesome! You truly are a Sorceress.”

  Hilda’s eyes narrowed. “Are you changing your mind?”

  “No. Just marveling at the wonder of you.”

  She glanced sharply at him.

  “He’s not teasing,” Ion said. “He can’t quite get his mind around the fact that a girl child can have such enormous power. Mostly you don’t show it.”

  “Well, it’s part of the package. Can you handle it, Benny?”

  He nodded. “When you kissed me, you felt like a warm person despite your youth. I always thought a Sorceress would be cold, aloof, and frighteningly adult. It’s a fair mental adjustment, but I’ll try. Let’s see how it works out.”

  “I prefer warm to aloof.” She squeezed his hand. She plainly had control of the situation.

 
Squid came out of her reverie. “I need to report to the others. There’s heavy stuff on the bargaining table.”

  “There is,” Larry agreed. “You have been telling me all along, but we need to tell the others. We really want what they offer. You and I could use those portable portals, for example.”

  “They have a big dance tonight at Equine Castle. We should all go, if they let us. Then we can have a conference.”

  “Yes.”

  They held a meeting of those on the boat. Firenze and Ula had returned after pleasant chats with their Caprine hosts that did not amount to anything serious, and so had Piton and Data. Data, however, was interested in Barry and wanted to see him again.

  They updated the others on what Santo and Noe had learned, and on Ion and Hilda’s progress. “There’s a general rule of three I have heard,” Larry said. “It may be a guideline. It is that if three binding deals are made, the whole group may be committed to a larger whole. The portals and the girl for Ion may represent two deals. We may have to be wary of one more.”

  “Meanwhile, I think we should attend that big dance,” Squid said. “To get more of a feel for the situation, and just to have some fun. We can maybe demonstrate some of our dances, and learn some of theirs.”

  “Let’s do it,” Myst agreed. “Can we contact them about it?”

  “If we go into their courtyard, they will meet us,” Squid said. “We can ask them.”

  Chapter 14

  Animalia

  They guided Fibot to Equine Castle, then debarked, leaving the boat in the charge of Tata and the peeve. It promptly turned invisible. It would respond to any of the children, but not to strangers.

  Equine Castle was well lighted and gaily decorated for the dance. Griffin shuttles and other craft were arriving from other castles. Hero and Mona were there, handsomely garbed, to greet each arrival in style.

  Squid approached them. “I am Squid, and this is my companion Larry. We obtained an invitation to the dance.”

  “Of course, Squid!” Hero said warmly. “Caprine sent word. Your associates Ion and Hilda are already here with their escorts, and Santo and Noe are en route. Everyone’s welcome! Come in and horse around!”