Three men sat around a table in a haze of purple smoke.
They gazed, with rapt attention, into a crystal ball.
“Are you sure this thing is working properly?” asked Professor Primus.
“Can’t be,” said Professor Tree, “that is young Wragg, and there’s no way he’d ever have the balls to do that to Messaline.”
“Nor the skills,” agreed Primus. “He couldn’t whip up a soufflé!”
“Gentlemen, I can assure you that this Crystal Ball is among the best available.” Phlebas was firm. “I got it from the Artifex Imaginum himself!”
“A genuine Repertor Crystal? Wow!” Any doubt about the reliability of the device vanished from Primus Pilus’ mind. “Then I must consult an optician. It must be my eyes.”
Tree threw the remains of a packet of Madame Wu’s into a purple waste paper basket. “I must give these up. I’m hallucinating.”
“There is nothing wrong with your eyes, Primus, nor your mind, Tree. What you see is real. Wragg has just used an ordinary horse whip to bring a recalcitrant unicorn to heel and to write his own name on Professor La Croix’ back. But remember, gentlemen, you taught him those skills.”
Tree retrieved his Madame Wu’s and lit one, and Primus poured himself another glass of Phlebas’ excellent Shiraz. “Well, well,” he said, “and I thought I was wasting my time!"
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Wragg let the whip fall to the floor, and clasped his hands to his face in horror. “D-did I do that?” he gasped, looking at the weals on Messaline’s back, that spelled his own name. His own guilt.
Messaline was still recovering from her orgasm. Jollyrei untied her, and she ran to Wragg and threw her arms around him. “You dear, sweet man!” she exclaimed, kissing him, “that was the best orgasm I’ve had all morning!”
This turn of events suited Wragg very well. Somehow, she seemed pleased. Anything that pleased Messaline pleased Wragg, and his look of concern turned to one of delight.
“Well, I say, happy to oblige… you really enjoyed it?”
“Oh, oui! Such skill you have! It matches my front, see?”
She stood, open armed, and Wragg peered at her body. Faintly visible down her body were some scars. He could make out some letters. “P- I – L –U –S” he read.
“You have learned well, ma Cherie! Now, learn more. My Racing Rodent will instruct you.”
In a couple of bounds RR was up on Horny’s back. “Now, we ride!”
“Can’t I stay here with you?” Wragg gazed, doe eyed, at Messaline.
“No! You ride!” she ordered. Wragg pouted his disappointment. “Where are we going?”
“Only to High Groaning and back. Think you can manage that?” Jollyrei grinned.
Horny was remarkable compliant as Jollyrei saddled him up. Saddlebags went on, and Wragg was given a sword. “What’s that for?” he asked.
“High Groaning can be a..... ‘difficult’ town,” replied Jollyrei. “Better to be on the safe side.”
Wragg climbed up onto Horny, behind RR. “Whip,” said Jollyrei, handing it up. “In case Horny gets frisky. Off you go.”
“No reins?” queried Wragg.
“I don’t need reins! Racing Rodent knows the way!” said Horny.
Jollyrei opened the door, and Horny trotted out. Wragg turned to wave to Messaline, but she didn’t see him.
She was too busy undressing Jollyrei.