“Clarity itself! What do you propose to do?”

“More to the point: what are your plans? Iucounu will take your scale without remorse, laughing and joking all the while. How will you prevent him?”

Cugel pulled uneasily at his chin. “I have given some attention to the matter.”

“To what effect?”

“I had thought perhaps to hide the scale, and confuse Iucounu with hints and lures. Already I am troubled by doubts. Iucounu might simply ignore my conundrums in favor of Panguire’s Triumphant Displasms. No doubt I would be quick to say: ‘Iucounu, your jokes are superb and you shall have your scale.’ My best hope may be to present the scale to Iucounu face to face, as a purported act of generosity.”

“In this case, how are your goals advanced?” asked Pelasias.

Cugel looked around the room. “We are secure?”

“Definitely so.”

“Then I will reveal an important fact. The scale consumes whomever it touches, save in the presence of water, which dulls its voracity.”

Pelasias regarded Cugel with new respect. “I must say that you wear this lethal trinket with aplomb.”

“I am always aware of its presence. It has already absorbed a pelgrane and a female hybrid of bazil and grue.”

“Aha!” said Pelasias. “Let us put this scale to the test. At the fowl run we trapped a weasel who now awaits execution: why not by the power of your ornament?”

Cugel assented. “As you like.”

Bazzard fetched the captive predator, which snarled and hissed in defiance. Wetting his hands, Cugel tied the scale to a stick and thrust it down upon the weasel, which was instantly absorbed. The node showed new coruscations of red, vibrating to such vivid fervor that Cugel was reluctant to pin it again to his cap. He wrapped it in several layers of heavy cloth and tucked it into his pouch.

Disserl now wore eye and ear. “Your scale has shown its power. Nonetheless, it lacks projective scope. You need our help, sickly though it may be. Then, if you are successful, perhaps you will restore our orphan members.”

“They may no longer be in useful condition,” said Cugel dubiously.

“We need not worry on this score,” replied Disserl. “The organs, fully sound and competent, reside in Iucounu’s vault.”

“That is good news,” said Cugel. “I agree to your terms, and I am anxious to hear how you can help me.”

“First and most urgently, we must ensure that Iucounu cannot take the scale either through force or intimidation, or by means of Arnhoult’s Sequestrous Digitalia, or by a time stoppage, such as the Interminable Interim. If he is so thwarted, then he must play the game by your rules, and victory is at your command.”

Vasker took the organs. “Already I am cheered! In Cugel we have a man who can confront Iucounu nose to nose and never flinch!”

Cugel jumped to his feet and paced nervously back and forth. “A truculent posture may not be the best approach. Iucounu, after all, knows a thousand tricks. How will we prevent him from using his magic? Here is the nub of the matter.”

“I will take counsel with my brothers,” said Vasker. “Bazzard, you and Cugel may dine in the Hall of Trophies. Be mindful of spies.”

After a dinner of fair quality, Bazzard and Cugel returned to the parlour, where the four wizards sipped in turn from a great mug of tea. Pelasias, now wearing eye, arm and ear, spoke: “We have consulted Boberg’s Pandaemonium and also the Vapurial Index. We now are convinced that you carry something more than just a handsome scale. Rather, it is Sadlark’s cerebral nexus itself. It has ingested several creatures of strong personality, including our own good weasel, and now displays signs of vitality, as if recovering from an estivation. No more strength may be allowed Sadlark at this time.”

Archimbaust took the organs. “We think in terms of pure logic. Proposition One: in order to achieve our goals, Cugel must confront Iucounu. Proposition Two: Iucounu must be deterred from seizing the scale out of hand.”

Cugel frowned. “Your propositions are orderly, but I envision a program somewhat more subtle. The scale will bait a trap; Iucounu will run eagerly forward and be rendered helpless.”

“Inept, on three counts! First: you will be watched by spies, or by Iucounu himself. Second: Iucounu recognizes bait from afar and will send either a casual passer-by or you yourself into the trap. Third: in preference to negotiation, Iucounu uses Tinkler’s Old-fashioned Froust, and you would find yourself running from Pergolo on thirty-foot strides to retrieve the scale for Iucounu.”

Cugel held up his hand. “Let us return to the propositions of pure logic. As I recall, Iucounu must not be allowed to seize the scale out of hand. What follows?”

“We have several dependent corollaries. To slow the quick grasp of his avarice, you must feign the submission of a cowed dog, a pose which Iucounu in his vanity will readily accept. Next we will need an article of confusion, to give us a range of options from which to choose. Tomorrow, therefore, Bazzard will duplicate the scale in fine gold, with a good red hypolite for the node. He will then cement the false scale to your cap in a bed of explosive diambroid.”

“And I am to wear the cap?” asked Cugel.

“Of course! You will then have three strings to your bow. All will be destroyed if Iucounu tries even the least of his tricks. Or you can give Iucounu the cap itself, then go somewhat apart and wait for the blast. Or, if Iucounu discovers the diambroid, other avenues appear. For instance, you can temporize, then make play with the authentic scale.”

Cugel rubbed his chin. “Propositions and corollaries to the side, I am not anxious to wear a charge of high explosive attached to my cap.”

Archimbaust argued the program, but Cugel remained dubious. Somewhat sulkily Archimbaust relinquished the organs to Vasker who said: “I propose a somewhat similar plan. As before, Cugel, you will enter Almery in an unobtrusive manner. You will stroll quietly by the side of the road with the cloak pulled across your face, using any name but your own. Iucounu will be intrigued, and come out in search of you. At this point your policy will be restrained courtesy. You will politely decline all offers and go your own way. This conduct will surely prompt Iucounu to unwise excess! Then you will act!”

“Just so,” said Cugel. “What if he simply seizes cap and scale, false or real, and preempts it to his own use?”

“That is the virtue of Archimbaust’s scheme,” Vasker pointed out.

Cugel gnawed at his lower lip. “Each plan seems to lack a certain full elegance.”

Archimbaust, taking the organs, spoke with emphasis: “My plan is best! Do you prefer Forlorn Encystment at a depth of forty-five miles to an ounce or two of diambroid?”

Bazzard, who had spoken little, put forward an idea: “We need only use a small quantity of diambroid, and thus allay the worst of Cugel’s fears. Three minims is enough to destroy Iucounu’s hand, arm and shoulder, in the case of improper conduct.”

Vasker said: “This is an excellent compromise! Bazzard, you have a good head on your shoulders! The diambroid, after all, need not come into use. I am sure that Cugel will deal with Iucounu as a cat plays with a mouse.”

Disserl spoke to the same effect: “Show only diffidence! His vanity will then become your ally!”

Pelasias said: “Above all, accept no favors! Or you will find yourself in his obligation, which is like a bottomless pit. At one time —”

A sudden hiss, as the alarm web detected a spy.

“— packet of dried fruits and raisins for your pouch,” droned Pelasias. “The way is long and tiring, especially if you use the Old Ferghaz Way which traces every swing and meander of the River Sune. Why not make for Taun Tassel on the Water’s-gleam?”

“A good plan! The way is long and Forest Da is dark, but I hope to evade even the whisper of notoriety, and all my old friends as well.”

“And your ultimate plans?”

Cugel gave a wistful laugh. “I will build a little hut beside the river and there live out my days. Perhaps I will do a small trade in nuts and wild honey.”

“There is always a market for home-baked loaves,” Bazzard pointed out.

“A good thought! Again, I might search out scraps of old calligraphy, or just give myself to meditation and watch the flow of the river. Such, at least, is my modest hope.”

“It is a pleasant ambition! If only we could help you along your way! But our magic is small; we know a single useful spell: Brassman’s Twelve-fold Bounty, by which a single terce becomes a dozen. We have taught it to Bazzard, that he may never want; perhaps he will share the sleight with you.”

“With pleasure,” said Bazzard. “You will find it a great comfort!”

“That is most kind,” said Cugel. “What with the packet of fruit and nuts, I am well-provided for my journey.”