Cugel looked behind. The three deodands who previously had skulked among the rocks now followed quite casually. “You have no control over the grisly appetites of your fellows?” Cugel demanded.
“I have no control over my own,” responded the deodand. “Only the fact of my broken limbs prevents me from leaping at your throat.”
“Do you wish to live?” asked Cugel, putting his hand significantly to sword-hilt.
“To a certain extent, though with not so fervent a yearning as do true men.”
“If you value life even an iota, order your fellows to turn back, to give over their sinister pursuit.”
“It would be a futile exercise. And in any event what is life to you? Look, before you tower the Mountains of Magnatz!”
“Ha!” muttered Cugel. “Did you not claim the repute of the region to be purely fabulous?”
“Exactly; but I did not enlarge upon the nature of the fable.”
As they spoke there came a swift sigh in the air; looking about Cugel saw that the three deodands had fallen, transfixed by arrows. From a nearby grove stepped four young men in brown hunting costume. They were of a fair, fresh complexion, brown hair, good stature, and seemed of good disposition. The foremost called out, “How is it that you come from the uninhabited north? And why do you walk with this dire creature of the night?”
“There is no mystery to either of your questions,” said Cugel. “First, the north is not uninhabited, some hundreds of men yet remain alive. As to this black hybrid of demon and cannibal, I employed it to lead me safely through the mountains, but I am dissatisfied with its services.”
“I did all expected of me,” declared the deodand. “Release me in accordance with our pact.”
“As you will,” said Cugel. He released the halter which secured the creature’s throat, and it limped away glaring back over its shoulder. Cugel made a sign to the leader of the huntsmen; he spoke a word to his fellows; they raised their bows and shot the deodand with arrows.
Cugel gave a curt nod of approval. “What of yourselves? And what of Magnatz who reputedly makes the mountains unsafe for travel?”
The huntsmen laughed. “A legend merely. At one time a terrible creature named Magnatz did indeed exist, and in deference to the tradition we of Vull Village still appoint one of our number to serve as Watchman. But this is all the credit to be given the tale.”
“Strange,” said Cugel, “that the tradition wields so wide an influence.”
The huntsmen shrugged indifferently. “Night approaches; it is time to turn back. You are welcome to join us, and at Vull there is a tavern where you may rest the night.”
“I gladly avail myself of your company.” The group set off up the trail. As they marched Cugel made inquiry regarding the road to the south, but the huntsmen were of little assistance. “Vull Village is situated on the shores of Lake Vull, which is unnavigable for its whirlpools, and few of us have explored the mountains to the south. It is said that they are barren and drop off into an inhospitable gray waste.”
“Possibly Magnatz roams the mountains across the lake?” inquired Cugel delicately.
“Tradition is silent on this score,” replied the huntsmen.
After an hour’s march the group reached Vull, a village of an affluence surprising to Cugel. The dwellings were solidly constructed of stone and timber, the streets were neatly laid-out and well-drained; there was a public market, a granary, a hall, a repository, several taverns, a number of modestly luxurious mansions. As the huntsmen marched up the main street, a man called out to them. “Important news! The Watchman has perished!”
“Indeed?” inquired the leader of the huntsmen with keen interest. “Who serves in the interim?”
“It is Lafel, son to the hetman — who else?”
“Who else indeed?” remarked the huntsman, and the group passed on.
“Is the post of Watchman held in such high esteem then?” asked Cugel.
The huntsman shrugged. “It is best described as a ceremonial sinecure. A permanent functionary will no doubt be chosen tomorrow. But notice in the door of the hall!” And he pointed to a stocky broad-shouldered man wearing brown fur-trimmed robes and a black bifold hat. “That is Hylam Wiskode, the hetman himself. Ho, Wiskode! We have encountered a traveler from the north!”
Hylam Wiskode approached, and saluted Cugel with courtesy. “Welcome! Strangers are a novelty; our hospitality is yours!”
“I thank you indeed,” said Cugel. “I had expected no such affability in the Mountains of Magnatz, which all the world holds in dread.”
The hetman chuckled. “Misapprehensions are common everywhere; you may well find certain of our notions quaint and archaic, like our Watch for Magnatz. But come! here is our best tavern. After you have established yourself we will sup.”
Cugel was taken to a comfortable chamber, furnished various conveniences, and presently, clean and refreshed, he rejoined Hylam Wiskode in the common room. An appetizing supper was set before him, together with a flagon of wine.
After the meal the hetman conducted Cugel on a tour of the town, which enjoyed a pleasant aspect above the lake.
Tonight seemed to be a special occasion: everywhere cressets threw up plumes of flame, while the folk of Vull walked the streets, pausing to confer in small knots and groups. Cugel inquired the reason for the obvious perturbation. “Is it because your Watchman had died?”
“This is the case,” said the hetman. “We treat our traditions with all earnestness, and the selection of a new Watchman is a matter for public debate. But observe: here is the public repository, where the common wealth is collected. Do you care to look within?”
“I abide your pleasure,” said Cugel. “If you wish to inspect the communal gold, I will be glad to join you.”
The hetman threw back the door. “Here is much more than gold! In this bin are jewels; that rack holds antique coins. Those bales contain fine silks and embroidered damask; to the side are cases of precious spice, even more precious liquors, and subtle pastes without value. But I should not use these terms to you, a traveler and man of experience, who has looked upon real wealth.”
Cugel insisted that the riches of Vull were by no means to be deprecated. The hetman bowed appreciatively and they proceeded to an esplanade beside the lake, now a great dark expanse illuminated by feeble starlight.
The hetman indicated a cupola supported five hundred feet in the air by a slender pillar. “Can you guess the function of that structure?”
“It would seem to be the post of the Watchman,” said Cugel.
“Correct! You are a man of discernment. A pity you are in such haste and cannot linger in Vull!”
Cugel, considering his empty wallet and the riches of the storehouse, made a suave gesture. “I would not be averse to such a sojourn, but in all candor, I travel in penury, and would be forced to seek some sort of gainful employment. I wonder regarding the office of Watchman, which I understand to be a post of some prestige.”
“Indeed it is,” said the hetman. “My own son stands watch tonight. Still, there is no reason why you should not be a suitable candidate for the position. The duties are by no means arduous; indeed the post is something of a sinecure.”
