“I am pleased to see you all,” Ferne said. “May I sit down?”
“By all means, Your Highness. In fact, we beg your forgiveness for sitting in your presence, but we didn’t —”
“You needn’t apologize,” she said, sitting down. “You doubtless know that this device merely projects my image.”
“Of course. But it has been quite some time since anyone communicated with us in this manner.”
“Quite so. I can’t speak for my family, but know I haven’t used the Universal Projector since I was a youngster.”
“We remember. A most curious device.”
“Yes. My ancestors mainly used it to bring wayward vassals into line. A sudden apparition in the night was usually enough to reduce any strong-willed underling to a compliant mass of jelly.”
“One can well imagine. But why rely on a mechanical contrivance to effect such a purpose?”
“The device is not quite mechanical. It works by tapping interuniversal forces, which, as you know, are the source of all magical energy. But it makes unnecessary all the usual appurtenances and folderol — talismans, chanting, gestures, and the like. Long-distance image projection requires subtle spellcasting. This instrument facilitates the process greatly. The device is quite ancient, though, and is somewhat crude. But it does work.”
The middle one smiled warmly. “In any event, we are always glad to talk with you, regardless of the means used.”
“Thank you. May we now proceed to the main order of business?”
“Certainly.”
“I assume you received my last communication.”
The one on the left spoke. “Yes, Your Royal Highness. We have given your proposal a great deal of study.”
“And?”
The individual on the right answered. “We find much of merit. We regret to say, however, that the terms are not entirely satisfactory.”
Ferne’s dark eyebrows curled down. “If I may ask, what specifically is not to your liking?”
“Well, there are a number of specific issues,” the middle one said. “But we think it safe to say that the question of sharing power is the main stumbling block.”
“Ah.” Ferne nodded. “I had a feeling it would be.”
The one on the right said, “Generally speaking, we do not feel that the rewards specified are commensurate with services rendered.”
“You want more worlds under your exclusive control.”
“Actually,” the middle one said apologetically, “to be very blunt about it, we think that your offer was totally inadequate. Of course, we would be willing to negotiate on the final number, but we were thinking orders of magnitude higher.”
“No doubt,” Ferne said. “But I am afraid I can’t budge from the terms of my offer. There is only so much power I’m willing to relinquish.”
“But there are so many worlds. Surely you can’t be thinking of administrating them all on your own.”
“Of course not,” Ferne said. “Not even a tenth part of them, nor a hundredth. My imperial ambitions are quite limited. This sharply distinguishes me from my brother, who has never had any imperial ambitions at all. I think him absurd. Surely an instrument such as Castle Perilous deserves better use than to serve as a hostel for vagabonds and beggars. Hardly fitting for what may be the most powerful artifact in the whole of Creation.”
“We quite agree,” the individual on the left said. “That is why we feel that such a resource must be shared. This has long been a bone of contention between your family and us. As for ourselves, of course, we have no ‘imperial ambitions,’ as you put it. We seek only to impose a benevolent order. The state of the universes is chaotic in the extreme. We merely wish to establish a semblance of rationality.”
“Oh, I quite agree with those sentiments,” Ferne said. “The universes are in a dreadful mess, and so is the castle. And the unfathomable thing about it is that this has been the case ever since the castle came to be! Apparently the will to power runs weak in my family.”
“We would not agree. Your family has jealously guarded its power, and its secrets, for generations.”
“Guarded its power, yes,” Ferne said. “Maintained it, yes. But used it? No. Absolutely not. What I seek to establish is merely a measure of … well, of intestinal fortitude. And it’s high time someone tried.”
“We seem to agree on a few general principles, at least,” the middle individual said. “Surely this can provide a basis for working out our differences.”
“Perhaps, but time is running short. The invaders will very soon consolidate their hold on the castle.”
With a casual shrug the one on the left said, “From your description of them, we don’t think they will be much trouble.”
“Do not underestimate them.”
“We believe we haven’t, Your Royal Highness.”
“Very well,” Ferne said. “You are the best judge of your abilities. And I am quite sure they are considerable. Also, do not underestimate me. I am fully aware that there is a good deal that remains unspoken between us.”
The three individuals exchanged glances. “Such as?” the middle one asked.
“Many things. True intentions, motivations. Desires and goals. Also circumstances. For instance, I am aware that what I am seeing now is not your true appearance. I have also gotten the impression in my dealings with you that your world or your society is not composed of individuals, but is in reality a single mass entity of some sort. I am not sure of this, but it remains a possibility in my mind. I remember asking you about this very point long ago. Whenever I pressed for an answer, I got only evasions.”
“There is of course a perfectly logical explanation for many of your doubts and reservations,” the one on the right said. “Our universes differ widely in many respects. In fact, the differences are profound enough to greatly hamper mutual understanding.”
“Doubtless so. I’m sure a mere mortal could never understand beings such as you.”
“Forgive our saying this, but your terminology is somewhat inappropriate.”
“Is it? Only you would know. But let us return to concretes. In return for the privileges I have accorded you, you will aid my brother Deems and me in our fight to take back our family stronghold from the invaders who have usurped it. If we are successful, I am willing to provide you with exclusive access to a few hundred universes of your choice. You will be free to do what you want with them. That is the sum and substance of my proposal. Do you accept or not?”
“In principle, yes,” the middle individual said. “However —”
“That is all I am willing to offer. I am afraid I am not disposed to negotiate any further.”
The three were silent for a moment. Then die individual in the middle said, “We will have to confer and give you our answer at a later date.”
“I want it in an hour.”
“We need time to —”
“I want your answer in an hour,” she said tightly.
There was a pause. Then: “As you wish.”
“I will call you.”
She flipped the toggle, and the images faded. With some effort, she rose from the chair.
The far door opened and Deems came in.
“Did you communicate with them?” he asked, walking over.
“Yes,” she said.
“Are you ill? You look peaked. Let me get you some refreshment.”
“Thank you. Negotiating with them is draining. Don’t you remember how it was?”
Deems went to a small cabinet and took out a bottle of sherry and two glasses. He filled both glasses and gave one to Ferne, who had seated herself on a recliner. “We all toyed with the Hosts of Hell at one time or another. Fascinating lot. Hideously dangerous, of course, which made them all the more alluring to the young and disgruntled. Yes, I well remember their incessant attempts to seduce one of us into letting them out of their hellhole.” Deems sighed disconsolately. “And I suppose they’ve finally succeeded.”