The Hour of the Gate Read Online Free Page A

place as Polastrindu. But Clothahump scorched the seat of his pants, and after that it was easy. They paid serious attention.
    â€œThere was a general named Aveticus who’s got more common sense than the rest of the local council put together. As soon as he’d heard enough he took over. The others just slid along with his opinion. I think he likes us personally, too, but he’s so cold-faced it’s hard to tell for sure what he’s thinking. But when he talks everybody listens.”
    Down below lay a vast black and purple form coiled in the shade of a high stone wall. Falameezar was apparently sleeping peacefully in front of the inn stables. The other stable buildings appeared to be deserted. No doubt the riding lizards of the hotel staff and its guests had been temporarily boarded elsewhere.
    â€œThe armies are already mobilizing, and local aerial representatives have been dispatched to carry the word to the other cities and towns.”
    â€œWell, that’s all right, then,” said Talea cheerfully. “Our job’s finished. I’m going to enjoy the afterglow.” She finished her considerable glass of wine.
    â€œNot quite finished.” Clothahump had snuggled into a low-seated chair across from her couch.
    â€œNot quite, ’e says,” rumbled Mudge worriedly.
    Pog selected a comfortable beam and hung himself above them. “The master says we got ta seek out every ally we can.”
    â€œBut from what has been said, good sir, we are already notifying all possible allies in the warmlands.” Caz sat up in his chair and gestured with his glass. Wine pitched and rolled like a tiny red pond and he didn’t spill a drop.
    â€œSo long as the city fathers and mothers have seen fit to grant us these delightful accommodations, I see no reason why we should not avail ourselves of the local hospitality. Polastrindu is not so very far from Zaryt’s Teeth and the Gate itself. Why not bivouac here until the coming battle? We can offer our advice to the locals.”
    But Clothahump disagreed. “General Aveticus strikes me as competent enough to handle military preparations. Our task must be to seek out any additional assistance we can. You just stated that all possible warmland allies are being notified. That is so. My thoughts concerned possible allies elsewhere.”
    â€œElsewhere?” Talea sat up and looked puzzled. “There is no elsewhere.”
    â€œTry tellin’ ’is nib’s ’ere that,” said Mudge.
    Talea looked curiously at the otter, then back at the wizard. “I still don’t understand.”
    â€œThere is another nation whose aid would be invaluable,” Clothahump explained energetically. “They are legendary fighters, and history tells us they despise the Plated Folk as much as we do.”
    Mudge circled a finger near one ear, whispered quietly to Jon-Tom. “Told you ’e was vergin’ on the senile. The lightnin’ an’ the view conjurin’ ’as sent him off t’ balmy land.”
    The most unexpected reaction came from Pog, however. The bat left his beam and hovered nervously overhead, his eyes wide, his tone fearful.
    â€œNo, Master! Don’t tink of it. Don’t!”
    Clothahump shrugged. “Our presence here is no longer required. We would find ourselves lost among the general staffs of the assembling armies. Why then should we not seek out aid which could turn the tide of battle?”
    Jon-Tom, who had returned from his position by the open window, listened curiously and wondered at Pog’s sudden fright.
    â€œWhat kind of allies were you thinking about, sir? I’m certainly willing to help recruit.” Pog gave him an ugly look.
    â€œI’m talking about the Weavers, of course.”
    The violence of the response to this announcement startled Jon-Tom and Flor.
    â€œWho are these ‘Weavers’?” she asked the wizard.
    â€œThey are