One Way off the Island

Astra thought, "Zerm, I have information."

Zerm replied, "Where did he put it?"

"Before I tell you, transport me off this island."

"No, I do not think so. I think that you want to get away from Billingsley more than I want the goblet back."

"You know where to find me."

Astra broke off the conversation. She needed to clean off the grime of the activity of the previous few days, and see if she could not find some functional clothing. Unfortunately, with her big bottom, there were not that many options. She decided on a petticoat, the waistcoat, and a shawl. At least they were clean. The genie made some odd choices as to what to put in the wardrobe. There was not a blouse or skirt to be found, but there was a pair of moccasins that fit well enough. Maybe the genie just had no idea of how to stock a lady's wardrobe, not having practice with granting the wishes of women.

Astra spent the next hour in the great room cleaning up the worst of the mess. She experimented with folding a tablecloth as a kind of dress, but she really wanted something better. Then she bathed and dressed herself with the clean clothes that she had chosen earlier. Just as she had fashioned the tablecloth into a sort of skirt, rolled up at one end to serve as a sort of belt around her waist, she thought, "You know that you want that information, Zerm."

The link was re-established. "I can wait."

Astra said, "No need to. Billingsley sold it for a night of high living."

Zerm grunted. "The fool deserves a swift kick in the groin."

"If you get me off the island, I can throw that it the deal."

"Your heart is in the right place, but that will not be needed. Where did you say he went for his fling?"

"He said it was in Walants, but did not tell me more."

"Hmm. That is good enough to get you off the island. Because you are going to take Billingsley with you and get the cup, and then bring it to me."

Astra said, "I would say that is rather bold. What is going to compel Billingsley to cooperate? The coward is likely to run off."

Zerm replied, "That will not be a problem. I will give you a little bonus for your good work. A little something to keep Billingsley in check. And I will gain a little revenge for his impertinence. You are not above petty revenge, are you?"

"It depends. I am open to the idea. What is to prevent me from running off?"

"Your good sense. If you were so foolish as to return to Aqualaria, I might enjoy that. I have a few ways of destroying a girl's reputation and dignity that I have not put into action yet, and it would be piquant to do it in front of her family and friends."

"I am sorry that I asked."

"I know that you will be a good girl. I would recommend that you take Billingsley while he is sleeping, unawares. Let him know the fait accompli afterwards."

Astra asked, "And what is this revenge on Billingsley that you were referring to?"

"It involves a little bit of magic. Don't worry - it is easy, and I think that you might enjoy using it. Go to Billingsley's room, and hold on to his hand. I will reveal more when you arrive in Walants."

Astra had to accept that. She did not have much to bargain with. So she stole away into Billingsley's room. He was still fast asleep. She held onto Billingsley's hand.

1. "Ready," Astra said softly.

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