Chapter 23 Part 8

Sal reached for his knife on instinct, but found his hand immobilized.

The man tipped his hat to him. "You see, if I wanted to do you harm, it would already be done, and there'd be little you could do about it, Sal Grimone. Instead, I'm bringing you and a few friends here for a little Pow-Wow, or a get together. But I'm forgetting my manners. I should probably introduce myself. My friends and acquaintances around here call me The Rogue. If they are being exceptionally specific, they call me The Rogue Scholar."

Sal finally moved his hand, and as he did so, he moved it away from his knife and let his hand fall to his side. He allowed himself time to be adequately stupefied by this Rogue guy.

Just then, as Sal was trying to piece together what was happening, the Rogue took a quick side step, and a bright flash of light indicative of slip stream-travel shone forth.

"Ah!," said the Rogue as he punched at the air with his fist. "Right on time! I'm glad to see Reipawn hasn't lost his touch!"

Tangled on the floor in the location previously occupied by the Rogue was on very sick lady.

The Rogue waved his hand in a curious way, and then spoke to her.

"Rei Carlotta, so pleased you could make it! I should imagine you have a trifle bit of nausea, which I am sure we can remedy if you will do me the favor of drinking his beverage."

Rei was in no position to object. The Rogue procured glass with some mysterious liquid it in from a nearby cupboard. Rei drank the liquid and color re-animated her face. She stood up and looked the Rogue in the face, then at Sal.

"Where am I, and who are you two?"

"Hold your questions for now, young lady, if you please. We've another guest who appears to be rather late. I am afraid I might have to fetch him. I think he might have gone and done us the disservice of dying."