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Fantasy Fan, v. 2, issue 6, whole no. 18, February 1935
Page 93
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February, 1935, THE FANTASY FAN 93 completely off his cushion in gales of false amusement; but he saw the eyes of the stranger and straightway climbed back, mumbling in a surly tone to himself. The Emperor bade him state his mission, and the old one spoke in a manner remarkable for one so uncouth, saying "I have brought the object you desire." With great interest, the Emperor bade him display it, but the old one refused, stating in tones of certainty that he wished to make a few observations first. "I might press my claim," observed the Emperor, somewhat amused by this effontery. I believe I have likewise the right of naming my price," suggested the old man. "Truly," assented his majesty, "but first tell me, what is this mirror?" "It is the mirror of Truth," was the reply. "A pretty allegory," remarked the Monarch, and settled back. So it was, the unclean person spoke freely in the court of the ruler. "You will recall that this mirror was constructed by a certain sorcerer," he began in an unpleasant tone. "And you will also recall that this sorcerer did you a great service once...did he not, Majesty?" The Emperor looked startled, and then very grave. "He did...but how came you to know of this.?" "I shall elucidate when the time has come. Likewise, did you promise certain things to this sorcerer in return for his labors?" The Emperor's eyes smoldered with secret fury, but he said nothing. "This you ignored, and some moons agone had the wonderworker --I believe he was referred to as a blasphemer in the sentencing--this man you had brought before you and sent to the terrible tortures of Malyat. Am I not correct?' "That is common knowledge," asserted the ruler, uneasily. "And he was taken to his doom?" "My slaves seldom fail me." "I am grateful to your majesty, for truth was essential. I have the mirror here," said the old one, abruptly. "What wish you in return?" "It is yours--my payment will be given me in due time." And as the Emperor leaned forward, the man announced his identity and drew back his tattered robe, revealing the horror that lay beneath. Then as the Emperor gazed in fascinated repulsion, Khalda drew forth the mirror, with its strangely shapen handle, and held it up that all might see. And when the ruler looked therein, no man may know what was reflected, for a strange and terrible thing occurred. Some dire magic was at work, for the doom that came unto his majesty was alien to all accepted lines of death. The End
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February, 1935, THE FANTASY FAN 93 completely off his cushion in gales of false amusement; but he saw the eyes of the stranger and straightway climbed back, mumbling in a surly tone to himself. The Emperor bade him state his mission, and the old one spoke in a manner remarkable for one so uncouth, saying "I have brought the object you desire." With great interest, the Emperor bade him display it, but the old one refused, stating in tones of certainty that he wished to make a few observations first. "I might press my claim," observed the Emperor, somewhat amused by this effontery. I believe I have likewise the right of naming my price," suggested the old man. "Truly," assented his majesty, "but first tell me, what is this mirror?" "It is the mirror of Truth," was the reply. "A pretty allegory," remarked the Monarch, and settled back. So it was, the unclean person spoke freely in the court of the ruler. "You will recall that this mirror was constructed by a certain sorcerer," he began in an unpleasant tone. "And you will also recall that this sorcerer did you a great service once...did he not, Majesty?" The Emperor looked startled, and then very grave. "He did...but how came you to know of this.?" "I shall elucidate when the time has come. Likewise, did you promise certain things to this sorcerer in return for his labors?" The Emperor's eyes smoldered with secret fury, but he said nothing. "This you ignored, and some moons agone had the wonderworker --I believe he was referred to as a blasphemer in the sentencing--this man you had brought before you and sent to the terrible tortures of Malyat. Am I not correct?' "That is common knowledge," asserted the ruler, uneasily. "And he was taken to his doom?" "My slaves seldom fail me." "I am grateful to your majesty, for truth was essential. I have the mirror here," said the old one, abruptly. "What wish you in return?" "It is yours--my payment will be given me in due time." And as the Emperor leaned forward, the man announced his identity and drew back his tattered robe, revealing the horror that lay beneath. Then as the Emperor gazed in fascinated repulsion, Khalda drew forth the mirror, with its strangely shapen handle, and held it up that all might see. And when the ruler looked therein, no man may know what was reflected, for a strange and terrible thing occurred. Some dire magic was at work, for the doom that came unto his majesty was alien to all accepted lines of death. The End
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