Tyche
Copyright© 2020 by Old Man with a Pen
Chapter 99
She waved a hand at the Spad.
“Not yard art,” I said. “Flies.”
“Who is the pilot?”
“Me.”
To forestall the ‘your kidding’, I presented Elif the wallet size card issued to me by the Princess.
“Cracker Jack box?”
I took her into the home, seated her at the dining table, fetched my ‘Amelia’ jacket and fished the packet out of the inner pocket. The packet was still tied with a tattered ribbon ... it used to be pink. Now, it’s just dirty.
So the unfolding began, there were consequences.
Thank the gods for duct tape. Folded and creased tanned goatskin tears easily. The repairs are a demonstration of the number of times I have heard, “Prove it.”
After the new repairs, she started reading. Elif is a ‘finger’ reader ... she touched every signature and seal.
Finally, she said, “This is for real.” Not a question. “Number Nine. Signed by the Princess.” Again ... a statement. “You’ve met the Ruler of the Princessapality.”
“Hi, I’m Junior. Let’s get this show on the road ... Oh do get up. Tyche, fetch some water ... iced if you have it.”
I do ... but I’m not giving up my iced tea. I filled a tumbler at the sink.
“Oh no, Tyke. My responsibility. I should have knocked. Besides ... why should you have all the fun ... hmm?” She chortled.
During the splash I was in the bath getting warm towels off my heated hangers.
Junior has superior aim. I would have splashed the furniture.
A wet Elif spluttered.
I handed her a warm dry towel ... and another ... and my hair dryer.
The paint on the first towel was muddied ... the second ... Elif cleans up nicely. I had to change my guess at her age. Seventeen at the outside.
“Welcome back, Elif Van Oordt,” Junior said it.
“Your Highness.” She struggled to stand.
Junior extended a hand.
“Nope ... Junior ... I don’t react well to other names. It’s not what We are used to,” she said. “Tyche, who among us is her size? ... Ah ... Two! Two! Attend Us.”
Two lives with me.
“Hi, Junior.”
“This is Elif Van Oordt. Some sort of accident has wetted her. Have ... no ... you have clothes her size. Dress her ... strenuous exercise ... dance lessons.” Imperious decree. She spoiled it by, “Thank you.”
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