Gary Gygax - Dangerous Journeys 3 - Death in Delhi by Gary Gygax Read Free Book Online Page A

wizard-priest had dweomered it, of course, so that it held a volume of things a hundred times greater than its apparent size. Just as he uttered a satisfied sound at having located what he was searching for, there was a rapping at the door. Setne slammed shut the cover of the coffer and called, "Enter," in Hindi.
    The "boy" who entered was the same man who had been ordered to the kitchen by the sour-faced proprietress. Without word, the fellow dropped the tray on the brass table, looking expectantly at Inhetep. Setne inspected it to see that it was what he had ordered, spotted chutney and chapati bread alongside the vegetable curry. He breathed in. The aroma was quite good! He turned and smiled at the waiter. He got no greeting in return. The man didn't look any happier than his grumpy and suspicious mistress. Despite the stone-faced look, the magister handed the fellow a couple of rupees. "Thank you, my good man," he said firmly, opening the door. The waiter grumbled as he left.
    Rachelle laughed. "He didn't deserve anything, Setne, but you were rather stingy."
    "Neither too much nor too little. The gratuity was sufficient for the service. Now then, let's have a bite of breakfast. Then you can get more of your beauty rest while I putter around with a few things. We have all day, you know."
    She began attacking the food, hungry as usual. Smiling, Rachelle said, "This is actually quite good, even if it is uncommonly spicy!" Then, thinking about what her companion had just stated, managed to add sarcastically, "I figured you had something in mind, Setne, other than having the two of us stroll across the countryside of Sindraj attracting attention as Egyptians on a secret mission."
    "Hind."
    "Who?"
    "Not who, my dear, the state, A 'what,' if you will. At the current time, Bombay is a part of the Hind Empire, I expect soon that there'll be another war, and then it might change hands again."
    "Don't lecture," Rachelle said between mouthfuls. "And eat something, too." She did worry about him, for when distracted, Inhetep often forgot all about meals.
    He tore off a small piece of bread and washed it down with the tea he had been sipping. "There. Plenty for what little 111 be doing. You need far more nourishment than I, so enjoy your breakfast while I talk. Now then, here is what I have in mind: we leave here early tomorrow morning, pass through the city gates when they open, and join with whatever pilgrimage we happen to come across that is heading for the sacred waters of the Punjab."
    "What about disguises?"
    Inhetep smiled knowingly as he went back to the bottomless coffer. He had no problem locating and withdrawing something this time. He held forth the items as if they were a prize fish. "You see, Rachelle? I neither lecture nor come unprepared. Straight from my store of costumes back home!"
    "I am amazed, Wonder of the Ages," she responded diyly. Secretly, she was impressed that he had brought along garments which appeared to be Hindic; clothing which would be unrecognizable from the ordinary native dress here. "What's this about pilgrims?"
    "The folk of this whole subcontinent are always traveling about for one reason or another—business, pleasure, and most frequently to visit this or that shrine or holy place. The five rivers of Delhi are one of the most holy of places, and we should have no difficulty finding a group going there. Large bands are less likely to attract muggers and bandits than are small parties, so a couple of more travelers will be welcomed."
    Rachelle had finished eating. She got up from the floor. "I don't like this business of sitting cross-legged to eat at a table too low for normal seating." She stretched, took off her coarse outer gown, armor, and finally her traveling boots. The magister watched her, patient for once. From a comfortable reclining position, the amazon continued. "From what I know, we are still a long, long way from where we need to be. Trudging with a horde of pilgrims across half