The warlock insane by Christopher Stasheff Read Free Book Online

mused. "I've always been partial to 'Roderick.' "
    "Fine by me—you can be 'Roderick,' and I'll be 'Rodney'—but 'Rod' for short, of course." He turned away down the road.
    The doppelganger gave him a dubious look as he fell into step beside him. "How come I feel like I came out on the short end, this time?"
    "Just overly sensitive," Rod said breezily. "You know we've always been a little paranoid."
    "True enough," the doppelganger said. Then his face cleared. "I know! Tomorrow we'll change names!
    How's that sound?"
    "If you must." Rod sighed, then came to a halt, frowning. "Hey! How come we're walking when we could ride?"
    "Good point." His other self turned back to Fess. "You don't mind carrying double, do you, old horse?"
    "Not at all, Rod," the robot said, and stepped forward.
    "We'll take turns in the saddle, of course," Rod noted as the doppelganger mounted.
    "Oh, of course." The doppelganger shook the reins and clucked to the horse, and they rode off down the road, with the saddle empty and Fess speculating on the exact nature of the delusion that was causing Rod to ride pillion.
    The trail led along the river, then forked. Rod stopped. "I'd just as soon not go into town right now." The doppelganger grinned. "Don't trust yourself, eh?"
    "Not at all. I mean, it looks like a very nice, quiet little village from here, but who knows what it'll appear to be once I get there?"
    "I could go ahead and scout it out," the doppelganger offered.
    "Great!" Rod saw a chance to get rid of his other self. "I'll ride around and meet you on the far side."
    "Fine. And speaking of meat, I'll stop by the tavern and get you some lunch."
    "There's a tavern there?"
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    "Well, I saw a green bush hanging from a sign bracket, and I don't think it was a florist's." Rod was tempted, but the thought of dumping his unwanted companion was stronger than the urge for hearth and ale. "I'll be obliged."
    The doppelganger grinned. "I know." They both dismounted; he turned away and struck out toward the town.
    Rod turned, too, toward the woods—and stopped, one foot in the air. He looked back to see what was holding him, but couldn't see anything—except for his doppel-ganger, stuck in the same pose, apparently straining against it with all his might. Rod lunged toward the wood, exerting every iota of willpower in an attempt to put his foot down—but he couldn't move an inch. "Fess—how come I can't go on?"
    "There is no physical cause, Rod."
    "Meaning it's psychosomatic. But I need to keep going." Rod turned back to the doppelganger, just as he turned to look at him.
    "Something there is that does not like a stall," he said. Rod winced. "Don't talk about Fess that way."
    "I didn't," his double assured him. "It's pretty obvious that something doesn't want us parted."
    "Have a heart!"
    "I do. So do you, in fact. And something wants the union of true hearts to be preserved."
    "You mean I can't get rid of you."
    "Hey! Look at it from my side—/ can't get away from you !''
    "Well, what must be, must be." Rod sighed. "I guess we travel together, or not at all. Come on, let's go."
    "And I had my skin all set for heat," the doppelganger griped. "But I have to admit, a hike through the woods is safer than letting you into a town."
    Rod scowled. "And are you so much safer than I am?"
    "Oh, infinitely safer! You think I'm a figment of your subconscious, don't you?"
    "Well…"
    "Right. And whoever heard of a mere figment doing any damage?"
    "Ever hear of Willy Loman?" Rod jibed. "But I take your point—hopefully on my shield. Come on, let's go."
    They did.
    They'd been traveling about half an hour when they heard the roar. They jumped for cover, but it was Page 29
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    too late. Pounding feet came thundering up to their thicket. "I see yuh, I see yuh!" bellowed a sub-basso.
    "Come on out and fight like