"As you march home, each of your strides will carry you six yards, and you will arrive at Castle Cloud well before you expected."
Sir Jaucinet bowed stiffly; first to King Throbius and then to Osfer. For Madouc he spared only a glance of moist-eyed reproach; then he was gone, bounding across Madling Meadow on six-fold strides, and was soon lost to sight.
King Throbius turned to Osfer. "Now then: let us deal with the peasant Nisby."
"Sire, you will note on this dish the matrix of Nisby, which I have already taken the liberty of constructing."
Madouc went to look. To her dismay, Nisby"s matrix resembled her not at all, and everyone agreed that her paternity surely resided elsewhere than with Nisby. Glumly Madouc liberated him from his nerveless apathy; Osfer applied the "Six-fold Spell" and Nisby was sent on his way.
King Throbius addressed Madouc in a somber voice: "My dear, I have taken your interest to heart, and I cannot say that I am pleased with our findings. You have been sired neither by Sir Jaucinet nor by Nisby; hence, we are left with this shadowy weirdling with vacancy for a face. The Third Statute of Logic, sometimes known as the "Law of Exclusion", forces me to declare him your father. You may liberate him and hold your reunion at whatever time and place suits your best convenience; no doubt you will have much to tell each other."
Madouc cried out in a troubled voice: "Your logic is naturally superb, but should we not also test this creature"s matrix?"
King Throbius spoke to Osfer: "What is your opinion?"
"I suggest a third matrix, if only to create a philosophical symmetry."
King Throbius said: "I am not opposed, though the test will be redundant. However, you may approach Madouc"s father, draw three minims of blood and erect a matrix for all to see."
Osfer gingerly approached the black-cloaked figure, then halted in bafflement.
King Throbius called out: "Why do you delay? We are anxious to demonstrate Madouc"s paternity!"
"I am in a quandary," said Osfer. "He wears cloak, boots and gloves; he lacks neck, face and scalp. In order to draw his blood, I must remove the cloak, and expose his person. Shall I proceed?"
"Proceed, by all means!" commanded King Throbius.
"Ordinarily we would respect his modesty, but delicacy must be put aside, along with the cloak. Madouc, you may avert your eyes if you wish."
"I will see what needs to be seen," said Madouc. She ignored Sir Pom-Pom"s disparaging snort. "Continue with the work."
Osfer, with little fingers extended, in the manner of a fastidious tailor, unclasped the buckle at the neck of the cloak, which then fell somewhat apart. Osfer looked into the gap and gave a startled exclamation. With a single sweep he drew the cloak aside, to reveal a squat gray-faced troll with a bottle nose, pendulous cheeks and eyes like small b.a.l.l.s of black gla.s.s. His arms were long and knotted; his splayed legs were thrust into tall boots. Osfer cried out: "It is Mangeon the troll!"
Twisk gave a thin wailing shriek of distress. "Now I understand all! With what ign.o.ble cunning he took his lewd revenge!"
Madouc quavered: "Despite all logic, can this truly be my father?"
"We shall see!" said King Throbius. "Osfer, build the matrix!"
"Sire, I have preceded your command! The matrix is already formed! You may examine it as you see fit, and compare it with that provided by Madouc."
King Throbius peered down at the two matrices. He spoke in perplexity. "How can it be? Does madness rule the world? Does the sun rise in the west? Is water wet and fire hot, or is it all in reverse? Logic has played us all false! This matrix is more at discord than both of the others together! I am baffled!"
Madouc could not restrain a yelp of happy relief. "Sir Jaucinet is not my father. Nisby is not my father. This repulsive halfling is not my father. Who then is my father?"
King Throbius examined Twisk with a speculative eye. "Can you clarify this puzzle?"
The dispirited Twisk could only shake her head. "The time is long past. I cannot remember every trifle."
"Still, one of these trifles produced Madouc."
"So much is conceded," said Twisk, "but memories blend; faces merge. When I shut my eyes, I hear whispers-beguilements, adoration, sighs of love requited-but I find no name for these voices."
King Throbius noticed Madouc"s disconsolate face. He said: "Do not despair! There remains yet another arrow in the quiver! But first I must deal with this odious troll."
Twisk spoke with fervor. "He deserves no mercy; he caused me great unease."
King Throbius pulled at his beard. "It is a complex situation, since I cannot decide which of our laws he has violated. His trickery was instigated in part by Twisk herself, but his response seems inordinately rude. Flirts through the ages have notoriously enjoyed immunity." King Throbius paced back and forth, and the implets who carried his train were hard-put to carry out their duties. Osfer meanwhile took Mangeon somewhat aside, along with several of his thaumaturgical instruments.
King Throbius came to a halt. He raised his hand in a majestic gesture. "I have arrived at a judgment. Mangeon"s conduct has been sordid and disreputable. Further, he has affronted the dignity of Thripsey Shee. The penalty must be consonant with the offense; still we must take note of contributory circ.u.mstances. We will therefore allow Mangeon tranquillity and scope for remorse; we will urge him, whether he is so inclined or not, along the narrow path of restraint. Osfer, do you understand the nature of my indication, or must I spell it out in full detail?"
"Sire, I have understood you fully, and indeed I have already implemented your sentence, in full and final scope."
"Osfer, you are a marvel of efficiency!" King Throbius turned to Madouc. "You may now release Mangeon from his paralysis"
Madouc touched Mangeon with the pebble. Instantly he gave vent to furious roaring complaint. "I deplore the outrages committed upon my person! They represent an irresponsible philosophy!"
King Throbius spoke with dignity: "You are free to depart; be happy on this account!"
"I am free, but to what purpose?" roared Mangeon. "How now will I occupy the long hours of day and night? With poetry? By observing the flight of b.u.t.terflies? Your judgment was incorrect!"
King Throbius made a peremptory gesture. "I will hear no more! Be off to your ill-smelling hovel."
Mangeon threw his arms into the air and ran off across the meadow, to disappear up Wamble Way.
King Throbius returned to Madouc. "We must re-examine your case. Osfer, I suggest simulacra and the subtractive effect."
"Exactly my opinion, Your Highness! I have prepared for the process."
"Proceed, if you will."
Osfer placed three silver plates upon the table. Twisk watched with a frown of foreboding. "What is this new plan, and what does it entail?"
Osfer replied in soothing tones. "It is the most elegant and subtle procedure of all! Soon you will look into the face of Madouc"s father."
Twisk frowned in annoyance. "Why did you not work this sleight before and spare me the anguish of the bloodletting?"
"It is not so simple as we might like it to be. Step forward, if you will."
"What? Not again! You shall have no more of my vital fluids! Do you wish me to become a wisp, a wraith, a desiccation?"
King Throbius called a sharp command and Twisk, writhing and moaning, at last allowed Osfer to draw off another three minims of her blood.
Osfer worked his thaumaturgy and up from the plate rose a simulacrum of Twisk"s lovely head.
Next, Osfer signalled to Madouc. "Come!"
Madouc cried out: "I too am dangerously weak! If blood is needed, drain Sir Pom-Pom, or even King Throbius himself."