Read Online Bridgeworlds: Rise of the Magi by Randy Blackwell - Free Book Online Page B

for me to get it on than for you. Besides, I’m good with puzzles, remember?” Omar gave up trying and let him take the shirt. Myles studied the problem for a second and then slipped the shirt over the wings first and pulled the shirt down over his head while Omar stretched his arms through the sleeves.
    When Myles told Omar about the city he could see through the hole, they rushed down the hall. Omar stared at the scene in wonder and finally said, “Natives!”
    “Yeah,” answered Myles, “and I doubt we speak their language, Doc. Those are some strange-looking creatures down there.”
    “Ah, but I do have a cure for that in my bag. It is my auto-audio translator. It’ll bridge any gap of communication we may have. All you have to do is carry a nickel-sized device in your pocket, and it’ll let you hear them in your language while it lets them hear you in their language.”
    “You’re amazing, Doc. You have a gadget for everything. Okay, fork it over.”
    Omar ran back to his bike and pulled it out of the bag. “Now Myles, before rushing in this time, let’s observe them for a while and then discuss what we’ll do. I think we need to develop a plan first. Don’t think because you can talk to them that you should.”
    Myles shrugged his shoulders. “All right, Doc, I’m game.”
    They hunched over the hole and didn't speak for some time. Finally Omar observed, “There seems to be some kind of social organization by species. How many different kinds there are down there, do you think?”
    Silence ensued again. Myles presently said, “I got eleven.”
    Omar shook his head. “Twelve.”
    “No way, Doc. I only see eleven.”
    “What about the cats?”
    “Okay, Dr. Doolittle, I admit I wasn’t counting animals.”
    “Well, neither was I. But back home cats don’t walk on their hind legs while conversing with other creatures.”
    Myles took another look. “You got me there, Doc. How did I miss that? Not to mention that those aren't just kitty sweaters they're wearing.”
    “There are two more major things to consider, Myles. First, did you notice that there are no humans down there? And second, did you see there are other grey-skinned creatures with wings down there that look like I do?”
    Myles nodded. “Yeah. That I saw. It looks like you’ll fit right in, Doc. On the other hand, I’ll stick out like a sore thumb.”
    “Exactly!”
    “Do you have a gadget in your bag-o-tricks that’ll fix that?”
    “Actually, I do have one that bends light to project whatever image you want. But it runs on sunlight.”
    “There’s no sunlight here, so I guess I’ll have to let you do the talking.”
    “That sounds like a good idea, Myles.”
    “It’s a nice invention though. If you have a spare, I’ll buy one when we get out of here. That could be a handy tool in my line of work.”
    “You wouldn’t be able to afford it.”
    “Try me, Doc. I might surprise you. I’ve gambled my way into a small fortune.”
    Omar's heart pounded. It was all he could do to keep from shouting. Myles is a gambler! The gambler? The one Misaki talked about? I’ve come just like Misaki asked, and I’ve brought the gambler. I guess that proves we’re not here by accident. He swallowed hard and kept himself from blurting that out for now. “My 'gadget' would cost you 1.5 million dollars.”
    “Will rubies and diamonds do? I’ve got them on me right now.”
    “Myles, are you serious?”
    “Yes! I’m serious.”
    “You must be one accomplished gambler.”
    “Oh, believe me, I am. And I’m a great con artist too.”
    “Shame on you, Myles, Honestly, you’re going to get yourself killed someday!” Omar was glad he hadn't reminded Myles about Misaki's request. The man boosts his own ego enough already. How could he be the one Misaki wanted me to bring?
    “I about did already. I wonder what rare gems go for in these parts.”
    “Rare gems, huh? Now don’t get us in to any trouble, Myles.”
    “Me?