“No harm? The Watch reported it to their supervisor, who reported it to me. I reported it to high magician Hiram and I believe it has since come to the ears of the king himself.” His face became all prim and starchy. “He is not pleased.’
I blew out my cheeks. “Can’t he tell me so in person?”
I blew out my cheeks. “Can’t he tell me so in person?”
The magician’s good eye bulged; it looked like an egg emerging from a chicken. “You dare suggest,” he cried, “that great Solomon, king of all Israel, master of all lands from the Gulf of Aqaba to the broad Euphrates, would deign to speak with a sulphurous slave such as you? The idea! In all my years, I have never something so offensive --!"
Oh, come, come. Look at the state of you. Surely you must have.”
“Two more notches, Bartimaeus, for your effrontery and cheek.” Out came the cylinder; the stylus scratched upon it furiously. “Now then, enough of your nonsense. Listen to me closely. Solomon desires new wonders for his collection. He has commanded his magicians to search the known world for
Oh, come, come. Look at the state of you. Surely you must have.”
“Two more notches, Bartimaeus, for your effrontery and cheek.” Out came the cylinder; the stylus scratched upon it furiously. “Now then, enough of your nonsense. Listen to me closely. Solomon desires new wonders for his collection. He has commanded his magicians to search the known world for
objects of beauty and power. This very moment, in all the walltowers of Jerusalem, my rivals conjure demons just as hideous as you and send them out like fiery comets to plunder ancient cities, north, south, east and west. All hope to astound the king with the treasures they secure. But they will be disappointed,
Bartimaeus, will they not, for we will bring him the finest prize of all. You understand me?”
