The Three Furies (Erec Rex) by Kaza Kingsley Page A

the magnet. I just want someone who has the magnet. "I don't have a plan for it. Actually, I'm more interested in who you've sold one to. Are there many magnets like that floating around?"
    The man's smile crumpled. "I see," he growled. "You're not here to buy , you're here to spy . Is that it? Afraid one of your enemies bought a person magnet here?"
    Jam pulled a gold ring out of his pocket and the man gulped, staring at it. "Not at all, kind sir. Nothing like that at all. We're here to buy. Either a magnet or your advice, that is all."
    "But of co-ourse ." The man's voice sounded snakelike. "Call me Bill, by the way. I'm so pleased to give you any advice you want. And if you have two of those"--he pointed toward the gold ring coin--"I'll be able to give you the best advice I have."
    "Of course, Bill, sir." Jam produced another gold ring coin, making Bill nearly drool.
    A dirt-crusted worker stuck his head into the room. "Excuse me, sir, but there's a problem down in the--"
    "Shut it, Billy," Bill roared. "Can't you see that I'm busy here? Use your eyes, since you don't have a brain. Now get out of here."
    Erec could not help but point. "His name was Billy? Wasn't the other guy in here named Billy . . . ?"
    "Yes." The sick smile spread over Bill's cheeks. "All of my workers are called Billy when they are here--after me, of course. They're all
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    like parts of me, you see, running around, doing what I want them to do."
    Erec shuddered. He could not wait to get out of this awful place.
    Jam seemed to understand. "Sir. Please, for these coins. Who has bought the most powerful person magnet that you've sold?"
    Bill put a finger on his chin and pursed his lips. "Well, recently there was a young woman in love with a man who couldn't stand her. I gave her one of my specials." He raised his eyebrows as if that might be good enough.
    "Well, sir, we were looking for a man who bought a person magnet. Do they come in different strengths, maybe?"
    "No. I get all my complicated magnets imported from the clowns. Of course, the recent clown problems have driven prices up quite a bit."
    "Have you ever ordered a stronger person magnet from somewhere else?"
    "No." Bill was beginning to look angry again. "I think it's time to pay me those ring coins now. My advice is done."
    Jam dropped the coins in Bill's chunky palm and produced one more. "Think hard for me, sir. Do you know anyone, anywhere, who has an especially strong person magnet?"
    Bill's eyes lit up again, staring at the new gold coin. "Of course, mister. There is that one guy. You know. He's famous for that magnet--at least in my circles. He won't sell it, though, so don't even try. It works too well for him."
    Erec caught Jam with a glance. "What's his name?"
    "Oh, man. What was it? I used to just call him 'the man with the magnet.' Oh, yeah. Danen Nomad is his name. Moved to Cinnalim recently, I heard."
    Jam dropped the coin into Bill's hand and thanked him.
    "Come back soon. I've got a lot more advice where that came
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    from." Bill jangled his coins greedily. Then he flicked an eyebrow up. "Hey, how much more money you got with you?"
    "That was about it, kind sir. We really must be leaving now."
    "No, wait. You can't leave without buying a magnet. They're real cheap. One more gold ring and you can have any you want in the whole place."
    Erec knew he could get magnets for a few Bils online, or at most some silver shires. "I don't think so."
    Bill jumped up and blocked the door, determined to get their last coin before they left. "I'll be insulted. You came all the way here, bothered me for my help. Now buy a stinkin' magnet, all right?"
    Jam held up a hand. "I only have a few shires left, sir. Is there a magnet you recommend?"
    "Yeah, sure." Bill held his fat fist out. "Get a luck magnet. You might need it." He yelled into the storeroom to a young man walking by in a yellow hard hat. "Hey, Billy. Get this gentleman a luck magnet. Our very best ." He chuckled as if sharing an