Working God's Mischief by Glen Cook

end.”
    â€œI know that terror.” His experiences had been soul-crushing. “Though it wasn’t so bad doing it in a big family glob. Tell him to fly. He’s got wings.”
    â€œGood idea. Though he’d really like to get his human shape back.”
    Iron Eyes and his crew worked on the gate to the middle world. Everyone recognized the instant the first gap opened.
    The gods gasped. Several shrieked. Faint though it was, the magic tasted delicious.
    â€œEasy!” Iron Eyes bellowed. “Don’t make me knock heads!”
    The gods became restless but rationality survived. Iron Eyes went around reminding them that only patience would assure survival. The way had to be opened so the barge could pass through.
    Threads of color raced through the harbor water. Golden light sparked on decomposing wood.
    â€œAnd here we go,” Iron Eyes soon said. “Discipline couldn’t last.”
    Several Old Ones abandoned human form to become gray mists that tangled and struggled to get to the magic.
    â€œThey’ll spread some terror round the islands where the mer live,” Februaren said.
    The hunger overpowered several more. Heris said, “Let’s hope they remember their obligations.”
    The opening of the way continued. Iron Eyes proceeded cautiously. Hecht asked, “You expecting trouble?”
    â€œAfter what Heris did to Kharoulke? With the obvious assistance of the Aelen Kofer? Why would I be careful sliding into his world? His ilk will want to make sure that never happens to them.”
    â€œCan’t stop it now. The knowledge is loose. Not even God Himself can make it go away.”
    Blasphemy! God could do anything. There were no limits on Him.
    Hecht wanted to believe that. He could not. Not anymore.
    â€œThat truth won’t keep the primal Instrumentalities from trying, Commander of the Righteous.”
    No doubt.
    Asgrimmur came up to check the size of the opening as the last two Old Ones surrendered to their hunger. He raised a wing some, let it relax. “Almost time. Heris. Be careful making your transition.” He hopped onto the rail, balanced precariously, flung himself forward. He came within inches of ending up wet. He did dip each wing tip once before gaining altitude.
    Hecht asked Heris, “There something going on between you two?”
    â€œNot yet.”
    â€œHeris!”
    â€œI didn’t mean that the way you’re thinking. Though it wouldn’t be any of your damned business if I did.”
    â€œHeris!” He tried out his boss male voice.
    â€œButt out, little brother. Or look forward to a long walk home. Shouldn’t take you more than three months if you survive the swim to Friesland.”
    Februaren and Renfrow were amused but kept quiet.
    Heris grumbled, “For thirty-eight years men told me what I could and couldn’t do. And I was miserable. That’s done. I’ll make my own misery, now, thank you very much.”
    Februaren made a small gesture, out of her sight, suggesting that Hecht shut the hell up.
    â€œAs you will,” Hecht said, conceding her personal sovereignty, but confused by her desire.
    Each time he thought he had adapted his new world smacked him with something else.
    Iron Eyes shouted in the Aelen Kofer tongue. The oars backed water. The barge rotated, then surged through the gateway.
    Even Piper Hecht felt the difference when the barge crossed over.
    Renfrow was gone in seconds, by whatever means he used. That left only Piper Hecht and his hodgepodge family.
    Heris asked, “Double Great, are you going with the rest of us? Or are you up to something of your own?”
    Februaren’s answer seemed more calculated than it should have been. So Hecht thought.
    â€œI have my own chores to attend. I’ll see you at the townhouse.” He vanished with an audible pop.
    Heris told the others, “Get in here close, around Piper. Anna, you and Pella need to be in the