The Dastard (35 page)

“Why are you here?” Harmony asked.

“Are you a prince?” Rhythm concluded.

“I'm Anomy,” he said. “I got switched with my adult Self. I don't know why. Maybe it was one of my bad ideas. I'm not a prince. I'm nobody special.”

Becka realized that none of them remembered the past few days in Xanth. They were really different people; they had not been here.

“Well, maybe you'll be a prince someday,” Melody said with unconscious prophecy.

“Let's play tag,” Harmony said.

“And you're it,” Rhythm cried, slapping Anomy as they all bolted for the nearest pie trees. The boy chased after them, glad to play the game.

That left Becka and Princess Ida. “I think you understand that you must not speak of the events of the past few days,” Ida said.

“Yes, of course. I guess I'd better go home.”

“You have accomplished your purpose,” Ida said.

Becka paused. “Oh, that's right! I went to the Good Magician to ask what was my purpose, and he said to effect the welfare of Xanth. Then I had to go help the Dastard, as my Service. I almost forgot how it started.”

“You did help,” Ida said. “Without you, this adventure might have had a very different outcome.”

Becka nodded. “Maybe so. I'm glad it worked out, but sort of sad it's all over. It's going to be dull, going home again. Mother really doesn't need a teenager underfoot, especially not a dragon, and of course Father Draco doesn't either. I can't turn girl when I'm with him, because he's ashamed of my human element. There's really no place I can be completely myself.”

“Perhaps that return can be delayed.”

“Delayed? I can't stay on this adventure; it's over, and I can't even talk about it.”

“The Big Princesses appreciated your help, and left a job for you. But it will require some upkeep.”

Becka was blank. “Job? Upkeep?”

“What they left can't be moved, and needs a hostess, and guarding.”

“I don't understand. They didn't leave anything; they just exchanged and went back to Ptero.”

“There was one more event you were not aware of.”

“There was?” Becka realized that it was possible.

“If you will change forms, I will show you where it is. Then perhaps you will understand.”

“Uh, okay,” Becka said doubtfully. She turned dragon.

The princess got on her back and gave her directions. Becka walked rapidly there. Whatever it was, it was deep in the jungle. There was no path; she had to forge through almost impenetrable thickets. No one would find his way here by accident.

They came to a glade. In the glade was an extremely fancy castle.

“Maidragon!” Becka cried, turning girl as she beheld it.

“It lacks a hostess to occupy it, and a moat monster to guard it. There is a chamber that must not be opened, and travelers might not understand. The Big Princesses thought perhaps a dragon would do for the outside, and a person for the inside.”

“They want me to stay here?” Becka asked, awed.

“If you would be so kind. Of course the Little Princesses don't yet know about this, but I'm sure they would like to visit it, and perhaps others would too, like your parents, if we could be sure it was properly maintained. By someone with discretion.”

Becka gazed at the castle, slowly appreciating the significance of the “job.” It was really a gift. She had a new home. For both her forms.