Discord's Apple

As a cat seated under the bumper, Hera listened to the Greek try to start a conversation with the Wanderer.

He leaned on the car, near the window where Frank Walker sat. The Wanderer stood nearby, his arms crossed.

“What did she promise you to get you to join her?” the Greek said.

“Perhaps I was just curious.”

“Thought you could learn a few tricks?”

“No. Not many left to learn at my age.”

“You’re old?”

“Relatively.”

“How old?”

“I met Christ.”

Conversationally, the Greek said, “I saw him once, preaching at a village near Tyre.”

“He was a good preacher.”

“And a hell of a wizard.”

“Yes.”

There was a pause; then the Greek said, “Your friend in there doesn’t look well.”

“I’m fine,” the old man grumbled through the closed window.

“No,” said the Greek. “I think you look ill. Are you sure you don’t want to step out and get some air?”

The Wanderer said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Hera wished she could see. This was turning into quite the little show. Perhaps she’d make herself a sparrow next time.

“No,” Frank said, his voice thoughtful. “He’s right. It’s a little stuffy in here. Do I look pale?”

“A bit,” said Alex.

“I might be nauseated.”

“Come on, I’m not a fool,” the Wanderer said.

“Nor do I take you for one, which is why I think you’ll allow this fellow to vomit outside the car rather than inside.”

Hera couldn’t believe it. The Wanderer was actually going to fall prey to the charade.

The car door opened. Footsteps crunched on gravel as someone climbed out of the car.

Hera emerged from under the bumper, a gray cat racing around the Greek. She padded to a stop in front of the Wanderer, who held Frank Walker by the arm, outside the car. Out of her hiding place, she spotted a hulking warrior running toward the car.

She made herself whole and human and, crossing her arms, regarded the three men. “That will be quite enough,” she said.

________

Evie saw a startling flash of light, and the cat who’d made a dash along the driveway became Hera. She stood only a pace or two away from Alex and her father, who’d been leaving the car.