Chapter 46

Bartz reached into his pocket and pulled out two zinc pieces. He handed them to the doorman.

The man inspected the zinc carefully, holding the pieces up to the light and tapping them against his diamond signet ring. Once he was satisfied they were real, he walked over to the showcase. He banged the top twice. The side of the case slid open. The man selected the required map and handed it to Bartz.

“Is there anything else we can do for you, sir?” he asked.

“I do not suppose you rent rooms?” Bartz asked.

“Of course we do,” the man said proudly. “Very fine ones with hot water and a sauna.”

“Sounds great!” Tomas exclaimed, “How much?”

The man looked at them carefully, “Do you wish for separate beds?”

“Yes,” Bartz answered quickly. He didn’t want to give Tomas a chance to say anything that could get him turned into anything.

The man drew a calculating instrument out of his vest pocket and clicked away on it. “Is the bird housebroken?”