Druganin’s room was one of the most comfortable in the house, draped in plush velvets and furnished with soft, deep chairs. Nobody took any pleasure in these delights. However handsome and comfortable his red velvet chair might be, it felt constrictive to Konrad. He wanted nothing more than to be done, and gone.
The serpents returned, and Konrad immediately put them on the watch for Druganin. He felt some compunction upon doing so, for they were weary after their battle with the shade of Jakub Vasilescu. But he needed their assistance.
Inform me the moment he appears, Konrad instructed.
Yes, Master, said Ootapi glumly, and Eetapi only sighed.
I am sorry, he told them. Soon we will be finished with this bad business.
Not soon enough, muttered Ootapi, with Konrad’s full agreement.
‘Wha
