Pandora Gets Angry by Carolyn Hennesy Page B

such as I had never known—jewels, land, fine garments, and a host of slaves to do my bidding. I told him that I was thankful for his kindness, but that I really wanted nothing more than to return home to my family. Yet the prince demanded that I remain as his personal physician; he built me a palace next to his and elevated me to a position at his court equal to that of his grand vizier.”
    â€œWhat’s that?” asked Pandy.
    â€œThe vizier is the most important, most trusted, and usually the wisest of the prince’s advisers. Except in this case. The grand vizier, seeing me ensconced in my new palace and in such favor with the prince became extremely jealous and, I am convinced, began to whisper into the prince’s ear that I was secretly plotting against him. The prince held a good opinion of me for many days but finally surrendered to the slander. One day, only a few weeks ago, the prince summoned me into his presence, but he did it with none of his usual graciousness: there were no roses strewn on the path before me; no lovely women leading me on, scenting the air with perfume; no musicians playing me along. This time, I was grabbed by my arms by two huge guards and dragged from my palace and thrown at the feet of the prince. The prince then said that he was aware that I was plotting to assassinate him and that he was going have me executed the next instant. I begged for only one thing.”
    â€œWhat? What!” cried Pandy, horrified and completely rapt.
    â€œThat I be allowed to return home to my family for a stay of one week and set my affairs in order, arrange my funeral, bestow some charity, and acquaint my eldest son with the books and papers that he will need in his new position. I promised that I would return by the next caravan and he could carry out his sentence.”
    â€œNo way !” shouted Homer.
    â€œYou gotta be kidding!” cried Pandy.
    â€œHe’s not,” said Mahfouza, punching the pillow.
    â€œBut you were, like, in the clear ,” Homer said in disbelief. “You could have taken your family and run!”
    â€œYour name is Homer, yes?” Douban asked.
    â€œYes,” said Homer.
    â€œWell, Homer,” Douban said. “Yes, you’re right, even though the prince sent a guard into my home, I could have easily made my escape anytime I wanted to. But I gave my word. In the end, it is the only thing that is ever wholly ours, and when we speak it must be only the truth. I said I would go back and back I am going. I am bringing my son so that he may return my remains to our home.”
    â€œNot cool,” Homer said quietly.
    â€œDo not despair,” Douban said, smiling. “Now that you all are here, I know I have made the right decision. You see, Pandora, I believe that my death will help you.”
    â€œOkaaay. Kind of a big leap. Not really seeing it,” Pandy said.
    â€œWhile I am going back to fulfill a promise, have no fear, the prince will also be punished. I know that you are not only searching for the great Evils, but for lesser ones as well. I believe that the prince is consumed with several, four to be exact: weakness of character, gullibility, deep ingratitude, and a lack of mercy. If you will join me at the palace at the moment of my execution, you may be able to capture a few of these. Now, you must pay attention to my head when it—”
    â€œUh, y-y-your head?” Pandy stuttered.
    â€œYes, my dear. That is how it will be done. The prince is demanding my head.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Paperwork
    The old official led Hera through a series of back rooms and corridors, each sumptuously designed and detailed, and each staffed with workers who whispered and gawked as the Queen of Heaven walked by. There were, Hera noticed, a curiously large number of small monkeys clothed in colorful, bejeweled vests and caps, racing to and fro—carrying papers, fetching cups of hot liquids to the workers, pushing