—I want your word on two scores, he said to Virgil. First, that Grimus possesses some means of undoing my immortality. There’s nothing for me on Calf Mountain, and I know eternity palls in my own world.
—So you’re back to that, said Virgil.
—Also, Flapping Eagle forged on, I must know that a way back exists: a way back to the place, world, dimension, whatever, that I came from.
—If we’re spared, you’d like to return.
—Yes.
—And if I give you my word, You’ll go to Grimus.
—If I can.
Virgil Jones smiled sadly.
—As far as I know, he said, the answer to both your questions is that there are no such certain ways and means of achieving either of your aims.
It was like a sentence of death, confirmed, with no appeal. No way back. The aim of centuries, to return to normal life, dashed; his recent aim, to live contentedly here in K, in ruins. Flapping Eagle was an empty man, a Shell without a Form.
—O hell, he said. I’ll do it anyway. Why not?
Virgil Jones smiled his sad smile again. It was tinged with triumph.
The time of action obliterates the process of evaluation. Virgil Jones, champion of doubt, had no time for it now. He was planning Flapping Eagle’s ascent to Grimus.
—The Gate to Grimus is similar in type to the one through which you entered the Sea of Calf. Though less crude. Impossible to find it unless you know where it is. Which, as it happens, I do. That’s where your conquest of the Inner Dimensions will come in handy. They cannot harm you now, so you can concentrate on moving through the Outer ones. It may not be pleasant, though. Grimus will certainly know you’re coming; he may well try and close the Gate. In which case you will have quite a battle to break through. He will also resist any attempt to tamper with the Rose. You’ll just have to do what you can, wait for the opportunity, you know, strike when the time is ripe and so forth. Remember this: he’s only a man.
—The odds do seem to be just slightly against me, said Flapping Eagle.
—About a hundred to one, said Virgil. And even if you get through … Grimus can be a very persuasive man.
—Where’s the Gate? asked Flapping Eagle mechanically.
—Ah yes, the Gate. Now that will involve escaping the mob. And climbing a little further. As far as, as far as, Liv. The black house, you know.
His voice trailed away lamely.
—I know, said Flapping Eagle. I met her. She sends you her regards.
Virgil jerked himself out of an incipient reverie.
—Met her? he said. Are you quite sure?
—No, said Flapping Eagle. She wore a black veil. From head to foot.
—That’s her, said Virgil. That’s Liv.
Flapping Eagle looked around the room. Creeping plants on the wall. Creeping spider on the ceiling. It was probably one of the last rooms he would ever see. Facing this, he discovered he didn’t particularly mind. He was a spent force now, Virgil’s tool, no more. Before coming to Calf Island, he had felt a suicidal urge born of desperation. He was not desperate now; he simply saw no particular value in remaining alive.
—Ah well, said Virgil Jones. It will be, ah, pleasant to see Liv again.
LI
—BY ALL MEANS, said Jocasta. Go, by all means.
Virgil stood before her like an errant schoolboy, wringing his hands, opening and shutting his mouth as though eternally on the verge of producing an acceptable explanation of his misdeeds.
—Go, repeated Jocasta. If the things we have done for you, the things I have done, mean so little, then please go at once. Go back to her. She’ll shred you into tiny pieces, that one. This time there will be nothing left for me to patch up. She sits up there and spins her webs and of course you walk right in. Go, go, be done with it, if you have the urge to wound yourself, I will not stop you any more. Perhaps you are a fool. Perhaps you are mad. It is mad, to go back, after the shame she brought upon you, but go. I will not stand in your way.
—I have to, Jocasta, said Virgil, distressed. I must show Flapping Eagle the Gate.
—Flapping Eagle! she cried. Who returned your kindness with betrayal. Who returned my kindness by intoxicating Media. Who has brought nothing but trouble to all who took him in. You’ll do anything for him.