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From:	"Jumping Spider" <spiderjumping@gmail.com>
Date:	2007/10/10 Wed AM 12:23:32 CDT
To:	spiderjumping@gmail.com
Subject:	ZETRIA ATRIAN AND THE SHELL GAME
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ZETRIA ATRIAN AND THE SHELL GAME

In due course Zetria Atrian came upon a gathering at a crossroads.  Resting
upon a soft cushion was a [man] in finely ornate robes.  Surrounding him was a
group of [people], mostly male, mostly old.  Some were dressed in vestments
even more fine than the seated one's.  Some were unclean and unshaven like
hermits.  All were arguing loudly.  As she approached, Zetria realized that
the arguers were vying for the seated one's favor.  That luminary raised his
head and regarded Zetria with a weary face.  "Ah, someone else come to prove
their worth?" he asked.

"Sire," Zetria said, "I don't know how much I'm 'worth', but my humble talents
are at your disposal."

Much of the arguing had quieted at this point, as the group regarded the
newcomer.  The seated one raised his eyebrows.  "You didn't come to petition
for the position of my advisor, advisor to the [King]?"

"My divinations merely said it would be a good idea for me to walk this way
today," Zetria replied.

"Others have claimed the power of divination," the [King] said.  At this point
several scholars stepped forward brandishing implements of divination, but the
[King] raised a hand and they fell silent.  "Tell me about your abilities."

"My abilities, as you call them, Sire, simply encompass the patience to listen
to what my shell tells me."  She held out the shell and the scholars looked at
it suspiciously, examining the various numbers of dots inscribed upon its
surface.

"And what does your shell tell you now?" the [King] asked.

"That the simplest way to choose your advisor is with a GAME," Zetria replied.
"A contest of wits."

The scholars began to argue again, but the [King] chuckled.  "An excellent
idea.  And you have a game in mind?"

"I do," Zetria replied, smiling.  "I will play any of your scholars or all of
them at once. The game is called [Dozen].  The two sides take turns choosing
numbers from zero to eight.  The first to possess a combination of three
numbers--no more, and no less--that add up to the sum of twelve is the
winner."

"This day may turn out amusing after all."  The [King] clapped his hands.
"Start the game!"

The scholars huddled together and debated amongst themselves.  Finally the one
draped in exquisite purple silk robes stepped forward.  "We wish to begin by
choosing the number four," he intoned, as if he were reading a sermon.

The [King] scowled at this presumption.  But Zetria merely bowed.  "Of course,
honored sir.  I will respond with five."

The scholar stared at her in surprise, then turned back to his compatriots.
More arguing ensued before he finally said, "Six."

Zetria nodded.  "And of course I will say two."

Grumbling was heard from the knot of scholars, but the representative nodded.
"One."

"I see you are grasping the game quickly," Zetria said.  "Seven."

A grin spread slowly across the lead scholar's face.  "Three!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, honored sir," Zetria said, bowing.  "I'm going to choose zero.
Seven, zero, five--I win."  Ignoring the shocked stares, Zetria turned and
again bowed to the [King].  "Your servant, sir."

THE FIRST BOOK OF MINIMER RANDIBONE - THE BOOK OF ZETRIA ATRIAN - END
231
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