Castle for Rent by John Dechancie

volumes of inestimable worth. It also made an excellent redoubt for a librarian.
    The vault was completely dark. Cursing himself for not doing it before, he sought candle and flint wheel. At length he managed to get a flame from the wheel, lit a candle, and stood it in its sconce on the table. The tiny chamber filled with yellow light. The flame of the candle guttered. The place was well ventilated. He would be fine here, for a while. He had light, air, food, and books—and he could catch a few winks under the table. No one could find him, no one would bother him, not even the Hell-begotten blue demons.
    Now, all he had to do was discover what particular hell had begotten them.
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    Keep
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    Gene stepped over the body of another castle Guardsman. He had lost track of how many they had encountered.
    â€œThe Bluefaces are everywhere,” he said to Linda. “It's a well-organized and coordinated attack. Meticulously planned, too, I'll bet."
    â€œWhat should we do?” Linda asked.
    â€œLeave the castle. Have any preferences as to what aspect we dive through?"
    â€œOh, any nice place with trees and grass, I guess."
    â€œTrees and grass? How about a source of food? Remember, when you leave the castle, your magic stays here. No more whipping up quick meals with a wave of the hand."
    â€œThat's going to be somewhat of a problem."
    They continued down the hallway cautiously, Gene in the lead and Snowclaw bringing up the rear. Sheila tagged close to Linda, whose hand she occasionally sought when danger neared. Linda didn't look as scared as Sheila was. But then, Linda was used to this place. Sheila didn't understand how anyone could get used to a nightmare, but she was more than willing to stick close to anyone who could.
    They walked on a little farther until they came to a crossing corridor, at which they stopped. Gene poked his head around the corner.
    â€œIt's clear.” As he took a step forward, grunting sounds came from far down the hall to the left. Gene backstepped hastily, bumping into Linda. “Company coming!” he whispered.
    They backtracked to an empty alcove and crowded into it. Sheila squeezed in next to Snowclaw, noticing how smooth and silky his fur was.
    The rumble of heavy running feet sounded. Gene knelt, peered around the corner, and saw Bluefaces streaming through the intersection of the corridors.
    â€œThere must be thirty of ‘em. No, fifty."
    The thunder of footsteps receded, diminishing to distant echoes.
    Gene took a breath. “They must have invaded with a force in the thousands. They've probably already taken over key points in the castle."
    â€œWe don't have much of a chance,” Linda said.
    â€œNot unless we find an acceptable gateway soon. If this keeps up, we might have to take the next one we run across."
    â€œI'd invite you all to my world,” Snowclaw said, “except that it's pretty darn cold there, and you hairless types might not take to it. Besides, the portal's on the other side of the castle."
    â€œI'd put up with the cold,” Gene said. “The more unattractive the world, the less chance the Bluefaces might be interested in it."
    â€œMaybe so,” Snowclaw said. “Well, you're all welcome to stay in my shack for as long as you like. I wouldn't mind the company.” He scratched his belly absently. “We'd be a little crowded, though."
    Gene said, “Snowy, I've always wanted to see your world, but I'm going to keep it as a last resort.” Gene leaned against the wall and scratched under his cuirass. “Damn it, all the best portals are in the Guest areas, which is where most of the invaders are going to be hanging out, of course."
    â€œThe one with the golf course is nice,” Linda said. “And the little dinosaur-humanoids are friendly."
    â€œPrimitive,” Gene said, shaking his head. “Hot, and dangerous. Outside the little resort area, it's pretty rough out there in