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Title: Deadly Dreadful
Author: jetta_e_rus aka Georgette
Fandom: Vorkosiverse
Rating: gen, PG, humor.
Summary: Once late at night three boys decided to entertain each other with typical Barrayran-style scary tales.
Wordcount: 4000
Translated from Russian (the original title is "Жуть с ружьем") by Edik the Ogre
Beta reading by coalboy

Deep in the night Miles was sitting on the Emperor’s bed in plain pajamas and kicked the air. At least such a pose implied more dignity than a position in the big armchair, where a seven year old boy would simply sink. And he definitely needed to look dignified. Surface impression stands not the last in the list of factors helping to draw loyal followers to your side.

“It’s full of both moons, and “stub hour” on top of that, that’s a rare chance! If there are ghosts in the Residence, they will show up today, for sure!”

Miles didn’t believe in ghosts that much, but he was absolutely sure there existed a lot of interesting stuff being hidden from him on some purpose by adults and intended especially for thorough investigation. Besides, there should be a good reason why servants were so happy and told so many scary things about the Imperial Residence, when Miles and his parents moved into the count’s house. Make no fire, raise no smoke, and if you start haunting ghosts in the palace, you should take care to do it properly. Which means, in this time between the last clock strike and midnight which is not enough even for a real hour. Good ambush is a must.

“First of all”, said a mature and reasonable twelve-year-old Gregor, “there are no such thing as ghosts. Lady Cordelia told me that. And second, there must be some evil spirits, waiting for someone to curse. Do you need a curse?”
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