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following persons: Kaiark Jochaim, who is dead, the Kraike Singhalissa, the
Kang Destian, the Lissolet Sthelany. Then, from Eccord, the Kaiark Rianlle,
the Kraike Dervas, and the Lissolet Maerio. And, conceivably, Matho Lorcas,
except in this case, why would you take me to Skogel7"
"Precisely so," said Lorcas. "On that distant occasion I dosed you only with
good wine from which you took no harm."
"And you saw nothing significant, nothing suspicious, nothing dire?"
Lorcas reflected. "I noticed nothing overt. I felt stifled passion and flows
of emotion, but where they led I could not divine. To be candid, I expected
strange personalities among the Rhunes, and I made no attempt to understand
what I saw. Without a memory you will also be handicapped."
"Very likely. But now I am Kaiark and everyone must go at my pace. I can
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memory at leisure. What is the best transportation to Scharrode?"
"There's no choice," said Lorcas. "You hire an aircar and fly out." He looked
casually up into the sky, which Cirse was about to depart. "If you permit, I
will accompany you."
"What is your interest in the affair?" asked Efraim suspiciously.
Lorcas responded with an airy gesture. "I have long wished to visit the
Realms. The Rhunes are a fascinating people and I am anxious to learn more
about them. And, if the truth be known, I am anxious to pursue one or two
acquaintances."
"You might not enjoy your visit. I am Kaiark, but I have enemies and they
might not distinguish between us."
"I rely upon the notorious Rhune revulsion against violent conduct, which they
abandon only during their incessant wars. And who knows? You might find a
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companion useful."
"Perhaps. Who is this acquaintance whom you are anxious to cultivate? The
Lissolet Sthelany?"
Lorcas nodded glumly. "She is an intriguing young woman; in fact, I will go so
far as to say that she represents a challenge. As a rule, pretty ladies find
me sympathetic, but the Lissolet Sthelany barely notices my existence."
Efraim gave a sour chuckle. "In Scharrode the situation will be worse rather
than better."
"I expect no true triumphs; still, if I can persuade her to alter her
expression from time to time, I will consider the journey a success."
"I doubt if all will go so easily. The Rhunes find outland manners coarse and
vulgar."
"You are Kaiark; your orders must be obeyed. If you decree tolerance, then the
Lissolet Sthelany must instantly bend to your will."
"It will be an interesting experiment," said Efraim. "Well then, make yourself
ready; we leave at once!"
(1) Chorasm: Sebalism carried to a remarkable extreme.
Chapter 6
During early isp Efraim arrived at the office of the local air transport
service, to find that Lorcas had already hired an aircar of no great elegance
- its metalwork stained by long exposure to the elements, the glass of the
dome clouded, the flanges around the pods cratered and corroded.
Lorcas said apologetically: "It's the best available, and quite dependable;
in a hundred and two years the engine has never failed, or so I'm told."
With a skeptical eye Efraim surveyed the vehicle. "If it flies us to
Scharrode, I don't care what it looks like."
"Sooner or later the craft will collapse, most likely in mid-air. Still the
alternative is shank's mare along the Fwai-chi trails. The terrain is most
impressive, nor would you make so dignified an arrival."
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"There is something in what you say," Efraim admitted. "Are you ready to
leave?"
"At any time. But let me make a suggestion. Why not send a message ahead to
prepare them for your coming?"
"So that someone can fly out and shoot us down?"
Lorcas shook his head. "Aircars are banned to the Rhunes, for just this
reason. The present issue is one of dignity, and if I may presume to advise
you, a Kaiark announces his arrival so that a formal reception may be
arranged. I will speak for you, as your aide, which will lend dignity to the
occasion."
"Very well, do as you like."
"The Kraike Singhalissa is now the head of the household?"
"So I would suppose."
At a videophone as antiquated as the aircar, Lorcas put through a call.
A footman in a black and scarlet uniform responded. "I speak for Benbuphar
Strang. Please state your business."
"I want a few words with the Kraike Singhalissa," said Lorcas. "I have
important information to transmit."
"You must call at some other time. The Kraike is in consultation regarding the
investiture."
"Investiture? Of whom?"
"Of the new Kaiark."
"And who will this be?"
"The present Kang Destian, who is next in order of succession."
"And when does the investiture occur?"
"In one week's time, when the present Kaiark is to be declared derelict."
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Lorcas laughed. "Please inform the Kraike that the investiture may be
canceled, since Kaiark Efraim is immediately returning to Scharrode."
The footman stared into the screen. "I cannot take responsibility for such an
announcement."
Efraim stepped forward. "Do you recognize me?" [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]