You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
TAXILA'S CHILDREN<br />
CHAPTER 21<br />
Rho Orper took his time riding through the Seven Lands. It had been many years since he<br />
had had the opportunity to do so. The perfect excuse had been provided by the report<br />
submitted by Zayez the All Wise. On the surface of it, the matter of the hairless Scarn should<br />
be of little concern to the High Thane. It was an intriguing story but little more - and one had<br />
to make allowances for the obvious exaggerations contained in the report. It would be good<br />
for a half hour's amusement during the early hours of his visit to Lyot's domain. It would also<br />
provide the perfect opportunity to place his Clan cousin at a disadvantage.<br />
Lyot of the Seven Lands, was not one of his supporters on the High Council of the Thanes.<br />
He resisted some of those measures which the other Thanes considered necessary to introduce<br />
to counter the growing infertility crisis. The acceptance of the hairless Scarn into the<br />
Thanehold of Lyot of the Seven Lands - and now, the incredible liaison which had developed<br />
between the younger daughter and this creature, would provide Rho Orper with considerable<br />
leverage.<br />
He glanced at his silent retinue of Adepts - the cream of those trained by Zayez the All<br />
Wise. They were the most cogent in their ability to Far See. They kept him informed of every<br />
thought which passed the threshold of the mind in those he wished to keep under<br />
surveillance. Lyot and his family were prime targets and had been for many years. The<br />
current turmoil of their thoughts had kept his Adepts busy during the recent days. He smiled,<br />
knowing that his own thoughts were masked. Not only was he the greatest Adept in matters<br />
of the mind block, but he also had their combined force to act as a shield around him.<br />
Zayez the All Wise might consider himself to be the Master of the Secrets of the Adepts<br />
and possess the powers of the ancients, but there were chinks in his armour. Rho Orper could<br />
penetrate Zayez's supposedly perfect mind block and could sense the aura of excitement and<br />
anticipation the visitation of the hairless Scarn had produced in the old man. He could also<br />
read the weakening of Zayez's powers. It would not be long before the Adepts would need a<br />
new Master and the High Thane had many candidates from which to choose to fill that<br />
demanding position.<br />
The force which rode with him was small. Sufficient to provide an escort in keeping with<br />
his position, but not large enough to be considered belligerent by even the most nervous of<br />
the Thanes. Lyot had never shown any signs of nervousness, it almost bordered on lack of<br />
123
Change language