01 Taxilas Children

TAXILA'S CHILDREN
respect, but Lyot had always ensured that the High Thane was treated with the correct degree
of deference. That had been the case until the advent of the hairless Scarn - now there was a
disturbance in the Psi. Lyot was rattled!
Rho Orper found his interest in this aberration stimulated. Whatever this creature was, it
had managed to agitate Zayez to issue an unbelievable report and had clearly left the old man
in a fever pitch of excitement. The creature had managed to seduce Maia, Lyot's daughter. It
had created considerable mental unrest in other family members - especially Danyk, who the
High Thane viewed as his next greatest threat after Lyot. Perhaps, on reflection, it would be
as well to devote a little extra time to the study of this - aberration!
They had entered the home fields of the Thanehold and his Adepts fed him with a view of
what was happening within. Lyot and his family were assembling - naturally, clad in their
finest clothing! He smiled slightly, their clothing wouldn't hide their thoughts, his Adepts
would ensure that. His smile faded, there was one missing! The thought was conveyed to one
of his black clad, silent companions and immediately, he was able to visualise the girl. She
stood arguing with a creature he would not have believed to exist. He looked sharply at the
Adept, perhaps his powers were not being utilised correctly. They were reinforced by another
of his company. The creature was brought into sharply in to mental focus - this was the
hairless Scarn!
The message came to him clearly, he could hear the words.
"Maia, I tell you. You must join your family to greet the big noise!"
"Steve Holt! I refuse, unless you are with me!"
"Do as you're told - or I'll slap your backside!"
"If you ever touch me - I'll - I'll have you knackered!"
"Is that the way you people organise divorce?"
Rho Orper watched fascinated, perhaps, Zayez was not becoming senile after all! But what
sort of abortion was this creature? It was speaking again, holding the girl against it.
"Don't you understand - if you're not there, it might be taken as an insult. Your father could
suffer for it. When it's time for me to be presented - or whatever happens - I'll be told. In the
meantime, go and do your social duty!"
The girl capitulated as the High Thane entered the outer gate of the Thanehold. By the time
he had been assisted to dismount by Lyot of the Seven Lands, she had joined the family
group.
Rho Orper looked at each one with a congenial smile.
"I am so happy to meet you again - all of you. Especially my cousin Lyot and you Hepha.
Can this possibly be Krin and of course, you are Danyk - and Laoni - and Maia - my dear
Maia, I have been hearing such exciting stories about you and your adventures - "
The thought came to Rho Orper as he was speaking.
'Danyk has a mind channel open to the hairless Scarn. The creature in disrespectful
towards you, but intrigued'.
The High Thane was escorted into the great reception room and received by Lyot's senior
advisors. He was seated in the place of honour and served the customary refreshments. He
maintained a well polished flow of trivial conversation until the gathering broke up and he
was escorted to a wing of the Thanehold which had been made ready for him and his retinue.
He kept with him six personal attendants and his circle of ten Adepts. He had a parting
request as his host left.
"My dear Lyot, perhaps, this evening, as part of our entertainment, I might be introduced to
your intriguing guest - this hairless Scarn which you have taken under your roof!"
Lyot bowed silently and left his gently smiling guest. He imposed the tightest mind block
he knew and allowed himself the privilege of venting his mounting rage. Danyk met him in
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