01 Taxilas Children

TAXILA'S CHILDREN
The surface pleasantries had been observed and the feast took the well trodden path of
protocol. Rho Arpor was content to bide his time, well aware that his curiosity would be
satisfied before the evening was finished. The thought flow from his Adepts pictured the
Scarn creature waiting in the chamber he shared with Maia. He could continue to wait until
the High Thane was ready - and he was in no hurry to be ready. The prolonged delay was
increasing the tension within Lyot and his immediate family - and that was always good
tactics.
He looked into the mind of Maia. The girl intrigued him. The readiness with which she had
formed a union with the strange creature was surprising. Her ability to prevent him from
gaining full access to her thoughts, was also provocative. He didn't force the issue, she could
keep her secrets until he decided to break down the barriers.
He probed the mind of Laoni and almost recoiled from what he found. The germ of an idea
started to form. A master play which would place Lyot and his stewardship for ever at the
disposal of Rho Arpor and his heirs.
At the end of an exchange of generalities, he neatly changed the subject.
"My dear cousin, Lyot. You surely must realise how devoured by curiosity I am. Is it now
not time to introduce me to your other guest? One, whom I see, has not graced us with his
presence this evening."
Before Lyot could answer, Maia broke every rule of protocol and rose in her place.
"My Lord the High Thane must surely know that Steve Holt is no longer considered to be a
guest in this house, but rather is thought of as no more than a hybrid, hairless Scarn, with
whom I have been defiled!"
Lyot also rose to his feet. His thoughts thundered in their minds.
"Sit down, girl! You embarrass your family before the High Thane!"
Rho Arpor gestured in conciliation.
"It was not my wish to introduce discord in your household, cousin. If the matter is
delicate, this creature can remain where it is hidden. It is of small consequence!"
There was a disturbance at the entrance. Rho Arpor's eyes narrowed into slits of
concentration. The creature had entered, it was how it had been shown to him by his Adepts.
It was substantial, filling the finery of its tunic. Its hair was quite dark compared to the Lynxe
men. There was no facial hair and the nose was almost a beak. Its eyes were focused
unblinkingly on his, they were a deep blue. The mouth looked capable of humour but was a
firm, militant slit on this occasion. It walked forward boldly, down the centre of the room. It
was unlike any Scarn he had ever seen.
Behind the - Scarn - was a creature out of which nightmares were manufactured. It was an
equally sided box, with no head or tail. It scuttled along on six legs, apparently under its own
volition. Rho Arpor felt his six guardians gather for his defence. Within his mind, he
instructed them to observe caution. His ten Adepts were focused. The Scarn and his creature
came to a halt.
"I great you, Rho Arpor, as a representative of the peoples of the New Earth
Confederation."
The High Thane considered the greeting.
"Your greeting is interesting. My cousin Lyot has already mentioned to you that we have
no knowledge of the peoples you represent."
He felt the exchange of thoughts in those around him. It did no harm to let Lyot know that
every conversation was monitored.
"Then, you will also be aware of my response and that I have come from a far place
beyond the stars, by a means I do not understand."
"I am aware of many things, Steve Holt."
The name was alien within his thoughts.
126