01 Taxilas Children

TAXILA'S CHILDREN
"I understand - "
Steve interjected.
"I wish I did - "
"You will, Steve Holt - you will!"
The old man seemed in no hurry to enlighten him. There was a prolonged pause, during
which Steve thought how nice it would be if he could offer the visitors some refreshments.
Five clear beakers of liquid appeared on the table. Danyk looked suitably impressed.
"How did you do that?"
Zayez interjected.
"I would have thought that was quite obvious, my son. Our ancestors had the ability to
request their heart's desire in this city - and it was provided. Some would say, by the gods!"
Steve interjected.
"Others would say, by the technology inherent in the structure of the city, Father Zayez.
Your ancestors must have been extremely advanced scientifically."
Zayez smiled a little.
"I see in your mind, that you repudiate the concept of gods, Steve Holt."
"Gods have their place when reason fails, Father Zayez. I understand the scientific
concepts which made that happen."
"Your thoughts are on the boundary of our ability to understand."
"When you abandoned the city of Taxila, you abandoned those ways which were given to
you by the builders. You have forgotten what you once knew."
"Perhaps, we chose the better path. We achieved peace in our simple life."
"There would be some who would say that you chose stagnation and that your lack of
virility is the outcome!"
Steve clamped his mouth shut and felt like biting out his tongue. They didn't answer.
"I'm sorry, I had no right to express my opinion."
Zayez responded softly.
"Taxila has every right to express his will!"
"Taxila? Listen to me! I am Steve Holt. I'm a traveller from beyond the stars. I have no
right to interfere in the affairs of your society."
"Who has told you that?"
"That I have no right to interfere? It is something which is taught in the - School - where I
was educated."
"Your teachers make provision for very unusual circumstances, it would seem."
"I can assure you - they could never have imagined that I would find myself here with you.
It is a standard instruction. They have the belief that once day, men will develop ships which
will travel to new worlds. When they arrive at those new worlds, they must not interfere with
the conditions they find."
"Surely interference is impossible to avoid. You have interfered in the community of Jabez
and then in the Thanehold of Lyot. You interfered when you confronted Rho Arpor and
subsequently, when you confronted the Adepts and the men he sent to pursue you. You
interfered when you accepted the Pentacle I offered to you and you have interfered by
utilising the powers which are inherent in the structure of this city. The interference has taken
place, Steve Holt, it could not be avoided - for we too, have interfered in your life. You are
not the man who came to us through the arch in the Place of Worship. Danyk has drawn
another man to the surface. One who travelled with you from your world, but who was
submerged deep within you. Danyk brought him out and now we must live with the
consequences!"
Steve's heart was beating fast. He leaned forward.
"How can I be two people, that is impossible?"
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