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TAXILA'S CHILDREN<br />
Steve roared in frustration.<br />
"To hell with Taxila!"<br />
He felt a surge of amusement.<br />
"Even in the distant aeons when the gods walked in their paradise and had the option of<br />
physical contact, Hella was never attracted to Taxila. She would not be amused by your<br />
suggestion!"<br />
Steve sagged on to the trestle and covered his face with his hands. He was exhausted, the<br />
fight was uneven. He was a puppet on a string to be manipulated at will by the inner man. He<br />
couldn't win the battle. Within, he felt a surge of approval that he was able to recognise the<br />
fact.<br />
He was hardly aware that a feast had appeared on the table. It looked like a special<br />
occasion. Taxila was throwing a party, it was a pity that none of those present felt particularly<br />
festive. The food and the wine was of the finest quality but they ate and drank sparingly. It<br />
wasn't long before they went to their quarters.<br />
Steve had not been surprised to find that Taxila's city had responded to the requirements.<br />
New openings had appeared in the rear wall of the temple which led to new sleeping<br />
apartments. The city builders on Mars and the asteroids would have been ecstatic if they<br />
could have had that capability. Steve experienced a gut wrenching homesickness when he<br />
thought of Mars. He was more than ever certain that he would never again set foot on his<br />
birth world.<br />
CHAPTER 26<br />
Zayez and his two Adepts left early on the following morning. His farewell was restrained,<br />
as if he wasn't quite sure whether it was to Steve Holt or the ancient Lynxe god who shared<br />
his mind. Danyk once again escorted the All Wise to the portal, opening to the long corridor<br />
which led to the School of the Adepts. He was very quiet when he returned and gathered his<br />
travelling bundle together. When he was ready, Steve accompanied him to the steps of the<br />
Temple. He whistled for his Vix, which took its time to obey.<br />
"I want to come with you."<br />
"Out of the question."<br />
The response was brusque.<br />
"If you tried, we wouldn't get very far."<br />
"You're completely sold on this Taxila business, aren't you?"<br />
"So - you changed your tune in the bright light of day? Feeling braver now?"<br />
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