01 Taxilas Children

TAXILA'S CHILDREN
symptomatic of the high charge of tension which seemed to be crackling around the corridors
of the Thanehold of Lyot of the Seven Lands.
The Scarn teenager preceded him and hovered close by as Steve lashed the unprotesting
metal box to the back of a Vix. The animal tried to take a piece out of his hand and snarled
ferociously, its eyes rolled back. The young Scarn darted forward and grabbed the animal's
head and crooned into its ear. The beast quietened and Steve finished his inexpert lashing.
None of the Lynxe grooms offered to help. He turned to the Scarn.
"Thanks - what do they call you?"
He looked wary - but he understood. Steve stared into his eyes, perhaps the Scarn
understood much more than the Men of Lynxe suspected. Steve looked up, Maia was
watching him from the balcony outside of their room. Her face was strained and angry. One
of the Lynxe grooms interjected.
"The Scarn are mute and they have no names, Lord Steve-Holt."
Steve nodded. Some perversity made him say:
"This one seems useful. I could use him as a servant."
The groom shrugged.
"We take them as they're needed, my Lord. He's yours."
Steve knew the young Scarn understood. He had acquired a servant for no other reason
than that he was still feeling angry with Maia. He could think of no use to which he could put
an untrained Scarn, fresh out of the forest.
Within the hour, they set off on their journey to the Court of the High Thane. A small
honour guard led the way, surrounding the persons of Lyot and his consort. The rest of the
household followed in their dust. There was none of the jubilation one might have expected
from a wedding party. Once again, there was the expression of gloom and despondency and
the progress through the fields of oil crop was silent and preoccupied. Overseers and workers
in the fields watched the progress of their Lord mutely and then quickly returned to their
tasks.
Steve hadn't thought to ask for how long the nuptial celebrations were scheduled. He
glanced sideways at Maia and decided to save the question for later. The lady's face was set
militantly and she stared resolutely ahead. Danyk and Krin rode side by side, ahead of them.
Steve glanced down to the other side. His newly acquired servant lopped effortlessly by his
side, easily keeping up with the trotting Vix.
The Lynxe star was at its zenith before they stopped under the shade of some trees. The
morning had been spent firstly negotiating the interminable fields of oil crop and then
through open savannah. The heat had started to hammer down and Steve was glad of the
respite. There had not been a word or even a thought transmitted during the hours since they
had left the Thanehold. Steve was determined that he was not going to be the first one to cry
for a truce. He dismounted and the young Scarn took command of his Vix. One of the Lynxe
grooms took care of Maia's. Danyk and Krin looked after their own mounts. Steve realised
that he was the only one to have the luxury of a Scarn servant. No doubt, it was another
negative mark against him. He felt his anger rising - knowing it was unreasonable.
He ate some of the dried food which had been brought with them and drank sparingly from
the wine bottle. Maia provided for him silently, her face a feline, neutral mask. She avoided
looking at him and he made no overtures of reconciliation. He stood up abruptly and walked
over to where his Vix was grazing in the shelter of a tree. His Scarn servant shambled to his
feet at his approach. Steve gestured for him to sit and then sat down opposite. He felt the eyes
of the rest of the party on him and ignored them. He said softly:
"I know you have a name - what does your mate call you?"
The wary eyes stared back blankly.
"Your people speak with each other - you are not mute."
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