01 Taxilas Children

TAXILA'S CHILDREN
"If my Lord would consider wearing these rough garments?"
Steve wondered wearily why the man couldn't simply say: 'Will these do, Steve?'. He
expressed his pleasure and listened to what could only be described as a loyal petition
couched in legalistic terms. It analysed out to be a sincere request that he didn't overtax his
strength and that he should take every precaution. They wanted no harm to come to him. It
was touching, solicitous and smothering. All he wanted to do was to walk a little way from
the house and to escape from surroundings which were becoming like a prison. He wondered
why the word prison had come to mind, perhaps that was a subconscious assessment of what
was the real situation. He told himself not to be ridiculous but the feeling would not go away.
Hara left with Jabez. He had made a little more progress than he had thought - if the shy
little smile she gave was any indication. Caela came soon after to turn out the lamp. During
the previous days she hadn't looked so cheerful. It seemed to date from the time when she had
grabbed his hand and kissed it so passionately - that was also the time when Hara had come
upon the scene. Now, Caela seemed to avoid coming too close to the bed. The trouble was
that Steve wasn't sure whether she couldn't trust herself, or whether she couldn't trust Steve.
Sometimes it was a curse to be fatally attractive to women.
He dropped off to sleep with that happy thought. It was good to be on the mend, the
skeletal look was giving way to a more fleshy appearance. The light from their star had to be
filled with good qualities. This and the wholesome food provided by Caela, was doing
wonders. He grinned in the darkness, it wouldn't be long before he started to look around at
the local talent - with suitable caution, naturally - He had no desire to start trouble with irate
boyfriends, or to experience the unknown ways they might have of protecting local standards
of virtue.
The conversation with Hara hadn't told him much, apart from an oblique reference to the
'House of Maidens'. On reflection, that might prove to be a good place to start exploring. On
the other hand - it might not, especially if he went around asking where their virgins lived!
All in all, he thought he was going to like this planet. He had a strong feeling that his luck
was going to change.
He woke early, anticipating the time when he would be left alone. Caela was extra clumsy
when she brought in his food. She avoided any contact and kept her face turned away. He
wasn't sure whether these people showed their emotions by crying, but that was the
impression he got. Caela was an unhappy lady.
He waited extra time, even after he was reasonably sure that the community had gone to
their workplace. It wasn't that he expected to be restricted but such was their awe of him that
they might take it in their heads to form some sort of bodyguard. The shift-like garment Jabez
had provided, fitted well enough. It would have raised shrieks of amusement on Mars or the
Asteroids and more than likely, attempts to lift the hem. It covered the essentials and that was
all he asked for. The sandals were a lace-up variety and took a little getting used to. They
fastened around the ankle, just above the joint. He knew it wouldn't be long before they
chaffed a sore spot.
In the bathroom - wash chamber - or whatever it was that they called their place of
ablutions, was a mirror of beaten metal. His image wafted back and forth on the imperfectly
fashioned surface. He didn't look an impressive sight with his shock of black hair tangled
down to the shoulders. The beard didn't do much to enhance his looks. His eyes were hollow
and the face gaunt. There wasn't a great deal of spare flesh to pad the tunic. He hoped he
wouldn't meet anybody who frightened easily.
He left the house through his window entrance. He had already planned to head for the
shelter of the nearest clump of trees. The sun was already high and it seemed sensible to walk
in their shade. It was good to be active, even if he wasn't sure how long his strength would
last. He drew in a deep breath.
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