01 Taxilas Children

TAXILA'S CHILDREN
CHAPTER 11
The focus of attention was the man seated at the far end of the room. It was impossible for
it to be otherwise, he was so obviously in command. Steve eyed him frankly. Jabez's
description of the Thane had not done him justice. He was a big man and the impression of
size was increased by a huge mane of sandy hair which fell to his shoulders. He said nothing
at first, instead, he returned Steve's frank stare and inspected him from head to foot and back
again. When he did speak, there was no mistaking the tone of authority.
"When my son first told me about you, I formed the opinion that you were demented, or if
not, that you were some devious stratagem of the Adepts. Today, you have demonstrated to us
that we need to think again - Who or what do you claim to be?"
The approach was direct and deserved equal directness.
"I great you, Lyot, Thane of these lands, in the name of the people of New Earth."
Lyot's eyes widened a little and he glanced at Danyk, who was standing in the background.
Steve could almost feel the shrug of non-comprehension and the signals being exchanged in
their thoughts. Steve tried his best to look calm and sane, which was difficult because of the
wild man look his luxuriant head of hair and his beard were creating. Lyot's response was
measured.
"I thank you for your greeting. We have no knowledge of the people you mention. We are
aware of all the peoples and settlements under the tutelage of the Great Thane. Your people
of New Earth must be those who have not acknowledged his overlordship."
Steve smelt danger, the last thing he could afford was to stray on to delicate political
ground.
"My Lord the Thane is possessed of the Gift. I ask him to read my thoughts and he will
know that the people from whom I bring greetings, are not of this planet, or even of this star!"
Lyot's eyes narrowed into feline slits and they seemed to bore into Steve's brain. He had the
feeling that there wasn't a thought left unturned by the time Lyot was finished. The Thane
turned to Danyk, who moved around to his side. Steve knew that he was under a dual
interrogation. He sensed something passing between the father and son, from which he was
excluded. There was an impression of intense energy. Lyot spoke again.
"I see that we are confronted with the incomprehensible. We have no knowledge of planets
and stars and many of the images we have observed are quite meaningless to us. I will accept
your greetings for now. I find nothing in your mind that identifies with the Lynxe - or even
the Scarn. I read your recent experiences, I will deal with those matters first. Jabez will be
punished for his misuse of you and the woman Hara. I can see nothing in your thoughts to
show how you came to Jabez. We can see you standing before the arch in the Place of
Worship. We see you naked and blinded by the light. Beyond that, we cannot penetrate.
Before that moment it is as if you do not exist. Your thoughts contain a vast source of
memories which concern matters we cannot comprehend!"
It was clear that he was a troubled man. Like all those in authority, he liked to live without
enigmas.
"The strange cube which you commanded to injure Jabez and his people. What is it?"
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