01 Taxilas Children

TAXILA'S CHILDREN
They told us, that gradually, the impetus of that vast explosion will slowly exhaust itself
and then, at some infinitely distant point in time, all motion will stop for a moment. It will all
come to rest. Then, slowly at first, the particles and the star systems and the planets and
cosmic dust will start to come together again. It will slowly gather speed and once again
hurtle inward until, at some final moment, it will all come together in a cosmic hell and fury
to form another unbelievable 'star'. Then, the process will start all over again, it will be unable
to support itself and will collapse inward and another titanic explosion will occur - and this
process will be repeated over and over, for ever."
Steve was hardly conscious of the boy standing there, it had all been expressed in thought,
Steve's command of the Lynxe tongue wouldn't have allowed him to give a verbal
explanation.
"I often wonder into which of the cycles we have been born and how many times before
and how many more times, the cycle will repeat. Now I wonder, when I look out there, which
is my star and if I will ever see my home world again."
Steve came back to reality and found Krin staring at him with his mouth slightly open,
absorbed in the mental rhetoric. Steve grinned at him a little self-consciously.
"You're the first person in a long time who has accepted me for what I am - an alien!"
"I wish I could see all that. Will you take me one day?"
Steve was spared an answer, they had unseen listeners who now stepped into the light from
the doorway. Lyot commanded decisively.
"I think it is time you were in bed."
Krin obeyed without question. It was fair to assume that there would be few brave enough
to argue with Lyot. The boy nodded to Steve, bright eyed and friendly and re-entered the
house.
Lyot waited until he was gone and then continued.
"Steve Holt, I would be pleased if you would avoid filling the boy's head with your
fantasies."
"Thane Lyot. The truth is never a fantasy, neither are my personal experiences.
Nevertheless, I will avoid the subject if you wish, although that might prove difficult, since
you can all read my mind!"
Lyot glared at him, he wasn't used to resistance. Steve tried to suppress the thought that it
might be good if he met some occasionally. They bade each other a civil good night and the
Thane returned into the house. Danyk was noncommittal when he led him to a guest chamber.
"Your woman, Hara will be undisturbed in my quarters. I persuaded my mother not to
disturb her and to leave her there until the morning. I will sleep elsewhere."
Steve slept well, he was tired enough not to care in which room. He awoke late on the
following morning and it took him a few moments to orient himself. The events of the
previous day returned with a rush. Before he could do anything else, one of the Scarn
servants entered with a pile of tunics and then another with his breakfast. Steve accepted the
room service with a few friendly smiles and expressions of thanks which were ignored by the
shaggy providers.
He took a quick, brave plunge into icy water in the hope that he would be able to think
coherently afterwards. He dressed, ate his breakfast and awaited events.
The Scarn servant returned as Steve swallowed the last mouthful. They were well trained
to watch and act at the proper time. Steve studied him, this brute's eyes seemed duller than
those he had seen in the woods.
"Wait! The woman, where is she?"
A look of fear began to cross the Scarn's face, perhaps he was confused, perhaps he thought
he was in for a hiding because he had done something wrong. Steve wondered how they were
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