A. E. van Vogt by Empire of the Atom

Author:Empire of the Atom
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-08-24T08:21:49+00:00

13

LYDIA WAKENED lazily on the morrow after the death of the Lord Leader. Bright sunlight was pouring through open windows, and Dalat hovered at the end of the bed. "You asked to be awakened early, honorable lady," she said.

There was a note of respect in her voice that Lydia had never noticed before. Her mind poised, pondering the imponderable difference. And then she got it. The Linn was dead. For one week she was not the legal but the de facto head of the city and state. None would dare oppose the mother of the new leader—uh, the Lord Adviser Tews. Glowing, Lydia sat up in bed. "Has there been any word yet from Meerl?"

"None, gracious lady."

She frowned over that. It was rather surprising that he to whom she had intrusted such an important errand, should not have reported long since.

Dalat was speaking again. "I think, madam, you should inform him, however, that it is unwise for him to have parcels delivered here addressed to himself in your care."

Lydia was climbing out of bed. She looked up, astounded and angry. "Why, the insolent fool, has he done that? Let me see the parcel."

She tore off the wrapping, furiously, and found herself staring down at a vase filled with ashes. A note was tied around the lip of the vase. Puzzled, she turned it over and read:

Dear Madam:

Your assassin was too moist. The atom gods, once roused, become frantic in the presence of moisture.

Uranium,

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