EarthRise by William C. Dietz

Author:William C. Dietz [Dietz, William C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: C429, Extratorrents, Kat
Publisher: Ace Books
Published: 2002-09-15T07:00:00+00:00

NEAR THE MAYAN RUINS OF NAKABE, GUATEMALA

The temple complex shimmered in the late-afternoon heat as the black manta-ray-shaped shuttle circled, began to lose altitude, and came in for a landing.

The artificial lake had been constructed using slave labor. It was oval in shape and exactly the right length for medium-sized vessels to land on. The shuttle pancaked in, sent waves racing toward the opposite shore, and coasted toward a long finger-shaped jetty.

The reception party, led by Dun-Dar himself, was already in place. Pendants hung limply from poles, and a horn groaned, as mooring lines were made fast. That’s when double rows of inspection-ready Kan snapped to the Sauron equivalent of attention and the main hatch whirred open. Two human slaves, attired in identical smocks, rushed to slide the metal gangplank into place as the first of the visiting dignitaries emerged from the ship’s lock.

The hot, humid air hit Dro Tog like the breath of some horrible beast. It was heavy with the odor of rotting vegetation, the stench of untreated sewage, and the tang of ozone. It was not the sort of place where someone covered with fur would want to spend much time.

The cleric blinked into the harsh afternoon sun, wondered how such a hellish environment could give rise to intelligent life, and stepped onto the gangplank. It gave slightly as the portly prelate made his way onto the pier.

A Ra ‘Na technician was there to greet Tog. His name was Isk, and he looked considerably older than he had on the day when he bested the future Grand Vizier in a debate and unknowingly signed his own death warrant. Isk had orange fur flecked with white and matted by the heat. “Welcome, eminence. All is ready.”

Tog took a long slow look around, assured himself that the specially constructed sedan chair met specifications, and nodded his head. “Good work, Isk. Rest assured that I will remember your many accomplishments.”

Unaware of the irony involved, Isk bobbed his head in return. “Thank you, eminence.”

Eager to get his charge ashore and retire to his air-conditioned quarters, Tog turned back to the shuttle. A Fon stood waiting. “Please inform his excellency that everything is as it should be.”

As the functionary departed to convey the good news, Tog walked past the custom sedan chair to the point where Dun-Dar stood waiting. “Greetings, eminence. Lord Hak-Bin will come ashore within the next few minutes.”

Dun-Dar regarded Tog with the contempt he felt for all such individuals. To his mind the entire notion of setting one slave over another was little more than an obscene farce. “Thank you for stating the obvious. Now get off my dock before I give you some real work to do!”

Frightened, and more than a little taken aback, Tog hoisted his robe and waddled toward shore. The incident served to remind the Ra ‘Na of the extent to which he was reliant on Hak-Bin’s patronage and how important the Sauron’s good health continued to be. Until the nymph emerged and the existing relationship would continue.

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