The Venus Trilogy - Complete Sci-Fi Series: The Planet of Peril, The Prince of Peril & The Port of Peril by Otis Adelbert Kline

Author:Otis Adelbert Kline [Kline, Otis Adelbert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9788027224104
Publisher: Musaicum Press
Published: 2017-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Table of Contents

Cautiously parting the scarlet drapes which hid the doorway, I saw that the heavy doors had been bolted. Tandor had evidently intended that he should not be disturbed.

I expected that there would be guards in the corridor, and therefore decided that a bold front would serve our purpose the best. I appropriated one of Tandor’s magnificent belts with ornate sword and dagger, and outfitted Loralie likewise with one of Xunia’s belts which contained lighter weapons. Then we walked quietly to the doors, which I unbolted and swung back. The guards saluted stiffly and closed them after us as we passed out.

“It is the command of his majesty,” I said, “that he be not disturbed by messengers or others.”

“To hear is to obey,” replied both guards in unison as we strolled away down the corridor.

I only knew my way to one part of the building—the landing floor. After threading so many hallways, passageways and ramps that I had begun to think I had lost my way, we came out on the central landing platform, from which radiated the cables that carried the swift-moving octagonal cars to the various power houses of Doravia.

Glancing in the direction of the twin towers, I saw a car swiftly approaching from each and surmised that Xunia and Tandor were already on the way to the palace.

“Quick!” I said to Loralie. “We have not a moment to lose!”

Hurrying her to the side of a car which hung on a cable that pointed toward the south, I helped her aboard—then spoke to the pilot. “It is the desire of his majesty the Torrogo that we inspect some of the buildings of Doravia. You will first take us to the power plant at the southernmost end of the valley.”

He saluted respectfully, then moved a control lever. The doors closed and we glided smoothly away from the platform. In a moment we were speeding swiftly southward at a dizzy height above the valley.

One by one we sped past the towers which dotted the river bank, so swiftly that each Washed for but an instant in our range of vision. Yet it seemed to me that our pace was exasperatingly slow, for I knew that Tandor would surely reach the central tower before we arrived at our destination; if he made inquiry at the landing platform he would flash a message to the commander of the southern tower, and we would face arrest as soon as we arrived.

I accordingly loosened my blade in its scabbard and spoke softly to Loralie. “We must be ready to make a dash for it as soon as the doors open. Keep behind me, and I’ll try to cut a way through.”

As we drew up to the landing platform I saw a score of guards lined up to meet us. In front of them stood a captain with drawn sword.

The doors opened and we stepped out.

“By order of His Majesty…” began the officer.

I did not wait for him to finish but whipped out my sword and beheaded him before he could say more.

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