A World Aflame by E. C. Tubb

Author:E. C. Tubb [Tubb, E. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science fiction
ISBN: 9780575107854
Publisher: DAW Books
Published: 2011-09-29T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Idalia Ancanette said thoughtfully, “The Lord of Sergan. There is no possibility that he could be an imposter?”

“None.” Tharl Evered was emphatic. “I’ve checked and there can be no doubt. Do you realize who he is, Idalia?”

“From his title, some petty ruler.”

“Hardly petty. His world is small, true, but it is rich in chombite. In fact, he is one of the wealthiest men in the galaxy.”

“And why is he calling here?”

“Who knows, but does it matter?” Evered’s voice was cynical. “Perhaps he is bored and seeks something novel to amuse him. He could even be playing at trade; his ship carries twenty thousand Diones. Weapons for the guards, Idalia. They could be ours with a little effort.”

She caught the note in his voice and turned sharply to face him, but the smooth features were bland and, in any case, surely he would never have dared to hint what she had suspected.

“His retinue?”

“Small. A bodyguard, a scientific adviser, a mystical counselor. An odd collection, but then he is an unusual man. I suggest that you see him. As the ruler of Naxos you must get accustomed to dealing with those who control other worlds.”

Again the odd tone, the patronizing inflection, almost as if he was secretly amused. Or was she becoming overly suspicious? No, she decided, not that. Rather she had grown more sensitive, as if primitive instincts had been fined to a sharper edge, and little things which she would have previously overlooked now had a greater significance.

“What have you arranged? A formal interview?”

“I thought it would be best to meet in a less rigid atmosphere, Idalia. Dinner, perhaps?”

“An early meal. You, myself, the man.”

He shook his head gently. “It would be an insult. Would you attend without your guards? Then how can you deny him his bodyguard? And the others should be present; we need to learn all we can. He might aid us with his wealth, just for a whim. At least we could gain information. I suggest that we invite a few others, Kan Engach, Silme Welaz—”

“And Res Nolat.”

“No,” he said quickly. “The Chambodian will have no place. See him later, in private if you wish, but for now let us play one against the other. Will you leave it to me?”

She was tempted to argue for a moment, and then she decided it was easier to let him have his own way. It was even to her advantage to let him think he was gaining the mastery; soon he would learn that she could not be manipulated.

Dismissing him, she returned her attention to the work at hand. More men to be conscripted for the guards, workers to be sent to the Valdarh Station; the prisons would supply them. The materials Talbor and Revekka had ordered. She stared at the list, frowning. Why should they need such things? Well, they would have them. They would receive all they reqeusted and, if they played her false, they would be thrown to the flame.

Thrown to the flame?

What had made her think of that?

Her hand trembled as she reached for the vial of tablets.

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