Mission to Moulokin by Alan Dean Foster

Author:Alan Dean Foster [Foster, Alan Dean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Fiction, General
ISBN: 9780345333223
Publisher: Del Rey
Published: 1979-03-12T00:00:00+00:00

"The concubine, who has bewitched us. We require her. She is present. We sense it!" He took a couple of threatening steps toward the throne. "Where are you hiding her, woman?"

Two burly guards, big even for Tran, stepped forward between the throne and the raging Landgrave. Each held a weighty metal battle-axe before him. One let his sway back and forth just above floor level, a pendulum of death.

"My liege and friend Landgrave," said Ro-Vijar earnestly, stepping forward but remembering not to touch the hypersensitive Rakossa, "we have already heard ample explanation. These good people have ne'er heard nor seen the vessel or woman we seek."

"Again I say, this is truth." K'ferr leaned forward. "Considering your hostile actions toward us, I believe we have been extremely courteous and patient with you. Before any irrevocable insults are exchanged, I suggest you take your leave of Moulokin."

"So it would seem best to do, my gracious lady." Ro-Vijar tentatively reached out, chanced a grip on the wild-eyed Rakossa's left arm. The Landgrave of Poyolavomaar did not react angrily. He turned, seemed to see Ro-Vijar clearly for the first time since entering the throne room. Then he shook off the other's hand, whirled, and stalked out of the chamber, muttering slyly to himself.

"Our pardon for this most grievous mistake, my lady, good minister Mirmib." Ro-Vijar made a gesture of profound obeisance. "It was a matter of great importance to us, and we acted in haste instead of good sense. I am convinced of your sincerity."

"You are excused by your ignorance." K'ferr indicated the now vacant exitway. "The actions of your colleague explain much. May your search continue more profitably elsewhere."

"May your warmth remain constant all the days of your life. Rest assured we will eventually find those we seek." With that, Ro-Vijar turned with the Poyo officer and departed from the chamber.

When they were many minutes gone, K'ferr turned to Mirmib and asked, "What do you think they will do now?"

"If 'twas up to this Ro-Vijar, they would give up and sail home." The minister rubbed the back of an ear, looked thoughtful. "Or perhaps the calmer of the two is in reality the more dangerous. So blinded by hatred, or love, for this Teeliam woman is the other he cannot think straight. If he ever could."

"You saw the woman in question, Mirmib. The scars. Why would this Landgrave risk his power, his armed might, to find and torment her further?"

"Some rulers take not well personal affronts, though rarely do they react in so extreme a fashion as this Rakossa, my lady. Hate can be as powerful an eldur as love. Often is the line between the two indistinct." They exchanged a glance unfathomable to outsiders. "I do not know what transpired between this girl and this Landgrave, and can but speculate. One thing I can say confidently, though. Should they eventually meet again, one or the other will surely die of it."

That petty matter did not occupy Calonnin Ro-Vijar's mind. If they returned to Arsudun now, he would have this second failure to report to Trell.

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