The Hostage of Zir by Camp L. Sprague de

Author:Camp, L. Sprague de [Camp, L. Sprague de]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, General, Fantasy, Fiction
ISBN: 9780575103221
Google: a8kgDNwZ6boC
Amazon: B005HRTAB6
Goodreads: 13009138
Publisher: Orion
Published: 1977-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

VIII

ARMS OF FLAME

When it seemed as though the older and stouter members of Reith’s safari could go no further, the convoy came to a clearing. Here, more Ziruma guarded tethered ayas. The earthfolk were bundled aboard the stocky, six-legged beasts. Their wrists were attached by thongs to the horns on the fronts of the saddles, so that they had some freedom of movement but could not leave their mounts.

“For God’s sake,” said Reith, “don’t fall off or you’ll be dragged!”

“Don’t I know it!” groaned Pride.

Ruddy beams from setting Roqir lanced horizontally through the close-set tree trunks when the party came out on another, larger clearing. Here were rows of tents and more armed Krishnans.

Barré vas-Sarf sprang down from his mount and shouted commands. Krishnans clustered around the tourists, untying their wrists and helping them down. Some could hardly move; several collapsed. Barré said: “I regret the discomfort, good my sirs and madams; but my poor country affords no such luxe as does the imperialists’ railroad. Be assured that you shall be entreated as guests during your stay. If you find your accommodations rude, they still surpass those that we poor fighters for freedom allow ourselves.” He paused for Reith to translate, then went on: “Let us hope that my reasonable demands will be met, so that you shall soon be restored to liberty. My men will lead you to your quarters.”

The quarters were a row of six tents in the middle of the encampment, with a clear space around them.

“They scared we’ve got something catching?” grumbled Considine.

“I think it’s so they can watch us better,” said Reith.

The couples, including Considine and Turner, each seized upon one tent. That left Reith, Pride, Schwerin, and Shirley Waterford with two unclaimed tents.

“I will not share a tent with a man!” said Miss Waterford. “I’m a good Christian, and that’s that.”

“Then we’ll have to split up one of the married pairs,” said Reith.

“You don’t essplit us up!” said Guzmán-Vidal. “A man with balls, like me—”

“We know all about your manhood,” said Reith, “but—”

“Why don’t we take the turnabout?” said Aimé Jussac. “Even the brave Santiago can bear to be parted from his beautiful Pilar one night out of three.”

“Okay,” said Reith before the others could object. “That’s how we’ll do it. Professor Mulroy, will you bunk with me the first night?”

Mulroy nodded. Valerie Mulroy said: “Fearless, you know how Winston snores. If it keeps you awake, I’d be glad to change places—”

Reith interrupted: “Okay, everybody, they’re lining up for chow. We’d better get in line, too.”

He admitted to himself that, for all his neo-Puritan inhibitions, he would have liked a good roll in the hay. Valerie had not only broken him in but had also given him some expertise. But another liaison with her entailed more complications than he could cope with. Their peril was great enough without aggravating it.

“I don’t think I can walk that far,” groaned Pride; but, like the others, he limped and hobbled to the stew pots.

Reith found himself in the chow line between Considine and Turner.

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