City of the Beast

Chapter Three THE INVADERS

A FEMALE servant entered in the morning, after knocking lightly on the door. I was standing at the window looking out over the beautiful streets and houses of Varnal. At first I felt embarrassed by my nakedness. But then I realized that there was no need since it was abnormal here to wear many clothes, and then, it seemed, only for decoration.

What did continue to embarrass me, however, was the look of open admiration she gave me as she handed me my breakfast tray of fruit and basu.

After she had gone I sat down to eat the fruit-a large one very similar to grape-fruit but with a slightly less bitter taste-and drink the basu.

I was just finishing when there was another knock on the door. I called, "Come in!" in English, thinking that this would do the trick. It did. In walked Shizala, smiling.

Seeing her again, it seemed that I had dreamed of her all night, for she was as beautiful-if not more so-as I remembered her. Her blonde hair was swept back from her shoulders and back. She had on a black, gauzy cloak and at her waist was the wide belt containing holstered gun and short sword. These, I gathered, were ceremonial weapons of office, for I could not imagine such a graceful girl having much familiarity with the artifacts of war. On her feet she wore sandals, laced up the calf almost to the knee. That was all she was wearing-but it was enough.

She picked up the circlet she had worn the day before and put it on.

"I thought you might wish to ride around the city and see everything," I heard her voice say in my head. "Would you like that?"

"Very much," I replied. "If you can spare the time."

"It would please me to do so." She gave me a warm smile.

I could not make up my mind whether she felt as attracted to me as I was to her, or whether she was just being normally polite. It was a puzzle which was already beginning to fill a great deal of my thoughts.

"First," she continued, "it would be better if you spent a couple of hours with the Sheev teaching machine. After that you will be able to converse in our language without recourse to these rather clumsy things."

As she led me down corridors and staircases, I asked her why, if the tongue of Vashu were common, there should be such a thing as a languageteaching machine. She replied that it had been designed for use on other planets but, since the other planets in the solar system only appeared to be inhabited by animals, it had never been used.

She led me below ground. The cellars of the palace seemed to go down many levels, but at last we reached a place lighted by the same sort of dim bulb as the one in my room. These bulbs were also of Sheev manufacture, Shizala told me, and had once burned much brighter than they did now. The room was small and contained a single piece of equipment. It was large and made of metal I did not recognize-probably an alloy. It glowed a little, adding to the light in the room. It seemed to consist of a cabinet with an alcove moulded to accommodate the form of a seated human being.

I could see no other machinery and I would dearly have loved to strip the cabinet down to see what was inside-but curbed my impatience.

"Please sit there," said Shizala, indicating the cabinet. "According to what I have been told, the cabinet will be activated immediately you do so.

You may feel yourself black out, but do not be disturbed."

I did as she asked and, sure enough, as soon as I was seated the cabinet began to hum softly. A cap came down from above and fitted itself over my head, then I began to feel dizzy and soon became unconscious.

I did not know how much time had passed until I came to, finding myself still seated in the now no longer activated cabinet. I looked at Shizala a little dazedly. My head was aching slightly.

"How do you feel?" she asked.

"Fine," I said, getting up.

But I had not said 'fine' at all, I realized. I had said vrazha-the Martian word that was its nearest equivalent.

I had spoken Martian!

"It works!" I cried. "What sort of machine is it that can achieve that so swiftly?"

"I do not know. We are content simply to use the things of the Sheev. We were warned in the far past never to tamper with their gifts since it might result in disaster for us! Their mighty civilization once suffered a disaster, but we have only a few legends which speak of it and they are bound up in talk of supernatural entities in whom we no longer believe."

Respecting what was evidently a deeply rooted custom never to question the Sheev inventions, I remained silent, though every instinct made me want to get at the language-teaching machine, probably a highly sophisticated computer containing an hypnotic device of some kind.

My headache had gone by the time we reached the upper levels of the palace and walked through the great hall out into the city. At the bottom of the wide, white steps two strange beasts were waiting.

They were about the same size as Shire horsesthe famous English Great Horse which had once borne knights into battle. But horses they were not.

Their origin seemed to stem from the same basic root as Man! They were ape-like creatures with wide kangaroo tails, their hind legs larger than the forelegs. They were on all fours now and saddles were on their backs. Their great heads, placid and intelligent, turned to look at us as we came down the steps.

I had a few qualms about mounting mine, since it did bear certain affinities to my own race, but once aboard it seemed natural that I should ride it.

Its back was wider than that of a horse and involved stretching one's legs out in front, and cupping the feet in the stirrups attached to another part of the harness up ahead. The saddle had a solid support allowing the rider to stretch backwards at ease. It was rather like being seated in a sports car, and was very comfortable.

In a kind of holster on my right were several lances, though I had no idea of their purpose. I found that by gentle tugs on the reins, the dahara would respond quickly to any command I made.

With Shizala leading the way, we trotted off through the plaza and down the main street of Varnal.

The city was as exquisite as ever under the deep yellow sun. The sky was cloudless and I began to relax, feeling that I could spend the rest of my life in Varnal and its surrounds. Here a dome caught the light and flashed brightly; there a little white house nestled between an impressive ziggurat on one side and a slender tower on the other. People moved about in a leisurely yet purposeful way. A fruit market was busy, but there was none of the noise and bustle of a similar Earthly market-place.

As we rode around the city, Shizala told me much about it.

The Karnala as a race had always been primarily traders. Their origins were the same as many races-they had started off as barbarian raiders and finally settled on one part of the country they had liked. But instead of turning to farming they had continued to travel as traders instead of raiders.

Because of daring expeditions to far parts of Vashu, they had become very rich, trading southern artifacts for northern precious metals, and so on.

The Karnala were also great artists, musicians and-what was highly worthwhile in terms of trade as well as everything else-the finest book producers in their world. The printing presses of Karnala, I learned, were of a flatbed type, not so fast as the rotary machines on Earth, but producing what appeared to my eye much sharper printing. The Sanskrit-like lettering I still could not read but, as Shizala took me round a small press, showing me some of the beautifully made books it produced, I soon learned to recognize many words as she pointed them out to me.

These books were in great demand across the whole continent and were a great asset to the Karnala, as were their artists and writers who produced the raw material.

Other industries thrived in Varnal. Their swordsmiths were also renowned throughout the world, I learned. The smiths still worked by the old methods, using furnace and anvil much as smiths on Earth worked-an earth that was yet to come, I realized.

Some farming was done now, but on a big scale and not by private landowners. Square miles of cereals were sown, I was told, and harvested all at once by volunteers from all over the Karnala nation. What was not used was stored in case of hard times, for the Karnala were well aware that a nation based on trade and industry cannot buy food in famine and will only survive if it can produce its own.

The absence of any places of worship was noticeable and I asked Shizala about this. She replied that there was no official religion of any kind, but for those who wanted to believe in a higher being it was better to look for Him in their own minds and hearts, not to seek Him in the words of others.

On the other hand, there were public schools, libraries, clinics, social centers, hotels and the like, and no one seemed under-privileged or unhappy in Varnal.

The Karnala political philosophy seemed to be one of armed neutrality. They were a strong nation and prepared for any attack. Besides this, an oldfashioned martial code still seemed to exist, because an aggressor never attacked without good warning.

After telling me this, Shizala added: "Apart from the more savage tribes, and they are no threat.

Those-and the Blue Giants."

"Who are the Blue Giants?" I asked.

"The Argzoon. They are fierce and without code or conscience. They dwell in the far north and only venture out on raids. They have only once come this far south, and then my father's army drove them away…" She bowed her head and tightened her grip of the reins.

"And never returned?" I said sympathetically, feeling I had to say something.

"Just so."

She jostled the reins and the dahara began to trot faster. I imitated her and we were soon galloping along the wide streets through which the delicate green mist wound, and up towards the golden hills-the Calling Hills.

We were soon out of the city and rushing through the strange trees which seemed to be calling for us as we moved among them.

After a while Shizala slowed her steed and I did likewise. She turned to me with a smile.

"I acted wilfully-I hope you will forgive me."

"I could forgive you anything," I said, almost without thinking.

She gave me a quizzical, intelligent look which again I could not interpret.

"Perhaps," she said. "I should mention…"

Again I spoke on impulse. "Let us not talk-we are interrupting the voices of the trees. Let us just ride and listen."

She smiled. "Very well."

As we rode I suddenly began to wonder how I was going to live on Mars. I had accepted that I would like to stay in the idyllic city of VarnalI would never willingly leave a place which sheltered such a graceful beauty as the girl riding beside me at that moment-but how was I going to earn my living?

As a scientist I could probably contribute something to the industries. It struck me that Shizala might be interested if I suggested that she elect me as some sort of Court Scientific Adviser! This would allow me to serve a useful function in the community and at the same time enable me to be close to her and see a great deal of her.

At that time, of course, I was acting almost intuitively. I had not as yet wondered if the customs of the Karnala would even permit me to propose marriage to Shizala-and, anyway, there was a very good chance that Shizala would want nothing to do with me. Why should she? Although she had not questioned what I had told her about where I had come from and how I had arrived on her planet, for all she knew I might be a lunatic.

My mind was confused as I rode along. At length we decided we had best return to the city and the palace, and I directed my strange steed back with some reluctance.

The visiting Prince of Mishim Tep, Telem Fas Ogdai, was waiting on the steps of the palace when we arrived. He had one foot on a higher step and his hand rested on the hilt of his long, broadbladed sword. He wore soft boots and a heavy cloak of dark material. He looked both angry and impatient, and twice as I dismounted and walked up the steps towards him, removed his hand from his sword-hilt to finger the plain gold bangle on bis wrist.

He ignored me but flashed a glance at Shizala and then turned his back on both of us, rumbling up the steps into the palace.

Shizala looked at me apologetically. "I am sorry, Michael Kane-but I had better speak to the Bradhinak. Will you excuse me? You will find food in the hall."

I bowed. "Of course. I hope to see you again later."

She gave me a quick, half-nervous smile and then she was tripping up the steps after Bradhinak.

Some diplomatic problem, I guessed, since the prince was evidently an emissary of some kind and was here on diplomatic business as well as a friendly visit.

Perhaps Karnala's strength had been sapped in the battle and the following expedition which had lost them their king. Perhaps they were forced to rely on stronger allies while they built up their strength again-and perhaps Mishim Tep was one of these allies. All this speculation seemed likelyand much of it was subsequently proved correct.

I entered the great hall. A kind off buffet meal had been laid out on the table by servants. Cold meat, fruit, the inevitable basu, sweetmeats and so forth. I sampled a little of everything and found almost all of it to my liking. I exchanged small talk with some of the men and women around the table. They were evidently very curious about me but too polite to ask too many direct questionswhich I did not feel in any mood to answer at that moment.

As I munched on a particularly tasty piece of meat wrapped in a green, lettuce-like leaf, I suddenly heard an odd sound. I was not sure what it was, but I listened carefully so that I should hear it again if it came.

The courtiers had fallen silent and were also listening.

Then the sound came again.

A muffled cry.

The courtiers looked at one another in apparent consternation but made no move towards the source of the cry.

It came a third time and now I was sure I recognized the voice.

It was Shizala's!

Although there were guards at intervals around the hall, none of them moved and no orders were given to go to Shizala's assistance.

Desperately, I looked round at the courtiers.

"That is your Bradhinaka's voice-why don't you help her? Where is she?"

One of the courtiers looked very disturbed and pointed to a door leading off the hall. "She is there-we cannot help her unless she summons us.

It is a very delicate matter involving the Bradhinak Telem Fas Ogdai…"

"You mean he is causing her pain! I will not allow it. I thought you were people of character-but you just stand here…"

"I told you-the situation is delicate. We feel very deeply… But etiquette…"

"To hell with etiquette," I said in English. "This is no time for niceties-Shizala may be in danger."

And with that I strode towards the door he had pointed to. It was not locked and I flung it open.

Telem Fas Ogdai was holding Shizala's wrists in a cruel grip and she was struggling. He was speaking to her in a low, urgent tone. When she saw me she gasped:

"No, Michael Kane-go from here. It will mean more trouble."

"I will not leave while I know this boor is troubling you," I said, flicking him a look of scorn.

He frowned, then he grinned evilly and his teeth flashed.

He still held her wrists.

"Let her go!" I warned, stepping forward.

"No, Michael Kane," she said. "Telem Fas Ogdai means me no harm. We are having an argument, that is all. It will end…"

But I had put my hand on the prince's shoulder now and I let it lie there heavily.

"Release her," I ordered.

He released her all right-and at the same time swung both his fists round to catch me on the head, sending me reeling. That was it! My temper got the better of me and I surged back in. A punch on the chest winded him and a following punch on the jaw knocked him back. He tried to retaliate so I punched him on the jaw again. He went down with a clatter and stayed down.

"Oh!" cried Shizala. "Michael Kane, what have you done?"

"I have dealt with a brute who was hurting a very beautiful and sweet young lady," I said, rubbing my fists. "I am sorry that it had to happen, but he deserved it."

"He has a bad temper sometimes, but he is not evil. I am sure you did what you thought was best, Michael Kane, but now you have made things even worse for me."

"If he is here on diplomatic business he should behave like a diplomat and with dignity," I reminded her.

"Diplomat? He is no emissary from Mishim Tep.

He is my betrothed-did you not see the armlet on his wrist?"

"Armlet-so that's what it is! Your betrothed!

But-but he can't be! Why would you consent to marry such a man?" I was horrified and bewildered. There was no chance of making her mine!

"You could not love him!"

Now she frowned and it sent a shudder through me to see that I had angered her. She drew herself up and pulled a bell-cord. "You do not behave as befits a stranger and a guest," she said coldly. "You presume too much!"

"I am sorry-deeply sorry. I was impulsive.

But…"

In the same emotionless voice, she said: "It was my father's wish that when he died and I succeeded him I should marry the son of his old ally, thus making sure of the Karnala's security. I intend to respect my father's wish. You are presumptuous to make any comment concerning my relationship with the Bradhinak of Mishim Tep."

This was a side of Shizala I had not seen before-the regal side. I must have offended her deeply for her to adopt this manner and tone, for I knew it was not natural.

"I-I am very sorry."

"I accept your apology. You will not interfere again. Now, please leave."

In confusion, I turned and left the room.

Bewildered, I walked straight from the great hall, down the steps of the palace to where a servant was just leading away the dahara I had been riding earlier.

With a muttered word to the servant I mounted the beast and shook its reins, making it gallop away down the main street towards one of the gates of the city.

I had to go right away from Varnal for the time being, had to go somewhere where I could be alone to collect my thoughts and pull myself together.

Shizala betrothed! A girl whom, I knew now, I had loved from the moment I saw her. It was too much to bear!

My heart beating much more rapidly than normal and my thoughts racing, my whole being seething with anguish, I rode blindly from the city, past the Green Lake and out into the Calling Hills.

Oh, Shizala, Shizala, I thought, I could have made you so happy.

I believe that I was close to crying then. I, Michael Kane, who had always prided himself on his self-control.

It was some time before I slowed my pace and began to make myself think levelly.

I did not know how far I had ridden. Many, many miles I suspected. My surroundings were unfamiliar. There was no landmarks I could recognize.

It was then that I saw a movement to the north.

At first I thought I was looking at a distant herd of beasts galloping towards me but, shading my eyes from the sun, I soon realized that these were riders mounted on some sort of beast similar to my dahara. Many riders.

A horde!

Knowing so little of Martian geography or, for that matter, politics, I did not know whether these riders threatened danger or not.

I sat my beast, watching them advance at a tremendous pace. Even so far away from them I could feel the ground faintly trembling, reverberating to the sound of the thundering animals.

Something seemed a little strange as they approached closer. I guessed they still could not see me-one solitary figure-but I could see them.

The scale was wrong. That was it.

Judging the average height of man and mount against the average height of trees and shrubs, I knew that these riders and their steeds were gigantic! Not one of their daharas was less than twice the height of mine; not one rider was under eight feet tall.

My memory worked swiftly and came up with only one answer.

These were invaders!

More-I thought I knew them.

They could only be those fierce, northern raiders Shizala had mentioned. The Blue Giants-the Argzoon!

Why had the city had no warning of the horde's approach?

How had they managed to come this far undetected?

These questions rose in my mind as I watched, but I dismissed them as useless. The fact was that a mounted force of warriors-thousands of them it seemed-were riding towards Varnal!

Quickly, I turned my beast, all thoughts of my grief now forgotten. I was obsessed by the emergency. I must warn the city. At least they would have a little time!

I checked my position from the sun and guided the swiftly-moving dahara back the way I had come.

But I had not reckoned with the Argzoon outriders. Though I had observed the main horde, the scouts sent ahead had evidently observed me!

As I ducked low to avoid the low branches of the slim trees and emerged into a wide glade, I heard a huge snort and a strange, wild, gusty laugh.

Then I was staring at a mounted giant towering above me on his great beast. In one hand he held an enormous sword and in the other an ovalheaded mace of some land.

I was unarmed-save for the slender lances that still reposed in the holster at my side.