"That woman is a born plotter, Kieron. She isn't satisfied with a
Consort's coronet. She's brewing something. Emmissaries have come to
her from certain of the star-kings and _others_...."
"Others?"
Alys' voice was hushed. "A warlock, Kieron! He has been seeing Ivane
privately for more than a year. An awful man!"
Superstition stirred like a quickening devil inside the Valkyr. The
shuddering horror of the dark and bloody tales he had heard all his
life about the warlocks who clung to the knowledge of the Great
Destroyer rose like a wave of blackness within him.
Alys felt the same dark tide rising in her. She moved closer to Kieron,
her slim body trembling slightly against his. "The people would tear
Ivane to pieces if they knew," she whispered.
"You _saw_ this warlock?" asked Kieron, sick with dread.
Alys nodded soundlessly.
Kieron fought down his fears and wondered uneasily what Ivane's
connection could be with such a pariah. The warlocks and witches were
despised and feared above all other creatures in the Galaxy.
"His name?" Kieron asked.
"Geller. Geller of the Marshes. It is said that he is a conjurer of
devils ... _and that he can create homunculi_! Out of the very filth of
the marshes! Oh, Kieron!" Alys shuddered.
An awful plan was forming in Kieron's mind. He was thinking that Ivane
must be stripped of the sigils and powers of this devil-man. With such
powers at her command there might be nothing impossible of attainment.
Even the crown of the Imperium itself....
"Where," Kieron asked slowly, "can this warlock be found?"
"On the street of the Black Flame, in the city of Neg ... on Kalgan."
"_Kalgan!_" Kieron's heart contracted. Was there a connection? Kalgan!
What had Ivane to do with that lonely planet beyond the dark veil of
the Coalsack? Was it coincidence? Out of all the thousands of worlds in
space ... Kalgan.
"Is there something wrong, Kieron? You know this man?"
Kieron shook his head. It had suddenly become more than imperative
that he go to Kalgan. The mystery of the Imperial Consort's connection
with a warlock of Kalgan must be unraveled. And the star-kings were
gathering....
The Valkyr was suddenly taken with a new and different fear. If Alys
had spied on Ivane, then she must be in danger here. Ivane would never
tolerate interference with her plans from Gilmer's daughter.
"Alys, are you a prisoner here?"
"More, I'm afraid," the girl said sadly. "I'm a reminder to Toran of
the days of our father. One that he would like to eliminate, I think."
* * * * *
Kieron studied her in the starlight. His eyes sought the thick golden
hair that brushed her shoulders, the glittering metallic skirt that
hung low on her hips, outlining the slim thighs. He watched the
graceful line of her unadorned throat, the bare shoulders and breasts,
the small waist, the flat, firm stomach--all revealed by the studied
nakedness of the fashions of the Inner Marches. This was no child. The
thought of her in danger shook him badly.
"Toran would not dare harm you, Alys," said Kieron uncertainly. There
had been a time when he could have said such a thing with perfect
assurance, but since the death of Gilmer, the Imperial City was like an
over-civilized jungle--full of beasts of prey.
"No, Toran wouldn't ... alone," said Alys; "but there are Ivane and
Landor." She laughed, suddenly gay; her eyes, seeking Kieron's, were
shining. "But not now! You are here, Kieron!"
The Valkyr felt his heart contract. "Alys," he said softly, "I leave
Earth tonight. For Kalgan."
"For Kalgan, Kieron?" Alys' eyes widened. "To seek that warlock?"
"For another reason, Alys." Kieron paused uneasily. It was hard to
speak to Gilmer of Kaidor's daughter about rebellion. Yet he could not
lie to her. He temporized.
"I have business with the lord of Kalgan," he said.
Alys' face was shadowed and her voice when she spoke was sad. "Do the
star-kings gather, Kieron? Have they had all they can stand of Toran's
foolish rule?"
Kieron nodded wordlessly.
The girl flared up with a sudden imperious anger. "That fool! He is
letting the favorites drive the Empire to ruin!" She looked up at
Kieron pleadingly. "Promise me one thing, Kieron."
"If I can."
"That you will not commit yourself to any rebellion until we have
spoken again."
"Alys, I...."
"Oh, Kieron! Promise me! If there is no other way, then fight the
Imperial House. But give me one chance to save what my father and his
father died for...!"
"And mine," added Kieron sombrely.
"You know that if there is no other way, I won't try to dissuade you.
But while you are on Kalgan, I'll speak to Toran. Please, Kieron,
promise me that Valkyr will not rebel until we have tried everything."
Her eyes shone with passion. "Then if it comes to war, I'll ride by
your side!"
"Done, Alys," said Kieron slowly. "But take care when you speak to
Toran. Remember there is danger here for you." He wondered briefly
what Freka the Unknown would think of his sudden reluctance to commit
the hundred spaceships and five thousand warriors of Valkyr to the
coming rebellion. A thought struck him and quickly he discarded it.
For just an instant he had wondered if Geller of the Marshes and the
mysterious Freka the Unknown might be the same.... Stranger things had
happened. But Alys had described Geller as old, and Freka was known to
be a six-and-one-half foot warrior, the perfect 'type' of the star-king
caste.
"One thing more, Alys," Kieron said; "I will leave one of my vessels
here for your use. Nevitta and a company will remain, too. Keep them by
you. They will guard you with their lives." He slipped his arm about
her, holding her to him.
"Nevitta?" Alys said with a slow smile. "Nevitta of the yellow braids
and the great sword? I remember him."
"The braids are greying, but the sword is as long as ever. He can guard
you for me, and keep you safe."
The girl's smile deepened at the words 'for me' but Kieron did not
notice. He was deep in planning. "Be very careful, Alys. And watch out
for Landor."
"Yes, Kieron," the girl breathed meekly. She looked up at the tall
outworld warrior's face, lips parted.
But Kieron was looking up at the stars of the Empire, and there was
uneasiness in his heart. He tightened his arm about Alys, holding her
closer to him as though to protect her from the hot gaze of those fiery
stars.