FATHER AND SON
"Greeting, priest of Zitu," Jadgor began, catching sight of the other
occupant of the room, and paused briefly before he went on:
"_Hai_, Hupor, so you are awake again at last."
"As Jadgor sees," said Croft without rising, while Lakkon stared
and Robur took a quick step forward, flushed deeply and checked his
instinctive motion, as one who hesitates in a decision.
Toward him Croft put out a hand, and as Robur caught it with a sudden
gesture, he smiled. "Zud tells me you stand without opposition in
Aphur, Rob," he resumed as he gripped the Tamarizian's fingers. "Of
such things I am glad."
"It was to inquire of you, we have intruded upon the priest of Zitra,"
Jadgor spoke again before Robur could do more than return Croft's grip.
"Concerning thee a proclamation has gone forth. Mouthpiece of Zitu,
thou art acclaimed. How then shall we salute thee in the future?" His
tone was haughty, harmonizing with the attitude of mind Croft had
sensed in the room in Tamhys's palace. But he paid it the tribute of
small notice.
"Salute me," he said almost coldly, "as Zud has ordained."
"Thou art from Zitu then?" Jadgor lost a modicum of his aplomb. Man
of action, accustomed to command though he was, yet, like most of his
nation, he stood in awe of his nation's god--and Croft's answer gave
him pause.
"All men are of Zitu, Jadgor of Aphur," Croft replied, meaning in his
response to do the presidential candidate small good.
But as he paused: "Truth is being spoken," Robur cut quickly in. "All
men are of Zitu through Azil and Ga, until Zitu himself sends Zilla,
with his sucking lips to take his life away."
Once more Croft smiled into the eyes of his friend. "Then gentle
Gaya--she is happy at your popularity, Rob?" he inquired as Jadgor
stood and stared.
"She waits me at Himyra," Robur returned, inclining his head.
"But--there were reasons why I desired more to remain in Zitra until
such time as should find you awakened from your sleep."
"Oh, aye--such reasons as Jadgor's doubt, and Lakkon's questions
concerning Zud's proclamation." Croft yawned as he spoke. "But Robur
forgets not so quickly his friends."
"By Zitu! How say you?" Jadgor broke out in a roar, flicked as it
seemed to dare the question by Croft's manner and words. "Are you
spirit or man?"
Croft eyed him for what seemed a long time before he answered. "A
man--in the way you mean it, O Jadgor--a man as thou art."
"Hai!" In a fashion Jadgor seemed surprised. "Then how the
Mouthpiece--" he began.
Croft rose. The cross and the wings of Azil glowed yellow in a ray of
sunlight on his breast. His tone was that of a teacher to a child.
"Jadgor of Aphur," he spoke with deliberation, each accent falling
slowly, "the Mouthpiece is that which speaks from knowledge to him
who has less--hence is the teacher a mouthpiece of knowledge to the
student. Those things which are difficult to one of little knowledge
may appear but simple to the mind of one who understands."
Color crept into Jadgor's dark face. One would have said Croft's
speech had lashed his haughty spirit like a whip to a gnuppa's flank.
His eyes came up and he measured glances with the man before him.
"And," said he a trifle quickly, "as Mouthpiece of Zitu, you claim the
greater knowledge for yourself? Perchance it were but a short step
in your belief between the greater knowledge and the greater power.
But--Tamarizia is not yet within the full grasp of your hand, and Aphur
still is Aphur, and with Nodhur and Milidhur, strong."
"My father!" Robur's tone was one of consternation. He took a quick
step in Jadgor's direction.
"Hold, Rob!" Croft lifted a restraining hand. It came into his mind
that the greater power of which Jadgor spoke was after all the main
point that was troubling the Aphurian king--that he feared a loss of
that prestige even as president, which all his life he had known--was
alarmed lest Croft with the backing of the priesthood gain the upper
hand, and Zud step into the position of sponsor for the stranger which
until now he himself had held with great honor to himself and his son.
He let an icy smile grow slowly on his lips. "Aye, Milidhur and Nodhur
and Aphur are strong. Aphur's king, through me. Also, is Tamarizia yet
an empire. Wherefore the change of government is by Tamhys' decree. Let
Jadgor beware lest success and quick attainment of his wishes may turn
his head."
"_Hai!_ You would threaten!" Jadgor exclaimed, drawing himself up to
his full height.
"Hold!" commanded Zud, breaking in for the first time. "Jadgor of
Himyra, you forget yourself, and the obedience all men owe to Zitu--and
the victory granted Tamarizia by his grace. What is the strength of
Aphur or Nodhur or Milidhur, to his designs? And think you that any or
all of those states will follow you against the word of Zitu's priest?"
"Or," Croft caught up the subject, well pleased by Zud's stand in the
matter, "think you that I who gave the strength of which you boast,
have not greater strength to give, or should the need arise to use
against that already given? If so, ask Zud, who has seen somewhat of my
plans."
* * * * *
But Jadgor was stubborn, and years of authority had made it hard for
one of his type to yield. "Strength you may have," he retorted shortly,
"yet where shall it be produced in time to avail against Aphur's
strength? And if not in time, where produced at all, were Tamarizia
still an empire with Jadgor on the throne?" His eyes flashed sharply
and he laid a hand on the gem-studded hilt of his sword.
"Hold!" cried Zud once more, while Robur paled and Lakkon drew
instinctively back from his king. "Thy words approach treason, Jadgor,
should they come to Tamhys's ears. As priest of Zitu I command you
to yield obedience to the Mouthpiece of Zitu--to aid, not oppose his
intent."
Jadgor was heated beyond all cool judgment. He flung back his head.
"Mouthpiece of Zitu--or of Zitemku, the foul one--or man as he himself
alleges, Jadgor yields authority to no one!" he roared.
"Nor hesitated to offer his sister's child to a profligate prince,
turned traitor to his land in order to increase it," said Croft as the
Aphurian paused.
"The point is well taken," Jadgor returned, breathing deeply inside his
metal cuirass, "since the maid was almost asked by the Mouthpiece of
Zitu himself as a price."
"No," Croft denied with a greater show of emotion than he had exhibited
as yet. "I asked but your consent and that of her father to win her for
my wife if I could."
"He speaks truth, my father," Robur declared. "And--I myself know that
Naia, my cousin, loved Jasor of Nodhur as no other."
"Jasor," Lakkon spoke for the first time. "But Naia herself has told me
that Abbu of Scira said--"
"That Jasor's spirit was drawn from his lips by Zilla," Jadgor
interrupted. "How say you, Robur--think you your cousin desires
marriage with a body whose spirit has fled?"
"No," said Croft, speaking before Robur could find any answer. "Naia of
Aphur is free from any claim of mine, save as she herself decides when
she learns the truth."
"Thou hast--seen her?" Lakkon faltered, his face beginning to work.
"Yes--and told her the truth as I meant to tell it to her, save that
Abbu spoke to Zud in the time of my sleep and Zud spoke to the maid
without a full understanding of all the truth embraced."
"The truth--what is it? Is it true that your spirit is not Jasor's?"
Jadgor once more broke forth.
"Aye--my spirit is not Jasor's," Croft returned. "To Zud I have
explained it. Yet is my spirit the spirit of a man born of a woman as
any other though not on Palos nor into Jasor's flesh."
"Zitu!" Jadgor was plainly startled. "Can a man's spirit forsake his
body and enter another, and yet possess mortal life?"
"Aye," said Zud, whose single experience, as Croft had meant, seemed to
have filled him with complete conviction. "I myself have left my flesh
and returned into it again, so that while I was absent it lay sleeping.
Zitu has granted this to me through his Mouthpiece, that I might more
fully understand."
"Thou?" Jadgor eyed him, as though in doubt as to how to take his words.
"I, Jadgor, yes," Zud said. "In the spirit was I present in the palace
of Tamhys when you spoke with Lakkon and Robur concerning this same
thing, and Robur defended his friend as since coming here he has done.
And though I was not seen of you, yet heard I what was said. Hence I
believe that the spirit of Zitu hath sent to guide us to a greater
knowledge is, as he himself says, the spirit of a man of earth."
"Earth?" Jadgor frowned at the unaccustomed word.
"Aye--a world ruled over by a different sun than ours," Zud rejoined.
"Jasor--since that is the name by which I have known you, and learned
to love you," Robur began again, "is this the truth?"
"Yes, Robur my brother, Zud speaks truly," Croft replied.
"You came from--earth?" The crown prince stammered slightly over the
planet's name.
"Yes, Robur--I came from earth."
Robur nodded. "I remember now that Sinon of Milidhur mentioned the fact
that his son's appearance since his illness had changed, along with his
bearing and his knowledge. Jadgor, my father, I believe this truth.
Friend of the Crown Prince of Aphur, what was your name on earth?"
"Jason," said Croft.
"Zitu! 'tis well-nigh the same."
"Yes," Croft regarded the crown prince, smiling. "And--Robur my friend,
it is the spirit which molds the flesh. Hence Jasor's body, after I
possessed it, altered in its appearance to some extent. Think back,
Prince of Aphur; seems it the same to you now, as in those days when by
you it was first known, or has it undergone some still further change?"
"It has changed," Robur replied quickly, his eyes lighting. "Now by
Azil himself, I begin to comprehend your meaning, Jason, if I may call
you by that name."
"Call me as you will, Rob," Croft returned. "Since I know you are my
friend."
* * * * *
Lakkon plucked at Jadgor's arm. "I--would see my daughter, O Jadgor,"
he said in a lowered voice. "Since she has seen this Jason, I would
speak to her of many things."
"Shortly," Jadgor replied. "Say to her that so soon as Jason is
proclaimed Mouthpiece of Zitu, we return to Himyra--"
"But should she desire to remain with the Gayana," Lakkon interrupted.
"By Zitu!" Jadgor gave him a frowning glance. "I speak to you and to
her through you as her king. Surely I hold place above the children of
Aphur yet. Are there not Gayana in Himyra's pyramid as well as here
should she decide to give herself to Ga? Repeat to her my words and see
that she obeys. Or--hold! I will see the maid myself." He turned back
to Croft and Zud. "These things I confess I do not understand, and in
truth to me they pass all understanding. Man of Zitu, yet is it clear
to my mind that an understanding lies between this other and yourself.
Wherefore I must ponder the matter well, and seek to determine whether
the palace or the pyramid of Zitra shall rule Tamarizia in the future.
To thee for the present, Zud--peace. Be pleased to direct that the
maiden Naia be brought to an audience chamber for speech with her
father and her _king_."
"Jadgor's request is granted." Zud lifted a small hammer from the table
and struck against a metal gong.
The door slid back and a lay brother appeared.
Zud spoke to him, directing him to lead Jadgor and Lakkon to an
apartment, and command Naia's presence there.
"Peace to you, Zud," Jadgor said again as he turned away.
"And to thee peace," responded Zitu's priest.
"Rob," Croft arrested Aphur's prince as he moved to follow his father,
"are you party to this interview with your cousin?"
"No." Robur paused. "I return now to the palace."
Croft nodded. "Presently then. Come now. I would speak with you alone."
For all his controlled demeanor, Croft was none the less disturbed as,
leaving Zud, he led Jadgor's son to the room in which for two weeks
his body had lain entranced. Jadgor's stand he could understand well
enough, as well as his veiled taunt that were it to come to a test of
strength between them, Croft might not be able to arm the rest of the
nation against Milidhur, Nodhur, and Aphur, for the simple reason that
before he would create anything with which to resist the weapons he
himself had placed in the hands of Jadgor's men and his allies, he must
create shops. Those plants he had thus far brought into being were in
Nodhur and Aphur alone--one at Himyra, Jadgor's city, and the other at
Ladhra, capital of Nodhur, where lived Sinon and Mellia, the parents of
Jasor whose body Croft had made his own--that Sinon and Mellia, whom
Jadgor had raised from the merchant caste to the nobility because of
the wonders worked by their supposed son.
Nor did Croft like the thought that because of him or anything he had
done, Tamarizia should by any chance be torn by internal conflict, or
his plans for a republic be overthrown. And yet in Jadgor's words he
had read a hint of civil war between the south and western states and
the rest of the nation, where Jadgor declined to accept any authority
higher than his own. As he had said to the man not half an hour before,
the easy victory over Helmor of Zollaria and the acclaim resulting to
himself as nominal commander of the Tamarizian army, seemed to have
gone to Jadgor's head. And in addition he appeared to feel sincerely
that through Croft a possible disgrace had been brought upon his family
through Naia, and therefore upon himself.
Also Jadgor had thrown out an intimation that with enough power behind
him he would be minded to curtail Croft's activities in so far as he
could, once he were on the Zitran throne. Nor did Croft doubt that even
were a civil war avoided, Jadgor would be elected president of the
republic if let alone. Aphur would vote for him, as would Nodhur unless
very quick action was taken. Milidhur could be counted on for support
since Robur's wife was the daughter of that state's present king.
Cathur, freed from the treason which had weakened it once, would surely
favor Jadgor, who had saved it from being overrun and meeting Mazhur's
fate of fifty years before. Mazhur might be expected to support the man
who had freed her from the slavery she had endured for fifty years.
Bithur and Hiranur alone, then were not sure. Of the two, Hiranur would
almost certainly support Tammon, the emperor's son, and Bithur might
well be expected to split his vote, with the odds on Jadgor again,
because of that boasted strength Croft's labors in Aphur had brought--a
strength Bithur might feel needed in defense, since Mazzer adjoined
her entire eastern frontier and Zollaria, beaten but not crushed, yet
threatened dangerously on the north.
All in all he felt that in what he did and said he would tread on
delicate ground, as he saw Robur seated and approached the golden
casket Zud had opened to inspect the drawings it contained.
But he said nothing of what was seething in his brain as he took out
the plans and carried them back to spread them out before Robur's eyes
on his couch.
One of them was for a dynamo, water-driven, and nothing else. There
were many streams in Tamarizia's mountains, and he had planned to
harness their power for the generation of electric force. This then he
took up first.
"Look, Rob," he began as he held it before his companion's eyes. "Can
you remember a night in Himyra when Jadgor named me Hupor, and I said
the scene would have been more brilliant were light obtained from many
lamps of glass inside which a luminous filament glowed?"
"Aye, I remember it well." Robur inclined his head. His face was
serious and he seemed ill at ease, as well as somewhat surprised that
Croft had turned to the plans rather than taking up a discussion of
other things.
But Croft had a purpose in so doing; a hope that by showing Robur the
things he planned to accomplish, he might reach Jadgor's ear in a less
direct, though no less effective fashion, since doubtless Robur would
speak concerning them to the king. "This," he said when assured that
the prince recalled his former remark, "is a device to provide such
light, and many other things."
* * * * *
For an hour thereafter he talked, displaying plan after plan, each one
of which he explained, until at the end, Robur's face was flushed with
excitement, his eyes glowing in anticipation of beholding undreamed of
things.
"Jasor or Jason," he exclaimed at length. "Mouthpiece of Zitu must you
be indeed to devise such objects, to have knowledge of them--to draw
their designs."
"No--" Croft considered swiftly. Robur was husband to Gaya, and Gaya
had stood his friend in his effort to win Naia before. He decided to
tell Robur the literal truth. "No, Robur--these things are not mine
own. Of Zitu they are--by him permitted for man's use--yet are they
things known, and employed daily in the life of men on that star from
which I come."
"Earth," said Robur quickly. "These things are known on earth, and the
motors, the rifles--"
"Yes," Croft nodded slightly. "And a thousand other things." He took up
a final plan. "Rob, what do you think of a device which can lift a man
into the air, as a bird rises on its wings?"
"Zitu! Would you fly, Jason of earth!" Robur caught a slightly unsteady
breath.
"Aye," Croft spread out the parchment. He had drawn it in a moment
of daring impulse, and now he explained to Robur how it was driven
by a "motur"--the name he had given to his engines, modified to fit
Tamarizian speech, and the action of the planes.
For a time Jadgor's son sat seemingly lost in a silent contemplation of
this to him most wonderful fruit of his companion's hand and brain. And
then he flung up his head and looked him full in the eyes. "Jason, tell
me the truth, in Zitu's name!" he burst into an impassioned query. "Why
came you from earth to Palos--what strange force led you to seek life
with us?"
And Croft answered that heart-sincere appeal without visible
hesitation. "The strongest force in all the sum of Zitu's forces,
Robur--that force which men call--love."
"Love?" repeated Robur, staring. "Of a woman, you mean?"
"Of a woman, yes," said Croft, returning his regard directly. "You know
well the maid."
"Naia, by Zitu!" Robur sprang to his feet. "You have dared all for her?"
"All," said Croft. "Listen Rob, my true friend to whom I may open my
heart: To Palos and Tamarizia I came first, seeking knowledge, having
learned how a man may leave his body in the spirit, even as I have
proved a man may. Yet knew I not why I chose Palos, until I came to
Himyra and saw Naia of Aphur first. But having seen her even in the
spirit, I loved her, as a man may love but one woman, in either the
spirit or flesh; and because of that love--because to me she meant all
and more than any other thing in life, and because I possessed the
knowledge and the power, I dared death itself in taking Jasor's body
when he laid it down, in order that I might save her from the marriage
to Cathur, Jadgor planned, and win her for myself. Jadgor's son knows
the rest."
"Aye," Robur said. "And he knows that were the truth understood by
Jadgor he would command the maid to your arms, and make sure that these
strange instruments, the designs of which you have shown me, should be
made in the Himyra and Ladhra shops."
"Hold!" exclaimed Jason. "Stop--once have I saved Naia of Aphur from
paying the score of Jadgor's ambitions, nor will I permit it again. If
the maiden comes to me at all, Rob, it must be of her own choice--from
her own wish, not by the command of Jadgor or another, as my willing
mate--not as a price."
Robur nodded. "_Hai_, Jason!" he cried. "Now can I understand you, and
find you the man I have felt you in my heart." He approached Croft,
seized his hand and placed it on his shoulder, laid his own on that of
his companion in the posture of greeting used by Tamarizian friends.
So for a moment the two men stood eye to eye before Robur went on:
"Thy love is a true love--of the heart as well as of the body. Claim
me thy friend in this, O Jason--I and Gaya, the woman I won in similar
fashion, though I journeyed no farther than to Milidhur to find her.
You have seen the maid since your awakening. Tell me; said you to her
so much?"
"Yes," Croft told him, "save that she came to me willingly--herself she
was free."
"And what said Naia my cousin? O Jason, my heart goes out to you as
ever since we have known each other. Robur may find a way to assist a
friend."
Once more Croft felt his whole being warm to Aphur's prince. "'Tis
the matter of Jasor's body and Jason's spirit, that disturbs her," he
explained. "Concerning that I meant to tell her, as only I could tell
it, so that she might understand. That would I have done at a time of
my own selecting before she became my wife, save that Abbu of Scira to
whom I confessed that my spirit was not Jasor's but one which meant
to Tamarizia only good--Abbu, whom I swore to silence in Zitu's name,
was by Zud absolved from his oath and spoke. And Zud gaining part of
the truth only, yet carried what he had learned to Naia's ears. Zud,
startled by what he had learned, named me to her a spirit sent by Zitu.
Naia looks upon herself as one deceived, well-nigh betrayed."
"But," said Robur quickly, "when you told her of yourself--"
"Nay," Croft replied. "Naia of Aphur is not one to weep, nor ask for
explanations."
Robur nodded in comprehension of all Croft's words implied. "So that
she knows not as yet of this love that drew you from another world to
win her, even as with us a man might go from one kingdom to another.
Yet to me it seems that a maid might marvel at a love so great."
Croft's eyes lighted at the suggestion. "As I had hoped she would when
I told it in the way I meant to tell it, Rob. See you not that this
title proclaimed by Zud is something thrust upon me, rather than sought
by myself? For though I meant to be to Tamarizia a teacher in many
things, and in so far a mouthpiece in very truth, showing to her people
those things known to others, but drawn first from Zitu's mind as all
things created must be; yet had I no intent, or wish to greatly exalt
myself. In Himyra I sought the rank of Hupor merely because it raised
me to her caste. And Zud himself will tell you that in proclaiming
me to the people, I have forbidden him to name me other than a
teacher--more than a man like themselves."
"_Hai!_" said Robur. "You have done this, Jason! Did Jadgor know, it
would change his stand I think. My father's attitude in this matter
grieves me. Let me be _your_ mouthpiece in this to bring understanding
to his mind."
* * * * *
Croft considered. In so far as he could see, it could do no possible
harm for the Aphurian king to realize that he was seeking no material
glory beyond the life with Naia he had planned. That, he felt, was
glory enough to pay for all he had done or might do in the future,
if it could be attained. He nodded. "Speak, Rob, if you like," he
answered. "I am, I confess, more or less disturbed by your father's
manner and his words, not for myself so much as for Tamarizia. I
would see no split in the nation. I would see her stand proud in her
strength, yet guilty of no aggression--ready to defend herself, yet
not wishing to attack unless assaulted first, broadening in wisdom and
knowledge rather than in lands gained by the conquest of the sword.
Speak if you will, Rob, if thereby we may turn Jadgor from what seems
to me a dream of personal power, back to that wish for the strength of
_all_ Tamarizia, which held place in his heart, when I knew him first."
Robur sighed. "Teacher you may well be called, Jason," he said in a
tone of accord with Croft's remarks. "Jadgor's name on every lip has
been to Jadgor's spirit like wine to a strong man's flesh--nor do I
myself think Zud has any wish to interfere with the affairs of state
through proclaiming you Mouthpiece of Zitu, even though my father
appears to fear some such thing himself. Wherefore I shall tell him of
what you have said, if I may. And of this other matter also I shall
speak. In that Naia has yielded you her mouth, has felt your arms about
her, who are not of her blood; to Jadgor's mind, there lies a disgrace."
Croft nodded again. "Yet would he have given her to Kyphallos, the
play-thing of Zollaria's unclean woman--the master of dancing girls,
my friend." His tone grew heavy, as he recalled the inconsistency of
Jadgor's course.
"I know--I know," Robur replied. "But that would have been in marriage."
For a moment it was in Croft's mind to retort quickly that the
degradation of a loveless union could not be legalized in the sight of
Zitu by any words of a priest. But he checked the impulse. "There can
be no marriage between Naia and myself until it is brought about by her
as well as my wish."
"Failing which she will become Gayana," Robur said and looked full into
Jason's eyes.
"Which you do not like yourself," Croft responded, recalling the words
Zud and he had heard the man before him speak in the palace room.
"Which, should it happen would deprive me of all I have labored in
sincere purpose to gain--that which I think Zitu himself is inclined to
permit--since he has permitted also that I dwell in the spirit inside
Jasor of Nodhur's flesh."
"Aye, by Zitu, I see it!" Robur exclaimed. "Were it said to her, by one
to whom she would scarce fail to give ear--then--perhaps she would see
it too. Jason--Gaya, my wife, has before this had a hand in this affair
of your love. Could she prevail upon my cousin to listen--"
"Rob!" Croft caught an almost quivering breath as he spoke the word. He
rose and began a slow pacing of the floor. But presently he paused and
once more faced the crown prince.
"At least," he said, "she returns by Jadgor's command to Himyra. Let
Gaya speak with her, friend of my heart, to whom my heart is shown, and
prevail upon her to remain outside the pyramid until she has taken time
to think. Myself, I told her I could explain if the chance were mine.
Rob, you and Gaya your wife will do this?"
"Aye," Robur declared, rising also. "Be not cast down in your heart.
Inside fourteen suns I shall be governor in Aphur--and I shall see to
it that Jadgor understands much which now he does not understand--also,
that Naia does not go to the pyramid in Himyra. I shall speak with
Magur himself. Speak of this with Zud, Jason. Have him give tablets
into my hands to Magur from himself, advising against an immediate
action. Then once I am in the palace, Jason, my friend, we shall reopen
the Himyra shops, and set the melting furnaces flaring, and make
many things for Tamarizia's welfare--even to this machine which flies
without moving its wings." His face lighted, and his nostrils flared at
the pictures in his brain.
"With you, my brother, and with Zitu it rests, then," Croft said, and
the two men struck palms as once on the day of their first meeting they
had struck in friendship's pledge.