Darkness Made No Difference To George Hanlon in dealing with animal
minds, for it was not with his eyes that he "saw" what was inside them.
In this particular instance he was grateful for the dark--it made
concentration far easier.
He made himself comfortable on his bed, then fitted his mind to that
of the wounded animal in the stable. Deeper and ever deeper he probed,
tracing line and connectors and synapses carefully. A stray thought
brought a grin to his face. "I bet I'm learning things no veterinarian
ever learned about animals."
Then he sobered quickly. "Perhaps I should write this up for them--the
physiology and endocrinology of it, I mean." He filed the thought away
in his mind for future reference. It would be a great contribution to
those branches of science, he felt--IF he was successful.
Now he traced nerves, blood vessels, cells, glands. He bored in
with every newly-awakened sense alert to catch each particle of
new knowledge. He began to learn even more of how the healing and
regeneration of cells and tissues worked ... and after awhile he
achieved real beginnings of success.
The things he had been able to do that afternoon, with his first
studies, had started the healing of the caval's leg somewhat faster
than nature ordinarily did it, but not much more. Now, however, he was
able more surely and quickly to continue that work, and by the time he
noticed the false dawn lightening the night a bit, and he knew he must
get some sleep, the injury was almost entirely healed.
"What a surprise Endar's going to get when he looks at that leg in the
morning," he chuckled. For the swelling was reduced, the inflammation
all gone, and the caval was able to stand and walk on the foot without
limping or apparent pain. In fact, from his ability to read the
beast's mind, Hanlon knew the pain was all gone. If nothing happened
to irritate it, the leg would be as good as new in a day or so without
further attention.
Hanlon was sleeping so soundly the next morning that Endar had trouble
waking him, and that did not help in dispelling the anger and distrust
in him the head groom knew. Hanlon tried to work hard enough, and was
careful to appear willing and ready even for the mean, dirty jobs Endar
assigned him, so as not to make the groom any more irritated than he
already was.
Shortly after daylight Inver came to the stables to see how his
favorite caval was getting along. He and Endar were very much surprised
to see that the animal was apparently entirely well, and that the leg
showed no signs of the injury of the day before.
"I can't understand it," the young man shook his head. "It must not
have been as badly hurt as we thought."
Endar may have had his doubts--and Hanlon saw him throw a quick,
wondering glance in his direction--but the groom wisely said nothing,
since he had no proof ... and such a thought was ridiculous, anyway.
When it came time for the Ruler's morning ride, Hanlon was still
working inside. But Elus Amir asked to see the new man, and Endar had
to call him out.
"Ah, my savior," Amir said as Hanlon appeared. "Are they treating you
well, Lona?"
Hanlon bent the knee. "Oh, yes, k'nyer. I have everything to make me
happy here, and I love the work. And Endar has been most kind about
showing me around, and helping me learn all my duties here so I may
serve you better."
"Good. I'd like to have you ride with me this morning," the Ruler said
as he mounted.
Hanlon glanced at Endar. He could see that the head groom was not
pleased by this, though he said nothing, merely handing the reins of
the second mount to Hanlon, then turning away. Hanlon was quickly
astride, and the two riders started off at a brisk canter.
As soon as they were well away from the residence, Amir slowed down
and motioned Hanlon to come to his side. "Now, tell me all about the
Eastern Continent--what conditions are like there, and what the people
are saying about things in general."
Hanlon dredged his mind for any and all information he could remember
from his studies of the reels of Estrella furnished him by the secret
service, as well as what he had learned from others since he came to
this planet.
For nearly a penta-period he told what he knew, then said, "One thing
is quite noticeable there, k'nyer. The ordinary people I talked to over
there--of course, I don't know any of the important ones--all seem very
anxious for our world to join the Terran Federation of Planets."
"They are?" the Ruler seemed surprised, but interested. "I thought
there was quite a bit of sentiment against it."
Hanlon shrugged as though it was of no importance. "Oh, you hear a
lot of talk going around that we would lose our freedom, and that the
people of the Federation just want to enslave us, but no one I talked
to seemed really to believe it. They think someone there is putting
out a lot of propaganda because of some personal reasons. The ordinary
people think they would benefit greatly by such a union with more
advanced people. One of our newssheets printed a copy of the Federation
Agreement, and it states very clearly that all worlds are to have full
right to choose their own form of government, and that they keep their
full ... their full...."
"Sovereignty," the Ruler supplied the missing word.
"Thank you, k'nyer ... their full sovereignty at all times. It also
went on to say that all the other worlds do just as they please, and
that the only purpose of the Federation is to encourage trade and the
spread of knowledge among the various planets in an equitable way, and
yet see to it that they never get into war with each other, by settling
all possible disputes before they get to the explosive point."
Elus Amir was silent for long minutes, thinking seriously, and Hanlon
followed those thoughts as they chased themselves across the screen
of the Ruler's mind. Finally Amir raised his head. "Er ... yes, yes,
that's all true enough, Lona. But if it is so, why is there such a
seemingly-determined effort to persuade me and the people here that it
is not true?"
"May I speak my thoughts, k'nyer?"
"Eh? Why, of course," Amir looked up in surprise. "That's why I wanted
you to come along today."
"Well, sire, it looks to me--and please remember that I'm just a simple
countryman, and not used to politics or statesmanship--but it looks to
me as though someone wanted to keep us by ourselves so they could run
this world the way they want to, and be able to make themselves rich or
powerful at the expense of our common people."
"But that's impossible as long as our government is on its guard."
"Exactly, k'nyer. It could not be done as long as you are Ruler, but
suppose you...."
Elus Amir's head snapped up irritably at this unfinished warning. "The
Second-In-Line is just as jealous of Estrella's welfare as I am," he
snapped. "It would not happen under him either."
But Hanlon, reading the Ruler's surface thoughts, knew he must keep
quiet for the moment. For Amir was disturbed by hearing this idea from
a simple groom. He did not want to give it credence, but doubt had been
forced into his mind, first by his son, and now by this man.
But before he could formulate any decisive answer, Hanlon decided
boldly to jolt him again.
"I have a friend, k'nyer," he reached into his inner pocket and brought
out some papers, "who has been actively studying this matter for some
time. He has found out a number of things I am sure will interest you,
and about which I doubt very much you know."
The Ruler looked at him sharply. "What do you mean?"
"You know that there has been an unprecedented crime wave all over
our planet recently," Hanlon said, and Amir nodded sorrowfully. "My
friend has found proof that, while a lot of people have been engaged in
those criminal activities, there is a complete program that is being
carefully carried on by a staff of head men, each with his own group of
lower criminals, but all headed by one...."
"By the Terrans--it is well known here."
"No, k'nyer, not by the Terrans. The real leader of this campaign of
destruction is the same man who is the leader of the opposition to
Estrella's joining the Federation."
"And that man?" the Ruler snapped, but his face was drawn, as though he
already knew ... but would not let himself believe.
"That leader, k'nyer, is Adwal Irad."
"Prove it, or by Zappa I'll have you executed," Amir's voice crackled.
"Have a care, Lona, and don't try my patience. I don't allow myself to
be talked to in that manner."
"I crave pardon, sire, if I have spoken out of line. But you asked me
for my reactions and knowledge, and I must be truthful."
"Whatever gave you such foolish notions? And who are you, anyway? A
countryman such as you claim to be would not know about such
things ... or use such precise language."
"You might be surprised, k'nyer, if you knew how many of your humbler
subjects are vastly interested in the welfare of our world, and who
read and think much about these things, even though they know they
cannot fully understand them. As to how I got such ideas, the answer
is, many things. And facts collected by my friend. Including this
little book," handing him Esbor's notebook, "which was found in ...
well, in a certain place. It contains a lot of information we were sure
you would want to study, which is the reason he asked me to give it to
you if I got the chance."
The Ruler took the book, opened and glanced through it. Hanlon could
see the start of surprise he made, and read the thoughts that flashed
through the Ruler's mind as he saw some of the notations. During the
remainder of the ride, now at a slow walk, there was complete silence,
until they were nearing the residence's courtyard. Then Amir looked at
Hanlon, a shrewd look on his face.
"You're a curious fellow, Lona. Who are you, really?"
"One of the many who have the interests of yourself and this world very
much at heart," Hanlon said honestly. "Please do not ask me more, but
believe that we are honest and sincere. Your son has many friends ..."
he stopped, letting it go at that, knowing the Ruler's memory would
flash back to the talk with Inver the day before, and hoping Amir would
not pursue his questioning.
Elus Amir began studying Hanlon closely, an examination the young man
knew might quickly disclose his imposture. He made his caval suddenly
shy away, and took several moments controlling it enough so he could
ride back to the Ruler's side--but stayed a bit further behind than he
had been before.
As he had hoped, this maneuver had given Amir time to think. "Very
well," the Ruler said, "I'll not inquire too closely at the moment,
although you may be sure," more sternly now, "that I shall be on my
guard to know if you are really working for me or not."
He was silent a moment, then added slowly, "But as to what you have
said, and this book ... well, I promise to study them thoroughly."
Hanlon thanked Elus Amir for his courtesy to a humble groom. "And thank
you for the great privilege of riding with you, and talking to you. I
have always felt, k'nyer," he made bold to add, "that we have a truly
great Ruler. Now," he smiled sincerely, "I am more sure of it than
ever."
"Why, thank you, Lona. I do try to watch out for the best interests of
our people."
"A groom should not presume to advise his Ruler, but I feel emboldened
to say that your people would be glad if you decide to join the Terran
Federation," Hanlon said humbly, then added more earnestly, "and I beg
you, sire, watch out for yourself. There are human tamous abroad."
The Ruler looked startled, but said nothing to this, although he
became very thoughtful as he left. Hanlon, except for one point, was
well content with his morning's work, as he led the cavals back to the
stable.
For Hanlon had so much wanted to tell Amir how he could know for a
certainty who among his attendants and guards was really trustworthy,
but did not dare mention it at this time. It would have been fairly
easy for Hanlon to be inconspicuously present--perhaps hidden by a
screen--while the Ruler called his guards and servants in one by one
and questioned them. For Hanlon could then have read their minds or
surface thoughts, and undoubtedly have been able to tell which ones,
if any, were lying. But to have even mentioned such a thing would have
been to reveal too much that he was not yet ready to have known.
"I'll have to hang around the guards as much as possible, and study
their minds for any traitorous thoughts," he decided. "Especially, I
want to know if any of them are Irad's tools."
Endar was surly when Hanlon brought the mounts into the stable,
although he did nothing overt as the young man carefully rubbed down
the cavals, and returned them to their stalls.
But Endar did come up then and ask, "What did Amir have to talk to you
about?"
"We did very little talking," Hanlon answered with apparent
truthfulness. "He asked me a few questions about Lura and the Eastern
Continent, but I told him I was just a farm worker and didn't know much
about general conditions. That seemed to disappoint him, and he said
nothing more."
"But I saw him talking to you as he dismounted, and you were answering
him."
"Yes, he was kind enough to say he enjoyed the ride, and that the
cavals were in fine condition. I told him that was largely due to you,
that you were careful to see that they were well cared for, and that we
kept the stables clean."
"That reminds me, how did it happen that Inver's caval was all healed
this morning?" the man's eyes bored suspiciously into Hanlon's.
"Why, I don't know," he answered evasively, his face bland. "I suppose
it was the medicine and treatment the doctor gave it. He must really
be good--but then, he wouldn't be the Ruler's animal physician if he
wasn't, would he?"
"_Hmmpff_," Endar swung away, but his attitude and surface thoughts
told Hanlon that he was only partially satisfied. He had no real idea,
of course, of what had happened. Such a thing was just beyond his
simple comprehension.
* * * * *
George Hanlon could not know it, of course, but as soon as the Ruler
had returned to his rooms, he settled himself comfortably in his
favorite chair, and gave orders that he was not to be disturbed. Then
he set his mind to considering every aspect of this curious business,
and to studying more thoroughly the papers and that notebook of
Esbor's, with its disquieting notations.
Finally he called in the man who was not only a sort of confidential
secretary, but a life-long friend and confidant whom he trusted
implicitly. He gave this man definite orders as to certain
investigations to be made at once.
During the balance of the day, while this man was gone, Amir's mind was
a turmoil of doubt. And worry--for Hanlon's final suggestion that the
Ruler's life was in great danger, made him pause to think. Of course,
Rulers were always fair targets for assassins, even on this world where
such things were very rare, indeed. But ... Lona had hinted that this
was no ordinary assassination he was to watch out for, but a part of
the so-called "plot" of a group who were out to keep Estrella from
joining the Terran-led Federation.
And if the groom was right, then how safe was Amir? Even in his own
residence ... was his personal guard loyal? Or had the conspirators ...
supposing there was such a group...?
The Ruler was still reluctant to believe Irad was at the head of any
such organization, or even connected with it in any way, despite
the mounting evidence ... including more than one entry in Esbor's
revealing notebook. Had these conspirators, whoever they might be, been
able to infiltrate members into his hitherto highly-trusted household?
Wait, come to think of it, there were several new servants and guards,
come to work there within the past half year or so!
Elus Amir had never heard of truth serums, or lie-detectors, for such
things had not yet been discovered or invented on Estrella. Nor did he
even suspect that it was possible to read a man's mind.
Now the Ruler's thoughts strayed back to that enigmatic groom. Just
who and what was he, anyway? He certainly was not a common, simple
countryman, as he pretended to be. And the way he had met the Ruler,
saved his life and obtained work here. Looking back now Amir could see
that it was all too pat.
Was he one of those "friends" Inver had spoken about, who were working
with his son to find out the truth about whatever it was that was
going on here? It was apparent he was part of a group of some kind, or
else his talk of a "friend" who had obtained that damning notebook was
false, and Lona himself had managed to get possession of it.
Acting on a sudden impulse, Amir sent a servant to ask Inver to come to
see him. When the young man arrived, the Ruler looked at him a moment.
"Just one question, my son. Are some of those 'friends' you spoke to me
about yesterday numbered among the residence servants or guards?"
Inver looked startled, but his reply was patently honest. "Yes, father.
We have been checking the others carefully, and when we find those we
distrust in the least, we manage to get them discharged, and others we
can trust brought in to replace them. Why?"
But the Ruler did not answer that last. He merely said, "Thank you,
Inver. That is all for the present."
Now the young man really was astonished at this abrupt dismissal, but
left without further words.
Elus Amir felt better now. He had always considered himself a fairly
good judge of character--although he was beginning to wonder now if all
that was being told him about Irad was true, for if so, then he had
made a bad mistake in judging the Second-In-Line, for he had always had
full confidence in his integrity.
But about this Lona? He sent a servant to bring Endar, the head groom,
to see him. When the man arrived, Amir asked him many questions as to
what Endar thought of the new man. He realized almost from the first
that Endar was jealous of Lona's popularity with the Ruler, but Endar
produced no actual facts against the new stableman, and grudgingly had
to admit that he was a good and willing worker.
Yes, Amir now decided, whatever else this Lona might be, he was a true
patriot, trying to serve the best interests of his country and his
Ruler in every way he could. There was a straight-forwardness about him
that Amir liked, and evidently Inver also had confidence in him.
Yet there was a tantalizing _something_ about Lona's looks that had
the Ruler a bit puzzled, although it was more subconsciously than
consciously.
For the time being, he decided, he would allow Lona to remain here. It
would be easier to keep watch on him here than if he let him go and the
groom should disappear entirely. Also, Amir determined to have further
talks with this strange man ... and with Inver, about the latter's
"group of friends."
* * * * *
Finally, some time after dinner that evening, the Ruler's secretary
came back to report. "I have examined the news records, k'nyer, and
the first mention I can find of anything like propaganda against our
world's accepting the invitation of the Federation Council was printed
in the Stearran papers about a week after the group returned from that
trip made to visit the Terran planets."
"Hmmm, not until then, eh ... but that seems to tally with some other
things I've heard. Still, it is curious. Another point is still
bothering me, and I'd like your thoughts on it. The Terrans evidently
discovered us long before we knew it, and studied us even to the extent
of learning our language, while still keeping us in ignorance of their
existence. It was this apparent stealth that has led many of us to
wonder if they are sincere, or if there is some underlying motive of
conquest behind them. What do you think?"
"As you know, k'nyer," the secretary reached up to tug at his beard
while thinking and replying, "I was permitted to be present at the
meetings you had with the Federation representatives, and I was very
much impressed with them. I have also talked much with those who went
on the trip to the Terran planets. I cannot conceive the possibility
that these Federationists are practicing duplicity. Besides, let us
consider our own actions in such a case. Suppose we had space travel,
and found a new world inhabited with intelligent beings. Would we not,
if possible, study them thoroughly before trying to make contact with
them?"
Elus Amir shrugged, and his answer was to the first part of his
friend's speech. "That might depend upon how well they were able to
conceal their true feelings--upon how good actors they were."
"Perhaps, but...."
"Never mind that for now. What about the rumors concerning my son,
Inver?"
"Those were much harder to check, but in my own mind there is no
recollection of ever having heard of any such thing until the past
year. However, I have heard reports of it since, and it seems to be
spreading rapidly all over."
"And you never reported this to me?"
The secretary hung his head. "I did not believe it, sire, and I didn't
like to worry...."
"It's all right. So it was just about a year ago that the opposition to
our joining the Federation appeared, and also these rumors."
"Why ... why, yes, sire. Do you connect the two?"
Amir did not answer that last question. He sat very quietly as to body,
but with mind active and ill at ease. After a bit he raised his eyes
and asked suddenly, "Just what is your personal opinion of Adwal Irad.
Speak freely--I want the truth."
The secretary's eyes clouded, but he did not hesitate. "I have noticed
a great change in the Second-In-Line, growing more pronounced recently.
As though something were preying on his mind. His actions have
become ... well, 'shifty' is the nearest word I can think of to
describe it. I no longer trust him unreservedly, I am sorry to say."
"Hmmm," Amir thought about that for some time. "I have had the same
thing told me by others these past few days," he said at last. "I wish
I knew...."
"May I suggest, k'nyer, that you invite him to ride with you tomorrow,
and study him; ask him leading questions, and so on?"
"That might not be a bad idea. I'll do it. Send him an invitation in my
name, please."
* * * * *
_After the note had been received, and while Irad was changing his
plans so as to accept this command, he suddenly seemed to get a feeling
that he must do a certain thing. The Second-In-Line recoiled in horror.
He did not want to comply--did not even want to think such a thought.
This was far worse than the other things he had been forced to do in
the past months. But something ... he could not imagine what, nor
why ... was forcing him to do this, as it had the others._
_Reluctantly, fighting with all his will not to do what he somehow had
to do, he sent word to several of his men and, when they arrived at
his home, gave them explicit instructions. They seemed surprised, and
reluctant, but he insisted and, somewhat to their surprise, the plan
soon seemed like a good one._