Artana awakened them as he had promised. His first words were of the
widowed Queen. "Boada is here," he told Ross. "She has slept, and will
greet you after you have eaten."
They breakfasted in the chamber, on food that Artana had commandeered
from the rocket ship, with some of the pale, delicious Moon pears
beside the familiar Earth fare. Artana talked fast as the two Earth-men
ate.
"Two of the Cavern men came in with the Queen." As the two flyers
looked up in plain surprise, he smiled. "Yes, they were Horta's men.
But they say they do not wish to serve him longer. They say he plans to
rule the Moon Kingdom alone, and will make war with the Earth."
The two leaned forward, food forgotten. "Did they say," asked Ross,
"how Horta plans to make war? With what weapons?"
Artana shook his head sadly. "They deny all knowledge of such things.
They are star savants, and they say all Horta's war secrets are known
only to his war chiefs."
The flyers' disappointment impelled Artana to go on. "They do say that
Horta and most of his forces are gathered in the Great Cavern, where
all his secrets are kept. And that, too, is where he has set up his ray
machines."
Ross narrowed his eyes. "The Great Cavern, eh? Well, that's what we'll
have a shot at."
"You would have me accompany you?" Artana asked eagerly.
"Ah, no, Artana. You are needed here. What if Horta were to make a
sudden attack? You must give us a guide, though, to show us the Great
Cavern. And I will leave my chief signalman, Jorgens, so that we may
keep in touch with you."
Artana assented, somewhat cast down. Truly, the Great Cavern held a
secret, and the Lord of the Peaks was as eager as any to learn it. But
he regained his cheerfulness as they sought out the Queen.
She was in the great chamber where Artana had first received the
Earth-men. Erect and haughty, she sat on the central divan, regarding
them with brooding eyes as they entered. So much Ross saw before his
glance went to the slim figure beside her. He caught his breath.
A dream! A goddess! This girl--ah, yes, the Princess Illeria. But a
woman now! Not the scrawny girl of five years ago. Ross tore his eyes
from her with a jerk. Artana was presenting him to the Queen Widow.
"--Commander Ross, leader of the Earth-fleet, was a visitor at court
five years ago," Artana reminded the Queen.
She extended her hand, surveying him with a softening of her austere
expression. As he bent over it she said in a harsh voice that was
obviously held steady with an effort, "Commander Ross, you come at an
unhappy time."
Ross murmured condolences, then plunged into the subject that was
filling him with impatience. "I seek permission from you, Queen, and
from the Lord Artana to fly over the Caverns and report on conditions
there."
Queen Boada darted a sharp glance at Artana, then averted her head. "I
see no occasion for such a flight," she said curtly.
Artana stepped forward. "A rebellion, O Queen? Surely that is occasion
enough?"