The two sat m silence. Then Gersen asked, "When do we leave3"

"I know no more than you."

"We will do what we can."

14

From The Avatar's Apprentice in Scroll From The Ninth Dimension:

Struggling to the hill's crest, Marmaduke searched for the blasted cypress which marked the hut of the symbologist. There stood the tree, haggard and deso- late, and a hut nearby.

The symbologist gave him welcome. "A hundred leagues I have come," said Marmaduke, "to put a single question: Do the colors have souls?"

"Did anyone aver otherwise?" asked the perplexed symbologist. He caused to shine an orange light, then, lifting the swing of his gown, he cavorted with great zest. Marmaduke watched with pleasure, amused to see an old man so spry!

The symbologist brought forth green light. Crouching under the bench he thrust his head between his ankles and turned his gown outside to in, while Mar- maduke clapped his hands for wonder.

The symbologist evoked red light, and leaping upon Marmaduke, playfully wrestled him to the floor and threw the gown over his head. "My dear fellow," gasped Marmaduke, winning free, "but you are brisk in your demonstration!"

"What is worth doing is worth doing well," the symbologist replied. "Now to expatiate. The colors ad- mit of dual import. The orange is icterine humor as well as the mirth of a dying heron.

THE PALACE OF LOVE

"Green is the essence of second-thoughts, likewise the mode of the north wind. Red, as we have seen, ac- companies rustic exuberance."

"And a second import of the red?" Marmaduke asked.

The symbologist made a cryptic sign. "That re- mains to be seen, as the cat said who voided into the sugar bowl."

Amused and edified, Marmaduke took his leave, and he was quite halfway down the mountain before he dis- covered the loss of his wallet.

The last night at the Palace of Love was celebrated by a fete. There was music, intoxicating fumes, a whirl of dancers from the villages. Those who had formed attachments made woeful conver- sation or indulged in a final frenzy of passion. Others sat quietly, each in his private mood, and so passed the night. One by one the colored lights blinked and dimmed; the folk in "white slipped away through the garden gloom; one by one the guests took themselves to their couches, alone or in the company that pleased them most.

The garden was quiet; dew began to form on the grass. To each of the guests went a servant: "The time has come to leave."

To grumblings and protests the servants made but one reply:

"These are our orders. The air car waits; those who are not on hand must walk their way back to Kouhila."

The guests once more were provided new clothing: an austere costume of blue, black and dark green. They were then guided to an area somewhat south of the Palace where a large air car waited. Gersen counted: all here except Pruitt and Drusilla. Ethuen, Mario and Tanzel stood nearby. If one were Viole Falushe, it seemed that now he planned to return to the Oikumene with the others.

Gersen went forward, glanced into the pilot's compartment. Here sat Helaunce. The guests were filing into the air car. Gersen took Navarth aside. "Wait."

"Why?"

"No matter." Tanzel and Ethuen were aboard; now Mario climbed the ladder. Gersen spoke hurriedly. "Go aboard. Make a disturbance. Pound on the bulkhead. Shout. There is an emergency lock between the saloon and the pilot's compartment. Pull this

\W DFMON PRINCFS

open. Distract the pilot, try not to incite either Mano, Ethuen or Tan/el They must not be encouraged to interfere."

Navarth looked at him blankly. "What is the use of this'""

"No matter. Do as I say. Where is Drusilla^ Where is Jheral Tinzv^ WTrv are they not aboard3"

"Yes .. . Why are they not aboard^ I am truly outraged." Na- varth jumped up the ladder, thrusting aside the Druidess Laidig. "W^it'" he called. "We are not all present. WTiere is Zan Zu from Endu? We cannot leave without her. I refuse to leave; nothing will remove me "

"Quiet, old fool," growled Torrance da Nossa "You do no good "

Navarth raged back and forth, lie struck on the forward bulk- head, pulled on the handle of the communicating door. Finally He- launce opened the door and went aft to enforce order. "Old man, sit quietly. It is by order that we now leave. Unless you care to walk the long road alone, sit quiet."

"Come then, Navarth," said Lerand Wible. "You achieve noth- ing. Sit quietly."

"Very well," said Navarth. "I have protested; I have done all I can, I can do no more."

Helaunce returned forward. He backed into the pilot's com- partment, closed the door. Gersen, waiting to the side, struck him over the head with a stone. Helaunce staggered, spun around, he saw Gersen through eyes blinded by blood and gave an inarticulate cry. Gersen struck again; Helaunce fell aside.

Gersen settled himself at the controls. Up rose the air car, up into the light of the rising sun. Gersen searched Helaunce and found two pro)acs, which he tucked into his own pocket. Slackening speed until the air car only drifted, he slid open the door and rolled Helaunce out and away.

In the saloon, thought Gersen, Viole Falushe must be wonder- ing as to the peculiar course Helaunce was steering. Gersen sought around the ocean and presently spied a small island some twenty miles from the shore. He circled it, and seeing no sign of habitation landed the air car.

He jumped to the ground. Going to the saloon port, he pulled it open and )umped inside. "Everybody out. Quick " And he ges- tured with the projacs.

Wible stuttered, "WTiat does this mean^"

THL PALALEOFLOVE

"It means everybody out."

Navarth )umped to his teet. "Gome along," he bawled. "F\- erybody out."

Uncertainly the guests filed outside. Mano came to the door. Gersen halted him. "You must remain. Be very careful and do not move, or I will kill you."

Tanzel came by, and Ethuen, both were intercepted, ordered to sit. Finally the saloon was empty but for Gersen, Mano, Tanzel and Ethuen. Outside Navarth excitedly harangued the group. "Make no interference, you will regret it' This is IPCC business. I know it for a fact'"

"Navarth'" Gersen called from the saloon. "Your assistance, please."

Navarth climbed back into the saloon. He searched Mano, Tanzel and Ethuen, while Gersen stood vigilantly by. Neither weapons nor clues to the identity of Viole Falushe were discovered. To Gersen's direction, Navarth tied the three men to chairs, using various oddments of cord, strips of fabric and thongs. Meanwhile the three excoriated Gersen and demanded the basis for his per- secution. Tanzel was the most verbose; Ethuen the most acrimo- nious, and Mano the most enraged. All glared and cursed with equal vigor. Gersen accepted the remarks with equanimity. "I will apologize to two of you later. Those two, aware of their innocence, will cooperate with me. P'rom the third man I expect trouble. I am prepared for it."

Tanzel asked, "In Jehu's name, then. what do you \vish of us^ Name your third man and have done'"

"Vogel Filschner is his name," said Gersen. "Otherwise known as Viole Falushe."

"Why pick on us^ Go seek him at the Palace'"

Gersen grinned. "Not a bad idea " He tested the bonds of the three men, tightened here, reknotted there. "Navarth, you sit here, to the side. W^atch these three carefully. One of them took Jheral Tinzy from you."

"Tell me which one."

"Vogel Filschner. You don't recognize him^"

"I wish I could." He pointed to Mano. "This one has his shifty eye " He indicated TanzePs hands "This one has a mannerism I remember in Vogel " He turned to inspect Ethuen. "And this one has a store of spite and clearly is unhappy "

niE l^MON PRINCES

508

"Certainly I'm unhappy'" snapped Ethuen "Why should I re- pice3"

"Watch them well," said Gersen "We return to the Palace " Ignoring the outcries of the marooned guests, he took the air car aloft So far so good�but what next2 Conceivably his reasoning was awry, conceivably neither Tanzel, nor Mano, nor Fthuen was Viole Falushe Thinking back over the circumstances of the )ourney to the Palace, he discarded the notion

The best method of ingress to the apartments of Viole Falushe was from above, Gersen had no stomach for another climb around the cliff He landed the air car beside the stone castle, and went back into the saloon All was as before Navarth sat glaring at the three captives, who regarded him with loathing.

Gersen gave Navarth one of the projacs "If there is difficulty kill all three I go to look for Drusilla and Jheral Tinzy You must guard them with care'"

Navarth laughed wildly "WTio can trick a mad poet3 I know him this instant I intend to keep the weapon at his throat "

Gersen could not restrain a sense of misgiving Navarth was not the most stable of guardians "Remember�if he escapes, we are lost He may want a glass of water, let him thirst His bonds may be too tight He must suffer' Show no mercy if there is inter- ference from outside Shoot all three " "With pleasure "

"Very well Keep your madness in check till I return'" Gersen went to the door through which three weeks previously the sodden band of pilgrims had entered The door was locked, he blasted awav the hardware and entered.

There was no sound The dank rooms were empty Gersen went down the hall, descended by the way the girl in blue velvet had taken him, and finally found the banquet room, now dim, smelling faintly of perfume and wine

Gersen moved more cautiously. From the banquet room a way led down to the garden Another must lead to Viole Falushe's apart- ments

Gersen checked the walls, and finally behind a hanging he found a narrow door of heavy wood barred with metal. Once again he burnt his way through.

A spiral staircase led down into the chamber to the back of the circular foyer

THEP4L4(EOI I (WE

509

Gersen searched the room He found a black leather notebook containing exhaustive notes upon the psychology of Jheral Tinzy, and the various methods by which Viole Falushe hoped to win her. It seemed that Viole Falushe wanted more than love he wanted submission, ab)ect quivering abasement derived from a mingling of love and fear

So far, reflected Gersen, Viole Falushe had fallen short in his goal He tossed the portfolio aside On the wall was a telescreen. Gersen turned a knob Drusilla Wayles wearing a white robe sat on a bed She was pale, thin, but apparently unharmed

Gersen turned the knob He looked out upon a gloomy area of sand among tall rock pinnacles To the back were five dark deodors and a little cabin hardly larger than a doll house Sitting on a bench was a girl about fourteen years old, a girl almost identical to Dru- silla She wore a transparent white gown, her face had a peculiarly sweet, peculiarly pensive expression, as if she had only just awak- ened from a pleasant dream From the side came a tall non-human creature, walking on thin black-furred legs It stopped beside the girl, spoke in a thin high-pitched voice The girl responded without interest

Gersen turned the knob again, to bring into view a terrace in front of what appeared to be a temple Inside could be glimpsed the statue of a divinity. On the steps stood another Drusilla, this one sixteen years old, wearing only a kirtle, and a copper fillet to confine her hair Elsewhere were other men and women, similarly dressed To the side was the suggestion of a shore, with water be- yond

Gersen turned the knob again and again and again He looked into various environments, various types of rooms and cages They contained an assortment of boys, girls, youths, maidens, young men and women, sometimes separate, sometimes together. Here were Viole Falushe's experiments, from which he evidently extracted a voyeur's pleasure Gersen saw no more versions of Drusilla

Urgency prickled at his nerves, stemming from his lack of faith in Navarth He set otf along the hall, and crossing the bridge he entered the laboratory section to the west Here was the locale of the experiments�in cages and chambers behind one-way mirrors.

Gersen found Retz, the stoop-shouldered technician, sitting in a small office He looked up, startled at the sight of Gersen. "What do you do here3 Are you a guest3 The master will be displeased'"

1HF DFMON PRINCES

510

"I am master now " Gersen displayed the projac "Where is the girl who resembles Jheral Tinzy7"

Retz blinked, half-defiant, hair-doubtful "I can tell you noth- ing "

Gersen struck him with the gun "Quick The girl who came

here three weeks ago "

Retz began to whine. "What can I tell you7 Viole Falushe will punish me "

"Viole Falushe is a prisoner " Gersen leveled the gun "Take me to the girl, or I will kill you "

Retz made a despairing sound "He will do terrible things to

me"

"No longer "

Retz waved his arms, walked down the corridor Suddenly he stopped, turned around "You say he is your prisoner7"

"He is "

"What do you plan to do with him7"

"Kill him."

"And what of the Palace2"

"We shall see Take me to the girl "

"Will you leave me here, in charge of the Palace3"

"I will kill you unless you make haste."

Disconsolately Retz moved on Gersen spoke to him. "What has Viole Falushe done to her5"

"Nothing yet "

"What did he plan5"

"An autofertihzation- a virgin birth, so to speak In due course she would bear a female child precisely like herself"

"Jheral Tmzy gave birth to her in this way3"

"Exactly "

"And how many others7"

"Six others Then she killed herself"

"Where are the Other five7"

"Ah' As to that, I can't say "

Retz was lying, but Gersen allowed the statement to go un- challenged

Retz paused by a door, looked craftily over his shoulder. "The girl is within Whatever she reports, you must remember that I am only an underling here, I only obey orders "

"Then you'll obey mine Open the door " Retz hesitated a final

THE PALACE OF LOVE

51

instant, with a glance over Gersen's shoulder down the hall, as if hoping against hope for succor He sighed, slid back the door

Drusilla, sitting on the bed, looked up with alarm She saw Gersen, her expression changed from astonishment to )oy She jumped up from the bed, ran to Gersen, sobbed in relief "I hoped you'd come They've done such dreadful things to me'"

Retz thought to take advantage of Gersen's distraction and started to slink away Gersen called him back "Not so fast I have use for you " He spoke to Drusilla "Has Viole Falushe shown him- self to you7 Will you recognize him7"

"He came to stand in the doorway with the light at his back. He did not want me to see him He was savage, he hated me He said I had been faithless 1 asked how this was possible since I had promised him nothing He became absolutely cold He said that it had been my duty to wait, to maintain my ideals, until he had come And even then, he said, I had played him false, at Navarth's party and also on the journey "

Gersen said, "One thing is certain then he is Tanzel or Ethuen or Mano Which did you like the least7"

"Tanzel "

"Tanzel, eh7 Well, Retz here will show us certainly which is Viole Falushe, will you not, Retz?"

"How can I7 He has never shown himself to me, except behind the glass of his office "

Unlikely, thought Gersen, still, not impossible "Where are the other daughters of Jheral Tmzy7"

"Six there were," muttered Retz "Viole Falushe killed the two oldest. There is one on Alphanor, this one"�he indicated Dru- silla�"was sent to Earth The youngest is to the east of the Palace, where the mountains meet the sea The next is priestess to the god Arodm, on the large island directly to the east "

"Retz," said Gersen, "I hold Viole Falushe a captive I am your new master Do you understand this7"

Retz nodded sulkily "If this is how it must be "

"Can you identify Viole Falushe7"

"He is a tall man, he has dark hair; he can be harsh or soft, cruel or easy Beyond that I do not know "

"These are my orders to you Liberate these poor captives "

"Impossible'" fluted Retz. "They know no other life than their

THE DEMON PRINCKS

512

peculiar environments. The open air, the sun, the sky�they would go mad!"

"This is your task then. As gently and easily as possible, bring them forth. I will return shortly and see how well you have done your job. Further, make known to the folk in the garden that they are no longer slaves, that they are free to go or to stay. Mind you, I will pen you in, closet and punish you for your crimes if you do not obey me."

"I will obey," muttered Retz. "I am accustomed to obedience;

I know nothing else."

Gersen took Drusilla's arm. "I worry about Navarth. We dare not be gone too long."

But when they returned up through the castle and out to the air car, circumstances were as before. The three captives were se- cure and Navanh held the weapon unblinkingly at their heads. His eyes glowed at the sight of Drusilla. "What ofJheral Tinzy?"

"She is dead. But she had daughters. There are others. What has transpired while I was gone?"

"Talk. Blandishments. Persuasion. Threats."

"Of course. Who was most insistent?"

"Tanzel."

Gersen turned Tanzel a cool inspection. Tanzel shrugged. "Do you think I enjoy sitting here trussed like a chicken?"

"One of you is Viole Falushe," said Gersen. "Which? I won- der� Well, we must undo more of the dreadful mischief performed in the name of love."

He took the air car aloft, cruised slowly east over the moun- tains. At the ocean's edge, where the crags submerged into the water, a gloomy defile opened upon a narrow gray beach. Behind was a sandy open area perhaps an acre in extent. Gersen lowered the air car into the shadows and landed. He jumped out.

Drusilla IV, the youngest of the group, came slowly forward. From a fissure to the back, two non-human nursemaids made angry chattering sounds. The girl asked, "Are you The Man? The Man who is coming to love me?"

Gersen grinned. "I am a man, true enough, but who is The Man?"

Drusilla IV looked vaguely toward the fissure. "They have told me of The Man. There is one of me, and one of him, and when I see him I must love him. This is what I have learned."

THE PALACE OF L(W

513

"But you have never seen this man?"

"No. You are the first man I have ever seen. The first person like myself. You are wonderful!"

"There are many men in the world," said Gersen. "They told you a falsehood. Come aboard, I will show you other men, and a girl like yourself."

Drusilla IV looked around the dreary defile in alarm and be- wilderment. "Will you take me from here? I am frightened."

"You need not be," said Gersen. "Come aboard now."

"Of course." She took his hand trustingly and entered the sa- loon. At the sight of the passengers she halted in astonishment. "I never knew so many people existed!" She examined Mano, Ethuen and Tanzel critically. "I don't like them. They have foolish wicked faces." She turned to Gersen. "I like you. You are the first man I have ever seen. You must be The Man, and I will stay with you forever."

Gersen watched the faces of Mario, Ethuen and Tanzel. This must make poor hearing for Viole Falushe. All sat stony-faced, glar- ing at Gersen with equal degrees of detestation�except at the cor- ner ofTanzel's mouth, a tiny muscle twitched.

Gersen took the air car aloft and flew out toward the largest of the islands. Almost immediately he spied the temple looming above a village of cane and frond. Gersen landed the air car in the square, while villagers watched in amazement and alarm.

From the temple sauntered Drusilla III, a girl confident and self-possessed, exactly identical to the other Drusillas, vet in some sense different, as the other two were different.

Once more Gersen alighted from the air car. Drusilla III in- spected him with candid interest. "WTio are you?"

"I come from the mainland," said Gersen. "I come to speak to you."

"You want a rite performed? Go elsewhere. Arodin is impotent. I have beseeched him to send me elsewhere, among other boons. There is no response."

Gersen looked into the temple. "That is his likeness within?"

"Yes. 1 am priestess to the cult."

"Let us go to look at the image."

"There is nothing to see�a statue sitting on a throne."

Gersen went into the temple. At the far end sat a figure twice as large as life. The head w^s rudely defaced: nose, ears, chin broken

THF DEMON PRINOS

114

away. Gersen turned to Drusilla III in wonder. "Who damaged the statue^"

"I did."

"Why"^"

"I did not like his face. According to the Rote, Arodin must come in the flesh to take me for his bride. I am enjoined to pray to the statue for the earliest nuptials possible. I broke the face to delay the process. I do not like being a priestess but I am allowed to be nothing else. I hoped that after I denied the image another priestess might be appointed. This has not occurred. Will you take

me away?"

"Yes. Arodin is no god, he is a man." Gersen took Drusilla III into the saloon, pointed out Mano, Ethuen, Tanzel. "Observe the three men. Does one of them resemble the statue of Arodin, before you defaced it?"

One of the men blinked.

"Yes," said Drusilla III. "Yes, indeed. There is the face of Aro- din." She pointed to Tanzel, the man who had blinked.

Tanzel cried out, "Here, here' What's going on? What are you trying to do3"

"I want to identify Viole Falushe," said Gersen.

"Why pick on me? I'm not Arodin, nor Viole Falushe, nor yet Beelzebub, for that matter. I'm good old Harry Tanzel of London, no more no less, and I'll thank you to take these ropes from my

arms."

"In due course," said Gersen. "In due course." He turned to Drusilla III. "You're sure that he is Arodin?"

"Of course. Why is he tied?"

"I suspect him of being a criminal."

Drusilla III laughed, a clear merry sound. "WTiat a dreadful )oke! A man like that putting up a statue to himself and calling himself a god' What did he hope to gain?"

"You."

"Me^ All this effort for me^"

"He wanted you to love him, to worship him."

Again Drusilla Ill's laughter ran through the ship. "A great deal of wasted effort."

And Gersen, watching closely, thought he saw a pink flush seep across Tanzel's face. "You are ready to leave here?"

"Yes . .. Who are these other girls who so resemble me?"

THE PALACE OF LOVE 515

"Your sisters."

"How strange."

"Yes. Viole Falushe�or Arodin, if you prefer�is a strange

man

Gersen took the air car aloft, set it to cruising slowly on the automatic pilot while he cogitated. Still no absolute proof to the identity of V^ole Falushe. A twitch of the mouth, a seep of color, a defaced countenance; interesting but hardly incontrovertible evi- dence . . . Essentially he was no closer to the identity' of Viole Fa- lushe than when he set out on the )ourney. He looked back into the saloon. Navarth had become bored with his duties and was watching the girls with a half-expectant, half-forlorn expression- perhaps by some miracle they would merge to become his own Jheral Tinzy.

Gersen sifted his courses of action. They were few. If he had access to one or another of the truth drugs, Viole Falushe's identity would emerge swiftly enough . . . There \vas no one at the Palace of Love who could recognize Viole Falushe, probably no one at Atar or Kouhila. On Earth, Navarth knew Viola Falushe's call-code .. . Gersen rubbed his chin. "Navarth1"

Navarth came into the pilot's compartment Gersen indicated the communication system and gave instructions. Navarth grinned from ear to ear.

Gersen went back to the saloon, seated himself near Tanzel. He looked through into the pilot's compartment, nodded to Na- varth.

Navarth tapped Viole Falushe's call-code. Gersen bent forward. At the lobe of TanzeFs ear sounded a faint whir�an almost im- perceptible vibration. Tanzel )erked, strained at his bonds.

Navarth spoke softly into the forward microphone. "Viole Fa- lushe. Can you hear me7 Viole Falushe'"

Tanzel jerked around to meet Gersen's appraising stare. There could be no more dissembling, Viole Falushe was unmasked. A look of desperation came over his face, he writhed against his bonds.

"Viole Falushe," said Gersen. "The tune has come "

"Who are you^" gasped Viole Falushe. "IPCC^"

Gersen made no answer. Navarth came back.

"So this is he. I knew it all the time. He inflicted me with chill. Where is Jheral Tinzy, VogeP"

Viole Falushe licked his lips. "You two have plotted to kill me."

S16 THF DEMON PRINCF'S

Gersen and Navarth carried him forward, into the pilot's com- partment, closed the door communicating with the saloon.

"Why3" cried Viole Falushe. "Why must you do this to me3"

Navarth turned to Gersen. "Do you need me7"

"No."

"Good-bye, Vogel," said Navarth. "You have lived a remark- able life." He went back into the saloon.

Gersen slowed the air car to a hover. He opened the port. Ten thousand feet below spread the ocean.

"Why3 Why3 Why3" cried Viole Falushe. "Why do you do this to me3"

Gersen spoke in a dry voice. "You are a monomaniac. I am the same. W^en I was a child, the five Demon Princes brought their ships to Mount Pleasant. Do you recall3"

"Long ago, oh so long ago'"

"They destroyed, they killed, they enslaved. Everything I loved:

family, friends, all destroyed. The Demon Princes are my obsession. I have killed two of them. You will be the third. I am not Henry Lucas the journalist. I am Kirth Gersen, and all my life is aimed toward�this." He stepped toward Viole Ealushe, who made a ter- rible wrenching exertion. His bonds snapped; he lurched, flung out his arms and toppled back and out the port. Gersen watched the long figure drifting down toward the ocean, until it passed from sight. Then he closed the port and returned to the saloon. Navarth had already released Mano and Ethuen.

"My apologies to you," said Gersen. "I hope you have not been seriously m)ured."

Ethuen gave him a look of unspeakable dislike; Mano made a muttering sound in his throat.

"Well, then," said Navarth cheerfully. "WTiat now3"

"We will pick up our friends," said Gersen. "No doubt they are wondering what is to become of them."

"Then what3" growled Ethuen. "How are we to find our way back to Sogdian3 We have no spaceship."

Gersen laughed. "Were you deceived3 This is Sogdian. That is the sun Miel. How could you not notice?"

"Why should I3 A lunatic pilot careened through the cluster for hours."

"A subterfuge. Zog was no lunatic. But he was careless, he per- formed no acclimati7ation routine; when he flung open the port

7 HE PALACE OF L()\-T 517

there was no difference in pressure or composition. The light was the same intensity; the gravity was the same, the sky was the same color, the clouds were of the same shape, the flora of the same type."

"I noticed nothing," said Navarth. "But I am no space traveler. I i-eel no shame. If I ever return to Farth, I shall never depart again."

"P'lrst: a stop at the city of Kouhila. The folk wilt be pleased to learn that they need pay no further taxes."

At Afar, Gersen found the Distis Pharaon as he had left it. Mano, W^ible and da Nossa had spaceboats of their own; the other guests were conveyed back to the Oikumene by the ship which Viole Fa- lushe had ordered for their use. Navarth and the three Drusillas came aboard the Pharaon. Gersen flew them to New Wexford and put them aboard the packet for Earth. "I will send you money," he told Navarth. "It will be for the girls. You must make sure that they are raised properly."

"I have done my best with Zan Zu," said Navarth gruffly. "She is raised. WTiat is amiss with her3 The others will need more care."

"Exactly. And when I am next on Earth I will see you."

"Good. We will sit on the deck of my houseboat and drink my fine wine " Navarth turned away. Gersen took a deep breath, went to say good-bye to Drusilla Wayles She came close to him, took his hands. "WTry can't I come with you3 Wherever you go."

"I can't explain to you. But�no. Not now. I tried it once, to no avail."

"I would be different."

"1 know you are. But there might be worse problems. I might not be able to part with you."

"Will I ever see you again3"

"I don't think so "

Drusilla turned away "Good-bye," she said listlessly.

Gersen took a step after her, halted, then swung around and went his way

Gersen chartered a freight earner and took it to the Palace of Love. The gardens seemed wild and less well tended An indefinable gloom had come over the airy structures

118 IHF Dt-MON PRINCFS

Retz greeted him with cautious cordiality. "I have been doing your bidding. Slowly, easily, not to disturb or alarm."

He took Gersen on a tour of the special environments, he de- scribed the weird and intricate thought-patterns Viole Falushe had imposed upon his young victims. One by one the victims were emerging into the upper air; some astonished; some delighted, some dazzled and frightened, and whimpering to return.

The villages in the garden had changed. Many of the Fortunate Folk had departed; others had returned from the backlands with their children. In time the Palace of Love would become a remote farm community.

Gersen could not leave Viole Falushe's books to moulder. He loaded them aboard the freighter and consigned them to the care ofJehan Addels at New Wexford. With a final admonition for Retz, Gersen himself departed, and flew off through the stars of Sirneste Cluster, back toward the Oikumene.

Months later, sitting on the Esplanade at Avente, on Alphanor, Gersen saw a young woman approaching. She wore fashionable gar- ments in the best of taste, she obviously had been raised in an atmosphere of gentility and good manners.

On a sudden impulse Gersen stepped forward. "Please excuse me/' he said, "but you resemble someone I know on Earth. Are your parents Earth-folk3"

The girl listened without embarrassment. She shook her head. "This may seem strange, but I do not know my parents. I may be an orphan, or"�she made a rueful little grimace�"something else. My guardians receive money to provide a home for me. Do you know my parents5 Tell me, please!"

Gersen thought, what in the world am I up to5 Why disturb the girl with the details of her background, or worse, the nightmare she had so narrowly avoided3 For here, certainly, was Viole Falu- she's urgent business on Alphanor.

Gersen pretended doubt. "I'm mistaken�I think. The resem- blance must be a coincidence. You could not possibly be the person I thought you to be."

"I don't believe you," said Drusilla I. "You know, but you won't tell. I wonder why not?"

Gersen grinned. The girl was immensely appealing, with a thousand charms and graces. "Sit here on the bench a moment. I'll

THE PALACE OF LOVE 519

read you a ballad or two from the works of the mad poet Navarth. When he wrote them he might have been thinking of you."

Drusilla I seated herself. "An unconventional way to start an acquaintance. But I'm an unconventional person. . . . Well, then, read the poetry."

The Face

PART

Aloysius

From Popular Handbook to the Planets, 330th edition, 1525:

Aloysius, Vega VI

Planetary constants:

Diameter 7340 miles Sidereal day 19.836218 hours Mass 0,86331 standard Et cetera

Aloysius, with its sister planets Boniface and Cuthbert, is accounted among the first worlds to be colonized from Earth, and the traveler who enjoys the ambience of antiq- uity will here find much to please him.

Contrary to popular assumption, the first settlers were not religious zealots but members of the Natural Universe Society, who dealt gingerly with the new environment, and built nothing at discord with the landscape.

The NUS is long gone, but its influence still permeates the system, and almost everywhere will be noted a sedate reverence for native customs and textures.

The axis of Aloysius inclines to an angle of 31.7 degrees from its plane of orbit; there are seasonal fluctuations of notable severity, mollified somewhat by a dense and moist atmosphere. Of the seven continents Marcy's Land is the largest, with New Wexford its chief city. The least of the

THF OPTION PRINCES

526

continents is Gavin's Land, on which is situated the city Pontefract.

It may here be noted that each land, during the Sac- erdotal Epochs, represented the diocese of a cardinal and bore his name, thus: Cardinal Marcy's Land, Cardinal Bod- ant's Land, Cardinal Dimpey's Land, and so forth. The ap- pellative has fallen into disuse and is rarely heard.

Through a policy of low taxes and favorable regulations, both Pontefract and New Wexford have long functioned as important financial centers, with influence reaching every- where across the Oikumene. Many important publishing houses also make their headquarters at these places, includ- ing the prestigious Cosmopolis magazine.

Religions, sects, creeds, movements, countermove- ments, orthodoxies, heresies, inquisitions: this is the stuff of early Vegan history; emphatically so on Aloysius, which de- rives its name from the patron samt of the Aloysian Order. The Ambrosians, who preceded the Aloysians, founded the city Rath Eileann beside Lake Feamish, at the center of Linliffet's Land. The conflicts between these nominally de- votional brotherhoods make a fascinating chronicle.

Indigenous flora and fauna are not particularly note- worthy. Through intensive effort by the original settlers, terrestrial trees and shrubs are widespread, the conifers es- pecially finding a hospitable environment, and the seas are stocked with selected terrestrial fish.

Jehan Addels, after his meticulous habit, arrived ten minutes early to the place of rendezvous. Before alighting from his car he took pains to scrutinize the surroundings. The scenery was dramatic but apparently devoid of menace; Addels found nothing to excite his misgivings. To the right stood Phruster's Inn, with timbers black- ened by centuries of wind and rain, and the Dunveary Crags be- yond, rising crag upon buttress, finally to disappear behind high mist. To the left Phruster's Prospect confronted three-quarters of a full circle and several thousand square miles of territory, varying with whims of the weather.

Addels alighted from his car, cast a single skeptical glance up the awesome Dunveary slopes, and walked out upon the observation platform. Leaning against the parapet he hunched his shoulders

THE FACE

against the wind and waited: a thin man with parchment-colored skin and a high balding forehead.

The time was close upon midmorning; halfway up the sky Vega glowed pale through the mist. A dozen other folk stood along the parapet. Addels subjected each to a careful inspection. Their flounced and tasseled garments in muted reds, browns, and dark green marked them for country folk; residents of the town dressed only in shades of brown, with an occasional black ornament. This group seemed innocent. Addels turned his attention to the pano- rama: Lake Feamish to the left, Rath Eileann below, vaporous Moy Valley to the right.. . . He frowned down at his watch. The man whom he awaited had given precise instructions. A lack of punc- tuality might well indicate crisis. Addels gave a sniff, to express both envy and disdain for a way of life so much more eventful than his own.

The time of the appointment was at hand. Addels noticed a path which, originating at the edge of Rath Eileann far below, slanted back and forth up the hillside, to terminate at a flight of steps cut into the rock nearby. Up this path came a man of average stature, unobtrusively muscular, with rather harsh cheekbones, flat cheeks, thick dark hair cropped short. This was Kirth Gersen, of whom Addels knew little except that by some mysterious means, no doubt illegitimate, Gersen had come into the possession of vast wealth.* Addels earned a large salary as Gersen's legal adviser, to date with his scruples, such as they were, intact. Gersen seemed well acquainted with IPCC** procedures, which in times of stress afforded Addels a degree of nervous comfort.

Gersen ran up the steps, paused, saw Addels, and crossed the observation deck. Addels took dispassionate note that after a climb which would have reduced Addels to a state of gasping exhaustion, Gersen was not even breathing deeply.

Addels performed a stately gesture of greeting. "I am pleased to find you in good health."

"Exactly so," said Gersen. "Your journey was pleasant?"

"I was distrait; I hardly noticed," said Addels in a measured and meaningful voice. "But certainly you are enjoying your stay at the Domus?"

*Cf The Killing Machme

**Interworld Police Coordinating Company

1H1 DI \U)\ PRIM FS

Gersen assented "I sit in the lobby for hours absorbing the atmosphere "

Tor this reason you remain here at Rath Eileann^'

"Not altogether This is what 1 want to discuss with you, where \ve won't be overheard "

Addels looked right and left "You suspect eavesdroppers at the

Domus^"

"Up here the risk is at least minimized I have taken the usual precautions, no doubt you have done the same "

"[ have taken all the precautions I thought necessary," said Ad- dels

"In that case, we are almost certainly secure "

Addels' only response was a frosty chuckle For a moment the two men stood leaning on the parapet, overlooking the gray city, the lake, and the misty valley beyond

Gersen spoke "The local spaceport is at Slayhack, north of the lake A week from today the Ettiha Gatgamyi will arrive 1 he reg- istered owner is the Celerus Transport Company based at Vire on Sadal Suud Four This ship was at one time the Fanutis* registered to Service Spaceways, also at Vire The registrations are both nom- inal The ship then was the property of Lens Larque, and so pre- sumably is now

Addels pursed his lips in distaste "In our conversation you mentioned his name Somewhat to my distress, I must admit He is a notorious criminal "

"Quite so "

"And you intend to conduct business wath \\mV Inadvisable He is not to be trusted "

"Our business runs along different lines As soon as the Ettilia Gargantyf arrives, I want a lien, or some other such instrument, placed against ship and cargo, so that the ship is impounded without any possibility of departure I want title to the ship attached, so that the actual owner�not his agent or his legal representative�must come here to protect his interests "

Addels frowned "You want to bring Lens Larque here to Rath Eileann^ An extravagant hope "

"It is worth a trial He will naturall) use another identity "

"Lens Larque standing before a court of law2 Absurd "

"At the Mount Pleasint raid v.hcre Gersul lost: home and hmil\ rht- / aiititi\ hid heen employed as i sl.ne trinsport

THE FACE

529

"Quite so. Lens Larque enjoys absurdities He is also avaricious. If the action appears legitimate, he won't want to lose his ship by default."

Addels gave a grunt of grudging acquiescence "I can tell you this, at least. The most convincing disguise for legitimacy is legit- imacy itself There should be no trouble discovering a basis for action Spaceships trail a rash of small complaints in their wake The difficulty is one of )unsdiction Has this ship touched Rath Eileann before2"

"Not to my knowledge Ordinarily it works the Argo Fringe."

Addels said in a formal voice, "I will give the matter my best attention "

"An important point to remember. Lens Larque is not an ami- able man, for all his tricks and fancies. My name�I hardly need emphasize this�must not be used. You yourself would be wise to act discreetly "

Addels ran nervous fingers through his sparse blond hair "I don't care to confront him at all, discreetly or otherwise "

"Nevertheless," said Gersen, "the ship must be immobilized here at Rath Eileann Use a writ of attachment, or replevin or some such document The real owner must definitely appear, or else lose title by default"

Addels said peevishly, "If the ownership is corporate, or vested in a limited society, no such result is possible The action is not all that easy."

Gersen gave a grim laugh "If it were easy, I'd do it myself "

"I quite understand," said Addels in a morose voice "Let me think the matter over for a day or two."

Three days later, in Gersen's chambers at Domus St Revelras, a musical tone signaled an incoming call Gersen touched the "Mon- itor" button; a cascade of exploding asterisks certified that the line was free of interference A few seconds later Addels' fine-boned face appeared on the screen

"I have made guarded inquiries," spoke Addels in his most di- dactic voice. "I have obtained definite judicial opinion to the effect that an action of the sort you envisage is valid only if a local citizen has suffered substantial damage, that debt or damage having opti- mally occurred locally and at a recent time As of now we satisfy none of the requirements Therefore we could not obtain a valid writ."

530 THE DEMON PRINCES

Gersen nodded. "I expected as much." He waited patiently while Addels pulled at his bony chin and selected words.

"In connection with the Ettilia Gargantyr itself, I have searched records for liens, debts, and other actions under litigation. As ships of space pass from port to port, they often incur small debts or inflict minor damages, which usually no one troubles to pursue. The EttiUa Gargantyr is no exception. Two years ago an incident oc- curred at Thrump on David Alexander's Planet. The captain pro- vided a banquet for a group of local freight agents, employing ship's stewards and other personnel to prepare and serve the meal. Instead of the Gargantyr*s mess hall, he chose to use a chamber at the spaceport. The Thrump Victuallers Guild asserted that such a pro- cess contravened local ordinance. They registered a claim for lost wages and punitive damages. The ship departed before a summons could be served, so the action remains in abeyance, pending the ship's return, which is unlikely."

Addels paused to reflect. Gersen waited patiently. Addels made delicate adjustment of his thoughts and spoke on: "The Victualler Guild meanwhile negotiated a loan with a certain Cooney's Bank, chartered at Thrump on the same David Alexander's Planet. Along with other assets they pledged the cause of action against the Ettilia Gargantyr. A month or so ago the Guild defaulted on the debt, and the suit has now been transferred to the interest of Cooney's Bank." Addels' voice took on a speculative tone. "It has often occurred to me that your affairs might most flexibly be handled through a bank. Cooney's Bank, while essentially sound, suffers from a tired old management. The stock sells at a reasonable price and you could easily buy control. Branches might then be established wherever it became expedient to do so: for instance at Rath Eileann."

"The lawsuit could then be transferred, so I assume."

"Quite correct."

"And a lien could be laid so as to hold the ship here at Rath Eileann?"

"I have made inquiries, in terms of hypothetical cases. I find that the suit may not be filed either at the City Podium nor the Land Court, but only at the Court of Interworld Equity, which sits three times a year at the Estremont under a Circuit Propounder. I have taken counsel with a specialist in interworld equity. He feels that Cooney's Bank's case might well be prosecuted if the Ettilia Gargantyr arrives at Rath Eileann; its physical presence would pro-

THE FACE

531

vide in rem jurisdiction. He is certain, however, that no magistrate

would issue a mandamus requiring the presence of the ship's owner

on grounds so trivial."

"That, however, is the essence of the matter! Lens Larque must

come to Aloysius."

"I am advised that this cannot be enforced upon him," said

Addels complacently. "I suggest that we now turn our attention to

other matters."

"Who is the Propounder sitting at the court?" "We can't be sure. There are five such magistrates, and they

travel a circuit around the Vegan system." "The court is not now in session?" "It has just completed its calendar." "And presumably won't sit again for months." "Exactly, In any case, the Propounder would almost certainly

throw out any motion requiring the presence of the Gargantyr's

owner."

Gersen nodded pensively. "That is inconvenient." After a moment Addels inquired. "Well then�what of Coo- ney's Bank? Shall I make acquisition?"

"Let me think things over. I'll call you tonight." "Very well."

From "City of the Mists," in Cosmopolis, May 1520

On a map Rath Eileann shows like a twisted T. Along the top horizontal, from right to left, are the Ffolliot Gar- dens, Bethamy, Old Town, the Orangery with the Domus behind, then Estremont on a Lake Feamish islet. The T's vertical straggles to the north for miles, through the Moynal district, then Drury, Wigaltown, Dundivy, Gara with its Dulcidrome, and finally Slayhack with the space- port.

Of all these districts Old Town exerts the most beguil- ing charm. Despite streaming mists, odd-smelling vapors, crooked streets, crotchety buildings, this district is far from dull. The local folk wear garments only in shades of brown sand and taupe, through the middle tans, through oak and other wood into the deepest umbers When they go abroad in the fitful Vega-light, their costumes against the stone, black iron, and sooty timbers create an effect of peculiar richness, the more so for an occasional dark red, yellow, or dark blue turban. At night Old Town flickers to the light of innumerable lanterns hung by ancient ordinance before the doorway of every alehouse Since the crabbed streets and innumerable little alleys have never been named, much less have known the presence of a name-sign, the stranger quickly learns to steer a course by means of the alehouses' lanterns

The Ambrosian monks, first to settle beside Lake Feamish, built in contemptuous disregard for order, in ac-

THE FACE 533

cordance with the hectic fervor of their creed The Order of Aloysians who came forty years later (and who gave the world its name) halfheartedly tried to modify Old Town, then lost interest and after establishing the new Bethamy Quarter gave all their energies to the construction of Tem- ple St. Revelras.

Gersen left the Domus and sauntered north along the central pa- rade of the Orangery a formal garden of twenty acres, inappropri- ately named since, among the carefully clipped trees, were to be found no oranges, but only yews, limes, and the indigenous green- glass tree.

At the Grand Esplanade Gersen turned east around the bend of the lake and presently crossed over a causeway to the Estremont, a massive structure of silver-gray porphyry, built on four staggered levels, surmounted by four tall towers and a central dome. At the Justiciary Gersen made a number of inquiries, then, even more thoughtful than before, returned to the Domus"

In his chamber he took paper and stylus and worked out a care- ful schedule of times and events, which he pondered with care. Then, turning to the communicator, he brought the image ofJehan Addels to the screen. "Today," said Gersen, "you outlined a pro- cedure in regard to the Ettiha Gargantyr."

"It was no more than a tentative idea," said Addels. "The scheme breaks down as soon as we reach the Estremont. The Cir- cuit Propounder would never make us a favorable ruling."

"You are altogether too pessimistic," said Gersen. "Strange things happen; the courts are unpredictable. Please act along the lines we discussed. Acquire Cooney's Bank and immediately charter a local branch. Then, as soon as the Gargantyr opens its hatch, hit it with every kind of paper you can think of."

"Just as you say "

"Remember, we are dealing with people who are careless of legal responsibility, to say the least. Make sure that the ship is se- cure. Serve the papers with at least a platoon of constables, and immediately put the crew ashore. Pull the power-bar, seal the junc- tions with a destruction-lock; chain open the cargo hatch. Then post a strong guard, with at least six armed men on duty at all times. I want to make sure that the ship stays down m Rath Eileann."

534 I HE DEMON PRINCES

Addels essayed a morose pleasantry "I'll move into the cap- tain's cabin and guard the ship from within "

"I've got other plans for you," said Gersen "You won't escape so easily "

"Remember, the court of Intel-world Equity has )unsdiction. There won't be another session for months, depending on the cal- endar."

"We want to give the owner time to appear," said Gersen "Make sure that our action alleges malice, conspiracy, and a delib- erate policy of interstellar fraud�charges that only the owner can properly deny "

"He'll go into the dock, deny everything The Benchmaster will throw out the case, and you'll be left to sweep out the courtroom "

"My dear Addels," said Gersen. "You clearly don't understand my intentions�which is )ust as well."

"Just so," said Addels bleakly "I don't even care to speculate "

A month later Gersen once more met Addels on Phruster's Pros- pect,

The time was middle afternoon, mists over the Dunvearys had dwindled to a few^ wisps, the landscape showed a stark grandeur to the cold glare of Vega-light

As before Gersen had climbed the trail which led up from the Ffolliot Gardens at the western edge of Rath Eileann He stood leaning on the parapet as Addels sedately arrived m his car

Addels crossed the road and joined Gersen at the parapet In a heavy voice he said "The Garganty-f has landed The documents have been served The captain made an outcry and attempted to return into space He was removed from the ship and charged with attempted flight to evade the court's )unsdiction He is now in cus- tody. All precautions have been taken The captain has sent off an information to his home office " By this time Addels had learned the details of Gersen's program and had not altogether recovered his composure. "He has also retained an attorney, who presumably is competent and who well may wreak enormous grief upon us all "

Gersen said "Let us hope that the Lord High Benchmaster shares our view of the case "

"An amusing concept," growled Addels "Let us hope that we will find our terms in the Carcery no less amusing "

From Life, Volume I, by Unspiek, Baron Bodissey

If religions are diseases of the human psyche, as the philosopher Grmtholde asserts, then religious wars must be reckoned the resultant sores and cankers infecting the ag- gregate corpus of the human race Of all wars, these are the most detestable, since they are waged for no tangible gain, but only to impose a set of arbitrary credos upon another's mind

Few such conflicts can match the First Vegan Wars for grotesque excess The issue concerns, in its proximate phase, a block of sacred white alabaster the Aloysians in- tended for Temple St Revelras, while the Ambrosians claimed the same block for their Temple St Bellaw The culminating battle on Rudyer Moor is an episode to tax the imagination The locale: a misty upland of the Mournan Mountains, the time late afternoon, with Vega darting shafts of pallid light here and there, as roiling clouds allow On the upper slopes stand a band of haggard Ambrosians in flapping brown robes, carrying crooked staves carved from Cornb yew Below is gathered a more numerous group of the Aloysian Brotherhood, small short-legged men, plump and portly, each with ritual goatee and scalp- tuft, carrying kitchen cutlery and garden tools

Brother Whimas utters a cry in an unknown language Down the slope bound the Ambrosians, venting hysterical screams, to fall upon the Aloysians like wild men The bat- tle goes indecisively for an hour, neither side gaming ad-

1HF DFMON PRI\C 1 S

vantage. At sundown the Ambrosian Cornuttr, b\ the creed's rigorous rule, sounds the twelve-tone call to vespers the Anibrosians, in accordance with their invariable habit, place themselves in devotional attitudes the \lo\sians quickly set to work and destroy the entire \mbrosun band well before the hour of their own devotions, and so ends the Battle of Rudver Moor

Back into Old Town creep the rew surviving Amhro- sians, in secular H-arments, where eventually they become a canny group oi" merchants, brewers, atchouse keepers, an- tiquarians, moneylenders and perhaps pursuivants of other more furtive trades As for the Moysians, the order disin- tegrates within the century,, their fervor becomes no more than a quaint tradition. Temple St Revelras becomes the Domus, grandest of all the Vegan hostelnes Temple St Bellaw is only a sad tumble of mossy stone

Gersen sat in the public lobby of Domus St Revelras, the ancient nave where cenobites had sweated under the gaze of the Gnostic Eye Patrons of the contemporary Domus knew little of Gnosis, even less of the Eye, but few could look about the great chamber without awe

The wa\enng sound of a thousand-^ ear-old gong marked the hour of late afternoon Into the chamber stepped a tall thin young man with a thin keen nose, gray eyes of great clarity, and an air of launty intelligence This was Maxel Rackrose, local correspondent to Cosmopoln, now assigned to the assistance of "Henry Eucas"� the identity Gersen used in his role as special writer for Cosniopohs

Maxel Rackrose dropped into a chair beside Gersen "Your sub- )ect is both elusive and sinister "

"All ot which makes for interesting copy "

"No doubt " Rackrose brought forth a packet of papers "After a week of scouring I've turned up little more than common knowl- edge The fellow has a genius for anonymity "

"For all we know," said Gersen, "he is sitting here in the Do- mus lobby. That's not as improbable as you might suppose "

Rackrose gave his head a confident shake "I've )ust spent a week with Lens Larque, I'd smell him out if he were within a mile "

Such convictions were not necessarily to be dismissed out of

THE FACE 537

hand, thought Gersen "That large man yonder, with the nose- piece, might he be Lens Larque3"

"Definitely not"

"You're sure^"

"Certainly He exudes patchouli and ispanola, but none of the reek Lens Larque is said to exhale. Secondly, he corresponds to descriptions of Lens Larque only in that he is big, bald, and dressed in ugly clothes Thirdly"�Rackrose uttered a careless laugh�"it so happens that I know the man to be one Dett Mulhan, who man- ufactures antique tavern lamps for the tourists."

Gersen smiled wryly, ordered tea from a nearby attendant, then gave his attention to Rackrose's documents

Some of the material he had already seen, such as an excerpt from The Mount Pleasant Raid, by Dauday Warns, published in Coj- mopolis

When the Demon Princes met to affirm their compact, the massive personalities often collided. Howard AlanTreesong mediated the disputes in a casual manner Attel Malagate proved as obdurate as stone Viole Falushe took positions based upon malicious caprice. Kokor Hekkus, while unpre- dictable and innovative, charmed no one Lens Larque's ar- rogance aroused much antagonism Only Howard Alan Treesong maintained equability What a wonder that the venture succeeded in any degree whatever' It is a tribute to the professionalism of the group.

The next paper, headed Lens Larque the Flagellator, was the work of Erasmus Heupter Immediately below title and byline ap- peared the drawing of a near-naked man of immense size, with a supple and sleek muscularity. The head was small and shaven, nar- row at the cranium, wider at the jaws Heavy eyebrows joined over a long drooping nose, the face looking out of the picture expressed an inane and lewd euphoria. The man wore only sandals and short tight trousers over heavy and unpleasantly meaty buttocks, and in his right hand he flourished a short-handled whip of three long thongs.

Rackrose chuckled "If that's our man, I think we'd recognize him, even here at the Domus."

Gersen shrugged and read the text

THE DEMON PRINCES

538

Lens Larque is said to be enamored of the whip; he con- siders it a trusty friend and a convenient instrument for the punishment of his enemies. He uses it often to this end, judging it preferable to other methods. At Sadabra he owns a great house with a semicircular room where he sits to take his victual: great heaps of hork and pummigum* consumed with tankards of must. For savor he keeps by his side a fine short-handled whip, with a lash twelve and a half feet long. The pommel is ivory and engraved with the whip's name:

PANAK. The reference has never been elucidated, to this writer's knowledge. The lash terminates in a bifurcated flap of leather four inches long: the "scorpion." Around the wall stand Lens Larque's enemies, manacled to rings and naked as eggs. To the buttocks of each is pasted a heart-shaped target three inches in diameter. To enliven his meal Lens Larque attempts to snap off the targets with the flutter of his whip, and his skill is said to be fine.

Underneath, in a different typeface, appeared the note:

The piece duplicated above appeared originally in the Ga- lactic Review, and probably is no more than the exercise of a perfervid imagination, especially in regard to the illustra- tion. Report makes Lens Larque out to be a large man, but the giggling giant depicted above is hardly a credible rep- resentation.

It is instructive to note that the author, Lrasmus IIeupter, dropped out of sight soon after publication of the article and was never seen again. One of his associates received a short letter:

Dear Cloebe:

I am hard at work elucidating the meaning of the name PANAK. Already I have discovered several clues, but the work is not without its little surprises.

*Pummiguin: a pudding uf vellow meal, meal, tamarinds, ogave, -jcivit, and like fruits, served in a thousand variant's at restaurants catering to spacemen .UTOSS the human uni- verse.

THE FACE 539

The weather is fine, still I would as lief be home. In all sincerity, Erasmus.

Gersen gave a soft grunt. Rackrose said: "The skin tingles a bit, does it not?"

"Yes, quite so. Are you still willing to cooperate in this proj- ect?"

Rackrose winced. "Please don't use inv name."

"As you like." Gersen examined the next item: a sheet of type- script, apparently the work of Rackrose himself:

The name Lens Larque is probably a pseudonym. Criminals tend to use false names and aliases. A true name can be traced to a home locale where photographs and intimate connections are discovered; secrecy and security are thereby fractured. Again, when the criminal succeeds at his illicit business, he ordinarily feels the impulse to return to his home community and there play the magnate among those who despised him in the past. The pretty girl who rejected him for a conventional husband: he now can patronize her, especially if she has lost her good looks and lives in hard circumstances. All this is possible only if he is not identifi- ably a criminal; hence, he feels compelled to use a name of operation other than his own.

These concepts, once they are pointed out, seem quite obvious; still, they take us to the question: what is the der- ivation of an assumed name? They come in two varieties:

first, those names selected at random and intended to be nondescript, and second, those with symbolic significance. The latter predominate among criminals of personal force and flamboyance, of whom Lens Larque is an excellent ex- ample. Therefore, T assume the name "Lens Larque" to be an alias which carries symbolic import.

I visited the local UTCS* and ordered a search of all the languages and dialects of the Oikumene and Beyond, past and present, for homonyms to the name "Lens Larque."

I attach the result.

*L.'niversal Technical Consult.irivc Service

540 THE DEMON PRINCES

Gersen examined an orange-bordered sheet displaying a UTCS printout.

LENS L'UtQUE�homonyms, with definitions.

1. Lencilorqua a village of 657 inhabitants on Vasselona Continent, Reis, sixth planet to Gamma Endam

2. Lanslarke: a predacious winged creature of Dar Sai, third planet of Cora, Argo Navis 961.

3 Laenzle arc. the locus of a point generated by the sev- enth theorem of tnskoid dynamics, as denned by the mathematician Palo Laenzle (907-1070).

4 Linslurk: a mosslike growth native to the swamps of Sharmant, Hyaspis, fifth planet of Fntz's Star, Ceti 1620

5. Linsil Orq. a lake of the Blissful Plains, Verlaren, sec- ond planet to Komred, Epsilon Sagittae.

6. Lensle Erg: a desert ..

The list continued through twenty-two entries, ever more dis- tant from the standard.

Gersen returned to Rackrose's analysis:

I decided that, granted the hypothesis, the second entry appeared the most likely possibility.

From UTCS I extracted full particulars regarding the lanslarke It is a four-winged creature with an arrow-shaped head and a stinging tail, reaching a length of ten feet ex- clusive of the tail. It flies over the Darsh deserts at dawn and twilight, preying upon ruminants and occasionally a lone man. The creature is cunning, swift, and ferocious, but is now rarely seen, though as a fetish of the Bugold Clan it is privileged to fly freely above their domains.

So much for the lanslarke, and on to Item No. 8 of the attached papers. This is the single and only account on rec- ord of a meeting with Lens Larque, at a relatively early stage of his career The narrator never identifies himself but would seem to be the official of an industrial concern. The locale of the meeting is also indefinite, discretion held full sway

THL I 1(J 541

Gersen turned to Item No ^

Excerpt from "Reminiscences ot a Peripatetic Purchase Agent," by Sudo Nommus, as published in Thm\t, a trade Journal of the met- allurgical industry (T he author's name, as presented, is quite evi- dently a pseudonym )

We met (Lens Larque and I) at d public eating house a hundred yards down the road from the village The struc- ture was an exercise in massive crudity, as if some mon- strous entity had carelessly piled great concrete blocks one on the other, almost haphazard, to create a set of rambling irregular enclosures These blocks, whitewashed and in the sun's full glare, fairly dazzled the eyes The spaces within however were cool and dim and once I had overcome my fear of blocks toppling about my ears, I judged the effect quaint and memorable

Making inquiry ot a languid serving-boy, I was directed to a corner table Here Lens Larque sat to a great platter of meat and legumes The food gave off a great waft of sour spice, harsh and offensive to the nostrils, nevertheless, a purchase agent knows no qualms, so I took a seat opposite and watched him as he ate

For a period he ignored me as if I were no more than one of the puff-bugs drifting lazily about the room, I therefore took occasion to measure him on my own terms I saw a large man, heavy almost to the point of corpulence, cloaked in a voluminous white garment, the hood draped close about his face I could see his complexion, a rich rus- set-bron?e, like the haunch of a bay horse, I could likewise discern something of his features, which were large but oddly pinched together, or even compressed His eyes, when at last he troubled to glance at me, burnt with a yel- low intensity which might have daunted me, had I not met many another such gaze in the course of my ordinary work, and which most often resulted from avaricious hope No so m this case'

Finishing his meal, the man began to speak, in phrases selected as if by random and conveying no plausible import Was this A novel bargaining trick^ Did he hope to addle

$42 THE DEMON PRINCES

my thinking under a coil of perplexities? He did not know his man; as ever, I intended neither to be jockeyed nor hoodwinked, much less swindled. I heeded each word he spoke, taking care to make no assents nor dissents, lest these signs should be considered to form the basis of a bargain. My patience seemed to work an opposite effect upon this strange man. His voice became strident and harsh, and his gestures cut the air like flails.

At last I managed to interpose a quiet suggestion into the harangue. "In connection with our business, may I in- quire your name?"

The question caught him up short. In a baleful voice he asked: "Do you question my fidelity?"

"By no means'" I made haste to reply, since the man was obviously truculent. I have dealt with many such in the course of my business, but none like this surly fellow. I continued in an affable tone. "I am a businessman, I merely wish to verify the identity of the person with whom I am dealing. It is a matter of ordinary commercial practice."

"Yes, yes," he muttered. "Quite so."

I pressed home my advantage. "Gentlemen settling to a bargain use conventional manners, and it is only polite that we address each other by name."

The fellow nodded thoughtfully and produced a most remarkable belch, redolent of the spice he had consumed. Since he took no heed of the matter, I gave no sign that I had noticed.

Again he said, "Yes, yes, quite so." And then: "Well, it is really no great affair. You may know me as Lens Larque." Leaning forward, he leered at me through the folds of his cloak. "This name suits me well, do you not agree?"

"On such short acquaintance I could not pretend to hold an opinion. Now, our business. What are your offer-

ings:

"Four tons of duodecimate* Black, SG 22, prime qual-

ity.'

*Duodeciinates- those stable transuranic elements of atomic number in the 120's and be- yond. Duodecimate Black is an unrefined sand consisting of various duodecimate sulndes, oxides, and similar compounds, with a specific gravity here stipulated as 'sc, 22 '

THE FACE 543

We had no difficulty in arriving at a bargain. He named a price. I could take it or leave it. I resolved to demonstrate that others than himself could act with dignity and decision, without wheedling, haggling, or feigned outrage. I imme- diately accepted his tender, subject to proving out the qual- ity. My stipulation stung his vanity, but I managed to allay his annoyance. In the end he saw reason, and became alarm- ingly jovial. The serving boy brought two great tankards of a vile mouse-flavored beer. Lens Larque quaffed his portion in three gulps and by the exigencies of the situation I was forced to do likewise, all the while giving fervent if silent thanks to the iron belly and matchless capacity developed by my many long years as a purchasing agent.

Gersen replaced the papers in their folio. "Very good work. Lens Larque takes on substance. He is a large fleshy man with a large nose and chin, which might now be surgically altered. His skin on at least one occasion was reddish bronze. Naturally he can use skin-toner as easily as anyone else. Lastly, his place of origin might well be the world Dar Sai, from the evidence of his name and also the mention of duodecimates, which are mined on Dar Sai."

Rackrose sat up in his chair. "Are you acquainted with Wigal" town?"

"Not at all."

"It's a coarse and dismal neighborhood with a dozen or more off-world enclaves. Altogether unfashionable, of course; still, if you like odd smells and peculiar music Wigaltown is the place to wan- der. There's a small Darsh colony and they patronize a public house on Pilkamp Road. Tintle's Shade, the place is called. I've often noticed the sign which reads 'Fine Darsh provender.' "

"That is interesting news," said Gersen. "If Lens Larque is Darsh, and if he happened to pass through the neighborhood, we might expect him to visit Tintle's Shade."

Maxel Rackrose glanced over his shoulder. "Even DettMullian begins to look sinister. Why do you suppose that Lens Larque is nearby?"

"I don't hold any firm opinion. Still, he might arrive at any time."

"Mathematical probabilities guarantee at least this much."

544 THE DPMON PRINCES

"Exactly We should acquaint ourselves with Tmtle's Shade for just this contingency "

Rackrose winced "The place reeks with strange odors, I won- der if I'm up to it."

Gersen rose to his feet "We'll try 'fine Darsh provender' for our supper Perhaps we'll become devotees "

Rackrose reluctantly hoisted himself erect "We had best alter our gear," he grumbled "Dressed for the Domus, we'd be remark- able at Tmtle's Shade I'll disguise myself as a roof mender and meet you there m an hour."

Gersen glanced down at his own garments an elegant loose blue suit, a loose-collared white shirt, a crimson sash "I feel as if I'm already in disguise, I'll change clothes and go as myself."

"In one hour Pilkamp Road, in the dead middle ofWigaltown We'll meet in the street If you go by omnibus, get off at Noonan's Alley "

Gersen left the Domus and walked north through the dusk along the Orangery Parade. He wore a dark blouse, gray trousers caught in at the ankles, and soft low boots typical garments of the working spaceman

At the Esplanade he mounted a transport platform and waited The lake reflected the final glimmers of sunset color rust-red, ap- ple-green, somber orange. As Gersen watched they disappeared and the lake became a gunmetal shimmer, illuminated by a few faint lights along the far shore An open-sided omnibus approached Gersen stepped aboard, seated himself, dropped a coin in the slot, that he might not be ejected at the next halt

At the bend of the lake the Esplanade became Pilkamp Road- The omnibus slid north through Moynal and Drury under an end- less chain of blue-white streetlamps

The bus entered Wigaltown, At that ramp nearest Noonan's Alley Gersen alighted

Dark night had come to Wigaltown At Gersen's back but- tresses of black rock hunched into the lake Across Pilkamp Road narrow buildings pushed their roofs high, to put unlikely shapes and odd angles against the sky Some of the tall narrow windows showed light, others were dark

Diagonally across the street hung an illuminated sign

THE F4CI

IINTLF'S SHADE

Fine Darsh provender:

Chatowsies Pourrian Ahagaree

Gersen crossed the street From the shadows of Noonan's Alle\ came Maxel Rackrose, wearing brown corduroy trousers, a check- ered brown-and-black shirt, a black vest decorated with tinsel bla- zons, a loose black cap with a metal bill

Gersen read from the sign " 'Chatowsies Pourrian Ahagaree ' Do you have your appetite with you^"

"Not really. I am a fastidious eater I may taste a bit of this and that."

Gersen, who often had gulped down food he dared not think about, only laughed "A keen journalist doesn't know the word 'fas- tidious ' "

"Somewhere we must draw the line," said Rackrose "It may be here, at Tmtle's Shade "

They pushed through the door into a hall Ahead stairs led up to the upper floors, to the side an arch opened upon a white-tiled chamber heavy with a musty stench A dozen men drank beer at a counter tended by an old woman in a black gown, with straight black hair, dark orange skin, and a black mustache Posters an- nounced exhibitions and novelty dances, at Rath Eileann and else- where One of these read

The Great Rincus Troupe Witness a hundred marvelous feats! See the bungles dance and play while the thongs whisde and keen!

Swister Day, at Fuglass Hall.

Another

Whippery Ned Ticket and

546 THE DEMON PRINCES

his lively bungles! How they leap! How they caper!

Whippery Ned sings songs of sliding leather and chides his troupe for errors or insufficient zeal, perhaps with a smart tingle of the flick!

The woman behind the bar called out: "Why do you stand like hypnotized fish? Did you come to drink beer or to eat food?"

"Be patient," said Gersen. "We are making our decision."

The remark annoyed the woman. Her voice took on a coarse edge. " 'Be patient,' you say? All night I pour beer for crapulous men; isn't that patience enough? Come over here, backwards; I'll put this spigot somewhere amazing, at full gush, and then we'll discover who calls for patience!"

"We have decided to take a meal," said Gersen. "How are the chatowsies tonight?"

"The same as always, no worse than any other. Be off with you;

don't waste my time unless you're taking beer.. . . What's this? Smirk at me, will you?" She seized a mug of beer to hurl at Maxel Rackrose, who alertly jumped back into the anteroom, with Gersen close behind.

The woman gave her black mane a scornful toss, twisted her mustache between thumb and forefinger, then turned away.

"She lacks charm," grumbled Rackrose. "She will never know me as a habitue."

"The dining room may surprise us," said Gersen.

"Pleasantly, so I hope."

They started up the steps, which, like the beer-chamber, ex- haled an unpleasant vapor: a compound of strange cooking oils, off- world condiments, and a stale ammoniacal waft.

At the first landing Rackrose halted. "Candidly, I find this all a bit unsettling. Are you sure that we actually intend to dine here?"

"If you have qualms, go no farther. I myself have known places both better and worse."

Rackrose muttered under his breath, and trudged on up the steps.

A pair of heavy wooden doors opened into the restaurant. At widely separated tables small groups of men huddled like conspir-

THE FACE 547

ators, drinking beer or eating from platters immediately below their faces.

A massive woman stepped forward. Gersen judged her no less formidable than the woman who tended the beer spigot, though perhaps a few years younger. Like the woman below, she wore a shapeless black gown and her hair hung in a rank tangle; her mus- tache was not quite so full. With glittering eyes she looked from one to the other. "Well then, do you wish to eat?"

"Yes; that is why we are here," said Gersen.

"Sit yonder."

The woman followed them across the room. W^hen thev were seated she leaned forward portentously with hands on the table. "What is to your taste?"

"We know Darsh food by reputation only," said Gersen. "WTiat are your special dishes?"

"A ha! Those we reserve for our own eating. Out here we serve chichala* and you must make the best of it."

"WTiat of the fine Darsh provender you advertise? The chatow- sies, the pourrian, the ahagaree?"

"Look about you. Men are eating."

"True."

"Then that is what you must eat."

"Bring us portions of all these dishes; we will give them a try."

"As you like." The woman departed.

Rackrose sat in glum silence while Gersen looked around the room. "Our man is not among those present," said Gersen at last.

Rackrose glanced skeptically from table to table. "Did you se- riously expect to find him here?"

"Not with any confidence. Still, coincidences occur. If he were passing through Rath Eileann, this is where we would hope to find him."

Maxel Rackrose surveyed Gersen dubiously. "You are not tell- ing me all you know."

"Should that surprise you?"

"Not at all. But I'd like a hint as to what I'm getting into."

"Tonight you need fear only the chatowsies and perhaps the

*Cbtchala: an indelicate term. In the present context the word metaphorically connotes food prepared tor and served to men.

548 '[�HE DEMON PRINCES

pourrian. If our research continues, it might entail danger. Lens Larque is a sinister man."

Rackrose glanced nervously around the room. "I would prefer to give the fellow no offense. He has a rancorous disposition. Re- member Erasmus Heupter? Whatever the word 'Panak' means, I don't care to know."

The woman approached with a tray. "Here is the beer which men customarily take with their food. It is also usual for newcomers to provide a bit of entertainment. The shadow-box is yonder; a coin will produce a troupe of amusing figments."

Gersen turned to Rackrose. "You are expert in such affairs; you shall make the choice."

"With pleasure," said Rackrose rather heavily. He went to the shadow-box, read the list of offerings, pulled a toggle, and dropped a coin into the hopper. A shrill voice called out: "It'sJavil Natkin and the Sly Rogues!" To a clattering music of blocks and chink- lepins, the entertainers appeared in projected image: a tall thin man in white and black diaper, carrying a whip, and a band of six small boys wearing only long red stockings.

Natkin sang a set of doggerel verses lamenting the faults of his charges, then performed an eccentric prancing jig, snapping his whip this way and that, while the boys hopped, whirled, and scam- pered with extraordinary agility. Natkin, expressing dissatisfaction with their antics, nicked his whip at the plump buttocks. The boys so stimulated turned frantic somersaults, until Natkin stood sur- rounded by tumbling boys, whereupon he threw up his arms in triumph and the images disappeared. Patrons, who had given ear- nest attention to the display, muttered and grumbled and returned to their food.

From the kitchen came the black-gowned woman, with bowls and platters. She thumped them down upon the table- "Here is the food, Chatowsies. Pourrian. Ahagaree. Eat your fill. What you leave returns to the pot."

"Thank you," said Gersen. "By the way, who is 'Tintle'?"

The woman gave a derisive snort. "Tintle's name is on the sign. We do the work; we chink the coin. Tintle keeps his distance."

"If possible, I'd like a few words with Tintle."

The woman gave a derisive snort. "You'd like nothing whatever from Tintle; he's stupid and dull. Still, for what it's worth, you'll

THE FACE 549

find him in the backyard counting- his fingers or scratching himself with a stick."

The woman moved away. Gersen and Rackrose gingerly ad- dressed themselves to the food. After a few moments Rackrose said:

"I can't decide what tastes worst. The chatowsies are fetid, but the ahagaree is ferocious. The pourrian is merely vile. And the lady seems to have washed her dog in the beer. . . . What? Are you eat- ing more?"

"You must do the same. We want to establish a pretext for returning. Here; try some of these remarkable condiments."

Rackrose held up his hand. "I have taken quite enough, at least on the basis of my present salary."

"As you wish." Gersen gulped down a few more mouthfuls, then thoughtfully put down his spoon. "We have seen enough for this evening." He signaled to the woman. "Madame, our account, if you please."

The woman looked over the platters. "You have eaten raven- ously. I will need two or, better, three SVU from each of you."

Rackrose cried out in protest. "Three SVU for a few mouthfuls of food? That would be exorbitant at the Domus!"

"The Domus serves insipid gutch. Pay your account or I will sit on your head."

"Come now," said Gersen. "That is no way to attract a steady clientele. I might add that we are waiting to meet a certain member of the Bugold Clan."

"Bah!" sneered the woman. "WTiat is that to me? A Bugold outcast robbed the Kotzash warehouse, and so now I live here in this place of dank winds and curdled rheum."

"I've heard a somewhat different story," said Gersen with an air of careless omniscience.

"Then you heard nonsense! The Bugold rachepol and that scorpion Panshaw connived together. They should have been bro- ken and not poor Tintle. Now pay me my coin and so your way. This talk of Kotzash has put me out of sorts."

Gersen resignedly put down six SVU. The woman, with a tri- umphant leer toward Maxel Rackrose, swept up the coins. "As for the gratuity, another two SVl' will be considered adequate."

Gersen handed over the coins and Madame Tintle departed.

Rackrose gave a snort of disgust. "You are far too obliging. The woman's avarice is matched only by the vileness other cuisine."

550 THE DEMON PRINCES

Madame Tintle spoke over his shoulder. "By chance I over- heard that remark. On your next visit I will boil up my crotch-strap for your chatowsies." Once again she swept away. Gersen and Rackrose also took their leave.

Out on the street they stood a moment. Mist hung over the lake; streetlamps north and south along Pilkamp Road showed as receding aureoles of pale blue light.

"What now?" asked Rackrose. "Is it to be Tintle?"

"Yes," said Gersen. "He is conveniently close to hand."

"That vulgar female mentioned a backyard," grumbled Rack- rose. "We will find it around yonder, there, up Noonan's Alley."

The two men walked around the corner of Tintle's Shade, up the hill beside a wall which presently showed a gate of metal bars, giving on Tintle's backyard. To the rear stood a line of ramshackle sheds, one of which showed a light.

At an upper window someone created a clangor by striking a pan against the wall, then lowered a pot on a length of string.

"It appears," said Gersen, "that Tintle is about to dine."

The door to the shed opened, to reveal the silhouette of a squat heavy-shouldered man. He ambled across the yard, detached the pot from the line, and carried it back to the shed.

Rackrose called through the gate: "Tintle! Hoy, Tintle! Over here by the gate!"

Tintle halted in surprise, then turned and ran spraddle-legged to his shed. The door closed behind him; the lights were immedi- ately extinguished.

"That's all from Tintle tonight," said Gersen.

The two returned to Pilkamp Road, boarded the next omnibus, and rode south to Rath Eileann Old Town.

4

From The Demon Princes, by Carol Carphen:

The author of this monograph, as he ponders the De- mon Princes and their marvelous deeds, often becomes con- fused by the multiplicity of events. To cure this condition he resorts to generalizations, only to see e^ch such edifice collapse under the weight of qualification.

In basic fact the five individuals have but a single aspect in common: their total disregard for human pain.

Thus, as we hold Lens Larque up for comparison to his peers, we find no correspondence save in this single quality. Even that anonymity and secrecy which one might suppose to be a basic element of the craft is, in the case of Lens Larque, distorted into something rude and brash, so that it seems almost a craving for public attention. Lens Larque at times appears almost eager to exhibit himself.

Still, when we sum up what we know about Lens Larque, we discover few definite facts. He has been de- scribed as a tall man of considerable bulk who, through his burning gaze and abrupt movements, gives the impression of a passionate and volatile disposition. No clear descrip- tions of his face are extant. According to rumor, he is expert in the use of the whip and takes pleasure in so punishing his enemies.

The essay concludes with the summation:

552 THE DEMON PRINCE S

Once again, as I succumb to the allure of generality, let me put forward the following propositions

The evil magnificence of the Demon Princes cannot be quantitatively compared On a qualitative basis they can be, perhaps intuitively, characterized

1 Viole Falushe is as malignant as a wasp

2 Malagate the Woe is inhumanly callous

3 Kokor Hekkus en)oys horrifying pranks 4. Howard Alan Treesong is inscrutable, devious, and very likely insane, if the concept is at all applicable to such folk as these

5 Lens Larque is brutal, revengeful, and extravagantly sensitive to slights Like Kokor Hekkus he is not un- known to sadism, in grotesque variation Occasion- ally one finds references to a "reek" or "coarse effluvium" in connection with his person, but whether this is psychological aura or actual bad odor is never made clear. Still, Lens Larque would seem to be the most physically unappealing of all the De- mon Princes, with the possible exception of Howard Alan Treesong, whose aspect is unknown

Trails of rain from a predawn storm swept the north end of Lake Feamish, over Rath Eileann clouds scudded and raced, and let blaz- ing shafts of Vega-light down upon the gray city. So, in alternate shine and shadow, Gersen and Jehan Addels walked along the Es- planade toward the Estremont.

Addels went stiffly and without enthusiasm, his shoulders hunched, his face dour and bleak As they neared the causeway he stopped short "Do you know, this is sheer madness "

"But in a good cause," said Gersen. "Someday you'll congrat- ulate yourself."

Addels grudgingly proceeded. "The day I'm discharged from Frogtown Pits "

Gersen offered no reply

At the causeway Addels halted once again "You should come no farther We must not be seen together "

"Quite right I'll wait here "

Addels continued across the causeway The great doors of glass

THE FACL

and iron opened before him, he entered a silent foyer pa\ed in white marble and stelt *

Addels ascended to the fourth floor and marched despondently to the offices of the Chief Clerk Outside in the corridor he halted, drew a deep breath, threw back his shoulders, licked his lips, relaxed his face into a mask of serenity and confidence, then stepped through the door

A marble counter crossed the room At the back four under- clerks in dark red gowns scrutmi/ed documents They looked up with empty expressions, then returned to their work

Addels gave a peremptory rap on the marble One of the clerks made a sad face, rose to his feet, and approached the counter. "What may be your business5"

"I want to consult the Chief Clerk," said Addels

"At what time was your appointment^"

"My appointment is now," snapped Addels "Announce me and be smart about it'"

The clerk spoke a languid word or two into a mesh, then ush- ered Addels into a high-ceilinged chamber, illuminated by a cnstal globe of a hundred facets Rose velvet drapes hung across the high windows, a semi-circular desk in the Old Empire style, enameled ivory-white with gilt and vermilion accents, occupied the center of a pale blue carpet Here, at his ease, sat a balding middle-aged man, well fleshed and round-faced, with a benign expression Like the underclerks he wore a dark red gown, as well as a square white cap displaying the official emblem ot Llinliffet's Land As Addels stepped forward, he rose courteously to his feet "Counsellor Ad- dels, it is both my duty and my pleasure to serve you "

"Thank you " Addels seated himself in the chair indicated

File Chief Clerk poured tea into a cup of frail Beleek and placed it within Addels' reach

"Most gracious of you," said Addels He sipped. "Superb Lutic Gold, to hazard a guess^ With a bit of something to sharpen the edge="

"You have a fine discrimination," said the Chief Clerk "Lutic Gold it is, from the north slope, with an ounce of Black Dassawary to the pound For brisk mornings such as this I consider it quite appropriate "

*Stclt J precious sid^ mined from the surraces uf burnt out stars

554 THE DEMON PRINCES

For a few minutes the two discussed tea, then Addels said. "Now as to my business I represent Cooney's Bank, now chartered at Rath Eileann As you may know we have instituted action against Celerus Transport Company, of Vire, Sadal Suud Four, the ship Emha Gargantyr, and others. I have conferred with the Honorable Uuay Pmgo, who will stand for the ship He is anxious to expedite the case and I quite agree In effect I speak for both parties to the action. We request the earliest possible place on the calendar."

The Chief Clerk, pursing his lips and blowing his cheeks, con- sulted a document which lay in front of him. "It so happens that we can schedule a relatively prompt hearing A certain Lord High Benchmaster Dalt has been assigned to the circuit."

Addels raised his sandy eyebrows "Would that be Benchmaster Waldemar Dalt who benched Intel-world Court at Myrdal on Bon- iface?"

"The same. There's quite a piece about him m the Legal Oh-

"The Legal Observer, eh3 I have not seen this |oumal before."

"It's the first issue, published at New Wexford. I received a complimentary copy, no doubt by virtue of my office."

"I must find an issue," said Addels, "if only to read up on Dalt."

"It makes interesting reading. They compliment Dalt for his precision, but they describe him as a bit of a martinet."

"That's my recollection." Taking up the magazine Addels stud- ied the article. A photograph depicted a harsh-featured man wear- ing black and white judicial costume, the black frontal fringe of the traditional headdress hanging low across his forehead. Black eye- brows emphasized his extreme pallor. A clenched mouth and nar- row glinting eyes suggested inflexibility and perhaps severity,

"Hmmf," said Addels "That's Benchmaster Dalt. I've seen him in action He's as hard as he looks." He put the magazine down The Chief Clerk picked it up and read aloud.

"Sometimes regarded as over-abstract and over-rigorous, Benchmaster Dalt is by no means a dreamy-eyed theorist; to the contrary, he insists upon full etiquette. Court officials consider him a stern disciplinarian "

With a faint smile Addels asked: "And what do you think of that?"

The Chief Clerk shook his head ruefully "He seems a tyran- nical old griffin, for a fact."

THE FACE

555

"He's not all that old, in fact some say he leans over backward on that account."

"Yes, yes," muttered the Chief Clerk "I've heard much the same story, from one source or another."

"Smarten up your bailiffs," said Addels. "Provide your stentor the best throat lozenges�because Benchmaster Dalt is coming to enliven your court He watches like an eagle. If someone scamps his duty, he's flayed to the bone. Personally, I'd prefer a more af- fable judge. Won't someone else be working the session?"

The Chief Clerk gave his head a troubled shake. "You'll have to deal with Dalt, and so will I Many thanks for your advice, I'll warn my bailiffs, and Benchmaster Dalt will have no complaint."

The two men sipped tea in thoughtful silence Then Addels said "Perhaps I'm lucky to draw Dalt after all. He's draconic against swindlers and he'll cut through technicalities to deal out

Justice, still, it's a mixed blessing So when will we have our hear- .__ ^^�i

ing:

"Maasday next, at half morning.'

Maasday morning a storm drove down Lake Feamish, piling up whitecaps to pound against the Estremont foundations The tall windows of the courtroom admitted only a wet gray light, and the three chandeliers, symbolizing the three Vegan planets, glowed at full power The Chief Clerk sat at his desk wearing immaculate scarlet and black robes with a black cushion hat. By the door a pair of bailiffs stood, erect, alert and mindful of Benchmaster Dalt's reputation for irascibility To the right sat Counsellor Duay Pmgo with his clients, to the left Counsellor Jehan Addels with officials of Cooney's Bank. A half dozen casual spectators were on hand for reasons best known to themselves. Silence held the room Only the far whisper of waves against stone could be heard.

A chime sounded the hour of half-morning. From the rear chamber came Lord High Benchmaster Dalt, a personage of middle size, spare of physique, wearing full High Court regalia. The head- piece fringed his forehead and hung black swafts over his ears. Looking neither right nor left he mounted to the bench, then glanced swiftly around the room, his chalk-white pallor and taut uncompromising features creating an effect of austere elegance.

Across the centuries the rituals of the Vegan judicial system had been simplified, but were still notorious for symbolic homologies-

556 THE DEMON PRINCES

The Lord High Benchmaster no longer rode to the bench in a chair carried by four blind virgins, but the bench itself�the "Balance"� still rested upon a wedge-shaped fulcrum, even though most pro- gressive Benchmasters stipulated stabilizing struts to dampen the quivering Needle of Justice.*

Benchmaster Dalt had ordained rigid stabilizers for the Balance, to hold the needle fixed at equilibrium.

The stentor appeared on a balcony behind the bench. "Be it now heard; oyez! This sacred court, ruled by Lord High Bench- master Waldemar Dalt, is now in session!" He threw three white feathers into the air to symbolize the liberation of three white doves. Holding his arms on high, he called: "Let the wings of truth fare far across this land! The Court oflnterworld Equity now sits in session."

Lowering his arms, he backed into his alcove and disappeared from view.

Benchmaster Dalt rapped with his gavel, and glanced at a mem- orandum. "I will hear preliminary statements in the case of Coo- ney's Bank versus the Celerus Transport Company, the ship Ettilia Gargantyr, its officers, and all its lawful owners. Are the parties at contest present?"

"Ready for the plaintiffs, your Lordship," said Addels.

"Ready for the defendants, your Lordship," said Duay Pingo.

Benchmaster Dalt addressed Addels. "Be so good as to con- struct your complaint."

"Thank you, your Lordship. Our plea for damages is based upon the following sequence of events. On a date, which when translated into Gaean Standard time, becomes Day 212 of the year 1524, at the city Thrump on David Alexander's Planet, the owner of the ship Ettilia Gargantyr maliciously and spitefully conspired with the ship's commanding office, a certain Wislea Toom, so to defraud the local Victuallers Guild of moneys legally and rightfully due them and thereupon put their nefarious plan into effect, by the simple and shameless process�"

Benchmaster Dalt rapped with his gavel. "If Counsellor will control his indignation and favor the court with a simple explana-

*'! he Benchmaster who rode the Balance so ngidiv that the needle showed no motion, in the sl^ vernacular of the courtroom, was said to he "stiff of arse," while a more restless offlcul, under whose shifts and shrugs the needle swung hack and forth, might become known as "old flitter-bntches "

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tion of the facts, and allow me to decide the applicability of such terms as 'nefarious' and *shameless,' we shall proceed much more crisply with this case."

"Thank you, your Lordship. No doubt I anticipate my full pre- sentation, but we are pleading for punitive as well as actual dam- ages, on the basis of malice and fraud with premeditated intent."

"Very well, proceed. But remember, I am not partial to subjec- tive presentations."

"Thank you, your Lordship. The defalcation occurred, as I have stated. The injured parties filed local action; however, the Ettilia Gargantyr had vanished, as had the Celerus Transport Company.

"In due course the cause of action was transferred to Cooney's Bank.

"The arrival of the Ettilia Gargantyr at Rath Eileann laid in rem jurisdiction in this court and, pursuant to our writ of attach- ment, we prepared a new action. The Ettilia Gargantyr is now im- mobilized at Slayhack Spaceport. We pray for actual damages to the amount of twelve thousand eight hundred and twenty-five SVU. We declare that the owner of the ship, through the apparently fic- titious "Celerus Transport Company,' maliciously and in arrogant contempt of lawful process conspired with Captain Wislea Toom to the detriment of the plaintiff's assignors. We feel that conduct of such description is all too common and merits a vigorous rebuke, and this is the basis of our plea for punitive damages."

"You use the term 'owner' of the Ettilia Gargantyr. I abhor circumlocution. Please identify this person by name."

"I am sorry, your Lordship! I do not know his name."

"Very well, then." Rap went the gavel. "Counsellor Pingo, do you have a statement?"

"Simply this, your Lordship. The action is monstrous and ex- travagant. It is a mischievous exploitation of what at worst was a rather trivial oversight. We do not challenge that a claim against the ship at one time existed. We adamantly deny the competence of Cooney's Bank to act in this regard and we consider the charges of malice and conspiracy inapplicable."

"You will be given opportunity to demonstrate as much, through the testimony of your principals." Benchmaster Dalt sur- veyed Duay Pingo's clients. "The lawful and registered owner of the ship is now present?"

"No, your Lordship, he is not."

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"Then how do you expect to defend against the charges?"

"By demonstrating their total absurdity, your Lordship."

"Aha, Counsellor! There you insult my intelligence. In my ex- perience dozens of apparent absurdities have turned out to be un- assailable facts. I will point out that the action is specific. It alleges malice, fraud, and conspiracy, and these charges may not be coun- tered by either rhetoric or obfuscation. You are wasting the time of this court. How long will you need to produce the proper re- spondents?"

Pingo could only shrug his shoulders. "One moment, your Lordship, if you please." He went to consult his clients, who mut- tered uncertainly among themselves. Pingo returned to face Bench- master Dalt. "Your Lordship, I point out that my clients are undergoing unnecessary hardship, due to the costs of operating the ship, including salaries, insurance, berth rental, and the like. May we post bond as guarantee to the payment of some fair settlement, should in fact your judgment go against us, and so let the ship be on its way? This is only simple justice."

Dalt glared at Duay Pingo. "You are appointing yourself, in my court, as the arbiter and explicator of justice?"

"By no means, your Lordship! It was merely a way of speaking. An unhappy phrase, for which I apologize!"

Benchmaster Dalt appeared to reflect. Jehan Addels, lifting his arm as if to scratch his head, muttered into his sleeve: "Specify full value of ship and cargo. No bondsman in town or anywhere else will risk so much."

Benchmaster Dalt spoke. "I rule in favor of the defendant's request, provided that he posts bond to the full value of ship and cargo, which would represent the maximum indemnity."

Duay Pingo winced. "That may well be impossible, your Lord- ship."

"Then produce your proper witnesses and let us try the case properly! You can't have the situation both ways! What good is a defense action without facts or pertinent testimony from responsive witnesses? Get your case together or you must lose by default."

"Thank you, your Lordship, I will hold immediate consultation with my clients. May I request a short postponement?"

"Certainly. For how long?"

"I am not at this point certain. I will presently notify the Court Clerk, if such suits my esteemed colleague and your Lordship."

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"I am content," said Jehan Addels, "so long as the continuance does not exceed a reasonable time."

"Very well, so ruled. Let us be quite definite, Counsellor Pingo. I require direct testimony from the principal of the case. He will be the person who owned the ship at the time of the alleged in- fraction, together with proof as to his ownership. I will not accept depositions, proxies, or agents. So long as this is understood, I grant a continuance of two weeks. If you require more time, please apply to the Court Clerk."

"Thank you, your Lordship."

"Court is adjourned."

The Lord High Benchmaster stalked to his chambers. The Chief Clerk mopped his face with a blue kerchief and muttered to a bailiff, "Have you ever seen such a griffin?"

"He's a bad one, for sure, touchy as a blastiffwith boils. Glad I am that I'll never need to face him in court."

"Bah!" muttered the Chief Clerk. "Belch once in his court and he'll order your gizzard toasted. I'm all in a sweat from holding my breath."

During the evening Gersen received a call from Jehan Addels.

"Miraculously," Addels noted, "we are still out of jail."

"It's a pleasant sensation," said Gersen. "Enjoy it while you can."

"Everything is so fragile! Suppose a diligent journalist looks in the Legal Record? Suppose the Chief Clerk gossips with someone from Boniface? Suppose he places other cases into the docket?"

Gersen grinned. "Benchmaster Dalt no doubt will dispense eq- uity."

"More properly, Benchmaster Dalt should plead indisposition," declared Addels. "Remember, not all lawyers are fools!"

"No need to borrow trouble. Pingo is sending messages across the galaxy. There will be a great disturbance somewhere."

"How true! Well then�what next?"

"We wait to see who appears when the hearings resume."

From Dar Sai and the Darsh, by Jomville Akers

The Darsh whip-dances constitute a highly structured art form I sav this flatly and without qualification, after having devoted considerable time to the sub)ect A savage and repellent art form, granted, an art form grounded in a whole cluster of sexual aberrations, i.e., pederasty, flagel- lation, sado-masochism, voyeurism, exhibitionism so much is conceded. It is an art form to which I personally am not attracted, though at times it exerts a certain horrid fasci- nation.

The intricacies of whip-dancing totally elude the un- initiated During the ordinary routine the whip-wielder, contrary to appearances, seldom m)ures or even inflicts se- rious pain upon the dancers Like other apparently horren- dous exhibitions, a great part is show. The thematic material to the outsider seems repetitive and limited and more often than not depends upon a simple tried and true premise the whipmaster and his troupe of prankish, unruly, or insubordinate "bungle" boys. The variations upon this theme, however, are intricate, subtle, often ingenious, often amusing, and inexhaustibly popular with Darsh males. Darsh females, on the other hand, observe these spectacles with contemptuous indifference, and consider them merely another aspect of masculine fatuity

Gersen and Maxel Rackrose alighted trom the omnibus, then stood for a moment looking across Pilkamp Road at Tmtle's Shade

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"It presents no braver face by daylight," said Rackrose. "In fact, I can now discern peeling paint and windows hung all askew."

"No matter," said Gersen. "The dilapidation is picturesque and will enhance our lunch."

"Today," said Rackrose, "I lack all appetite. Still, don't let me deter you from your own meal."

"Perhaps something on the menu will tempt you."

They crossed the street, pushed through the door, passed the beer counter by, and mounted the dank steps to the restaurant- Only a few tables were in use. Madame Tmtle stood idly by the kitchen pass-through, twirling the tip of her mustache. Lan- guidly she signaled them to a table and ambled over to inquire their needs. "So the two of you are back. I never thought to see you again."

Gersen essayed a gallantry. "We were drawn as much by your colorful personality as by the food."

"What would you mean by that?" demanded the woman. "You are aspersing either me or the food. Either way you'll get a pot of slops over your head "

"No offense intended," said Gersen. "In fact I can put you in the way of some money, if the prospect suits you."

"Of all races Darsh are most avaricious. What is the proposal3"

"A friend of mine will shortly be arriving from Dar Sai, or so I expect."

"He is Darsh?"

"Yes "

"The situation is hardly possible. Darsh men make no friends, only enemies."

"This gentleman is, if you prefer, an acquaintance. When he arrives, he will surely visit Tmtle's Shade, to eat familiar food. I want you to notify me of his arrival, so that we may renew our acquaintance."

"Easily done, but how will I recognize him?"

"Just inform me or my friend whenever a new Darsh comes to Tmtle's Shade,"

"Well�it's not particularly convenient, I can't sort over every odd goumbah* who creeps in from the street. My curiosity would arouse frivolous comment "

*A pe|oranve term used by Darsh women in reference to men a person of vulgar futile stupidity

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"Perhaps Tintle himself might be pressed into service," sug- gested Rackrose.

"Tintle?" The woman made a rasping sound in her throat. "Tintle's been smirched and broken, lie's not allowed up here;

everyone would hold their noses and leave. I can barely tolerate his presence in the yard."

Gersen asked; "How did this come about?"

Madame Tintle looked around the room, then finding no better use for her time, condescended to reply. "It was on the whole a sad misfortune, which Tintle never earned. At the Kotxash warehouse Tintle was the proud guard. But when they came to loot and steal, Tintle slept rather than guarded and failed to throw the switch. All the duodecimates were taken. Then it was learned that Ottile Pan- shaw the bursar had neglected insurance, so all was lost. Panshaw could not be found, so the whole countryside came down on Tintle. He was fixed under the public latrine for three days, and everyone expressed themselves as the mood took them. Tintle and Dar Sai no longer could stomach each other, so we came to this dreary bog. That is the story."

"Hmmf," said Gersen. "If Tintle had been a friend of Lens Larque, affairs might have gone differently."

The woman eyed him with dour suspicion. "Why do you speak of Lens Larque?"

"He is a famous man."

"Infamous, rather. It was Lens Larque who robbed the Kotzash warehouse; why should he be a friend of Tintle? Though that was the accusation."

"Then you know Lens Larque by sight?"

"He is a Bugold and none of my affair."

"He might be sitting across the room at this moment."

"So long as he finds no fault and pays his account, what do I care?" She looked contemptuously around the room. "He is not here today, that is certain."

"Well and good," said Gersen, "but back to our arrangement. WTien a strange Darsh appears�Lens Larque or any other�notify me or mv friend Maxel Rackrose, who will take his lunch here every day. Each time you point out a strange Darsh, you will be paid two SVU. Point out Lens Larque and earn ten SVU. And should you lead me to my friend, you shall earn twenty SVU."

Madame Tintle compressed her black brows in perplexity. "A

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most unusual arrangement. Why do you want Lens Larque? Most folk would pay ten SVU or more to avoid him."

"We are journalists. I consider him a prime subject for an in- terview-, should he appear. Certainly we cannot expect such good luck."

Madam Tintle shrugged. "I have nothing to lose. Now, what will you eat?"

"I'll take a few bites of ahagaree," said Gersen.

"The same for me," said Rackrose, "but less sulfur and iodine than usual."

"What about chatowsies?"

"None today."

Leaving the restaurant Gersen and Rackrose walked around to the back of the building and approached the iron gate. Through the bars they saw Tintle hunched in the pale sunlight before one of the sheds. Each of his three-inch earlobes terminated in a dangling metal ornament; Tintle amused himself by flicking these with his finger and letting them swing. Gersen called out: "Tintle! Hey, Tintle!"

Tintle rose slowly to his feet: a squat man with copper-colored skin and lumpy features. He came a few steps forward, then halted, to peer in suspicion toward the gate. "What do you want with me?"

"You are that Tintle who guarded the Kotzash warehouse?'

"I know nothing about it!" bawled Tintle. "I was asleep and innocent in every respect!"

"But you were broken."

"It was a gross error!"

"And you ultimately plan to vindicate yourself?"

Tintle blinked. "I had not thought so far ahead."

"We would definitely like to hear your version of the case."

Tintle came slowly toward the gate. "WTio are you, asking such questions?"

"Investigators in the cause of justice."

"I have had enough justice. Investigate Ottile Panshaw and break him; I will lead the line to the latrine." Tintle turned and started back toward his shed.

"Just a moment!" called Gersen. "We have not discussed ben- efits."

Tintle came to a tentative halt. "WTiat benefits?"

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"First a fee in payment for the value of your time. Second, punishment of the robbers."

Tintle made a sound of incredulous amusement. "Who intends to punish Lens Larque?"

"Anything might happen. At the moment we only wish to hear details of the case."

Tintle looked from one to the other. "What is your official

status?"

"Don't inquire too closely. High officials can't offer fees." Tintle at last showed flexibility. "How much are you offering?" "That depends upon what you tell us. Five SVU, at the least." "That is no vast sum," Tintle grumbled. "Still, I suppose that it will suffice." He looked up toward the windows at the back of the restaurant. "There she stands, a great rat glaring down from its hole. Let us transfer our business to Groary's Tavern, across the way."

"As you wish."

Tintle unharnessed the gate and passed through into the alley. "She'll be sorely vexed to see us going off to the tavern, and I'll eat slops for a week. Still, let's be away. A man must never heed the woman's roar."

Black piles emerging from the waters of Lake Feamish supported the rear deck of Groary's Tavern. The three men took seats at a wooden table. Tintle hunched forward, and Gersen thought to per- ceive the inkling of a sickly stench. Imagination? Tintle? A bubble up from the lake-bottom slime?

"I believe that five SVU was mentioned," said Tintle.

Gersen put money on the table. "We are interested in the Kot- zash robbery. Remember, if the loot was recovered, you might well be vindicated and indemnified."

Tintle gave a harsh laugh. "Do you take me for a fool? In this life events bend to no such kindly patterns. I'll tell you what I know and take your money and that will be the end of it."

Gersen shrugged. "You were guard at Kotzash warehouse. What exactly is 'Kotzash'?"

"Ottile Panshaw formed the corporation. The miners brought in duodecimates and placed them with Panshaw, who paid off m shares of Kotzash Mutual. The shares were ostensibly redeemable in SVU at any time. So it went, and the warehouse at Serjeuz bulged

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with packets of fine duodecimate. How could Lens Larque not be tempted? Some say that Ottile Panshaw notified him when the warehouse could hold no more. So Lens Larque dropped his great black ship into the compound during the night. His villains came bounding into the warehouse and I was lucky to make my escape, for surely they would have killed me. This consideration failed to quell the general rage. They demanded why I, the designated guard, had failed to protect the warehouse, and why the great gate had been left ajar. I blamed Ottile Panshaw, but he was absent. Therefore I was dragged to the Central Sump and broken."

"A sorry tale," said Gersen. "Still, how do you know that Lens Larque was responsible?"

Tintle gave a fretful toss of the head which set his pendules to jerking. "Enough that I tell you as much. It is not a name to be discussed at length."

"Nevertheless, the guilty man must be brought to justice, and your contribution may be of assistance."

"And when Lens Larque hears of my verbosity, what then? I dance ten fandangos to the music ofPanak."

"Your name will not be spoken." Gersen brought forth another five-SVU certificate. "Tell us what you know."

"It is nothing very much. I am of the Dupp Clan; Lens Larque is a Bugold. I knew him well in the old days. At Natdnaw Shade we played hadaul* and everyone joined a cabal against him. But he had worked a counterstrategy, and it was I whose bones were bro- ken."

"WTiat sort of man is he?"

Tintle shook his head, at a loss for words. "He is a big man. He has a long nose and fleering eyes. At the Kotzash warehouse he wore a thabbat,** but I knew him by his voice and his fust."***

"If he stepped into Tintle's Shade, would you know him?"

Tintle gave a gloomy grunt. "I am not tolerated in the Shade. He could come and go a dozen times; I'd never be the wiser."

"When you played hadaul, what name did he use?"

"That was long ago. Then he was simple Husse Bugold, though already he was rachepol."

*Hadau! a Darsh game, combining elements ot conspiracy, double-dealing, cunning, trick- ery, and a general free-for-all melee

**Thahhat the Darsh hood, usually of white or blue cloth.

***Fust an odor ex-uded by Darsh men.

566 �I HF DEMON PRINCFS