by E. C. Tubb
"As a witness, my lord."
"A witness? On Scar where there is no law." The ruler of Jest shook his head. "You are discreet, Earl, but I can guess the reason. You suspected that I might be involved, working with the cyber in order to steal your treasure. If I had you would have killed me."
"Yes, my lord."
"At least you are honest and do not lie," said Jocelyn. "Not when it is unnecessary, and I cannot blame you. Your sojourn in the water could not have been pleasant."
Dumarest smiled at the understatement. "What have you done with the golden spore, my lord?"
"Baron Haig has taken it in his charge. He is sure that it will be possible to breed it under controlled environments on Jest. Always before expense has limited the quantity available, but with the large amount you obtained he has enough and to spare for errors." Jocelyn sighed with pleasant anticipation. "It will make us wealthy, Earl. Independent of external aid. We might even be able to end the struggles of those who seek it on Scar."
"They wouldn't thank you for it, my lord," said Dumarest.
"I suppose not," admitted Jocelyn. He looked at his guest. "We owe you much, Earl. Come with us to Jest. Agree and I will return a quarter of the value of the spore, and I will make you an earl. You will be the richest noble on the planet."
Dumarest felt the impact of Adrienne's eyes. "I am sorry, my lord. You know why I must refuse."
"To continue your quest, to hunt the bones of a legend?" Jocelyn leaned forward, his face intent. "Why not leave the decision to fate?" he suggested quietly. "You could have an earldom and a quarter of the value of the spore, a residence and a large estate, a wife, even children to bear your name. Is this not a fair exchange for a dream?"
"And you will be safe on Jest," said Adrienne. "The Cyclan will be unable to find you."
Light glittered from the metal as Jocelyn produced a coin. "Let fate decide. If the arms of Jest show uppermost you will accept all I have named and come with us."
"And if you lose, my lord?"
"The cost of ten high passages," said Jocelyn quickly, "yours before you leave this vessel. You agree?"
"Spin, my lord."
Together they watched the coin rise glittering into the air, followed it with their eyes as it fell and looked at the scarred representation of a man's head.
Adrienne caught her breath. "Earl!"
"I am sorry, my lady," said Dumarest. "It seems that fate has decided we must part."
"To wander, to drift from world to world, perhaps even to die. And you could be so comfortable and happy on Jest. Jocelyn, tell him he must not go!"
"No, I cannot do that," said Jocelyn. "The decision is made, but always he will be welcome on Jest." He looked at Dumarest. "Remember that."
He would remember; perhaps he would have reason to regret the lost chance. But he didn't think so. A man has to follow his destiny.
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