A Thousand Ages
Page 12
Bruce, marvelling at the facility with which Hamer spoke the Klaatan language, hastily spoke up for himself.
“She is yours, Hamer. I have already been made to believe that any aspirations I had in Rona’s direction are quite hopeless. Now I have seen you, I realise I never had a chance. You should pity, not hate me.”
Unused to this kind of reply, particularly from one nearly his equal physically, Hamer searched for signs of weakness. He gave it up and laughed. “As you say, Rona, he is unusual. I’ve never seen a Klaatan with his build before. I wonder they let such an obvious throwback live.” Again, suspicion crossed his mind. “He’s not some wanderer of another tribe you’ve picked up with, is he?” He grasped her wrist cruelly.
The expression on Rona’s face shamed him more than words could have done.
“I should have remembered that that damned stupid trait you Klaatans call integrity would never allow you to double-cross me. I do trust you, Rona. But sometimes I get these passions and my reason loses control. With you to guide me, I will learn to become master of these wild, unreasoning instincts that are the heritage of my people.”
That was as near an apology as the proud Hamer would aver make, and Rona was happy once more. She realised now that her sudden impulse to bring Bruce there might have proved quite unwise. She wondered how Hamer would receive the true story of Bruce’s origin. It seemed polite to let the matter slide, for the present anyway.
Hamer turned to Bruce, with a show of rough cordiality. “To make up for my former inhospitality, perhaps you will eat with us?”
Bruce wondered at the wisdom of coming to this place, when he saw the rest of the tribesmen. Hamer, dressed in spun clothes of a style he had seen before in pictures of the old Vikings, looked quite civilised compared with most of the others, the majority of whom wore clothes made from animal skins.
The odour and revolting table manners of the oaf squatting next to him around the tribal cooking pot made him lose his appetite. He could not imagine how Rona would endure this if she had to follow Hamer’s life. Tor her sake, his interest in the Group’s aims flared once more. Then he realised it would also mean admitting these uncouth creatures to the Klaatan society. He nearly laughed at the ridiculous idea.
“I see that, like Rona, you have no taste for meat. Have some fruit.” Hamer was seated between Rona and himself. Bruce suddenly remembered that Klaatans did not eat meat. Had it not been for his squeamishness, he might have once more roused Hamer’s suspicions. For the tribes were always warring amongst themselves. Each had to be wary of spies posing as innocent strangers.
The meal over, Bruce expressed his interest in the weapon Hamer had used to his discomfort. Hamer translated his request into the simple language used by his tribe. Almost immediately there were sixteen stalwart men of varying ages, anxious to show their skill.
A mark was made on a tree and Bruce had his first introduction to the ancient sport of archery. He had heard of it before, and knew the weapons were called bows and arrows in his own language; but he had no idea what a fascinating pastime it could be. Hamer proved his right to be a chieftain once more, by hitting the mark absolutely true.
“I will lend you my bow and you shall try,” said Hamer. He was obviously ready for a little entertainment, and secretly hoping that Bruce would make a very poor showing.
At first it looked as though his hopes would be gratified. Although he copied Hamer’s stance and method of drawing the bow as closely as he could, Bruce’s first arrow went wide. The next just grazed the tree. Then Bruce, who was really a fine marksman in other fields, released an arrow, which, more by good luck than skill, landed within inches of Hamer’s.
“You must come with us hunting. Such skill is wasted here,” jibed Hamer, who knew that the shot had been a lucky one.
So it was that, in a very short time, Bruce found himself on the edge of the forest, climbing up the bank from the Old Thames bed.
Rona was with the hunting-party, although—as she explained to Bruce—she had a horror of killing quite as strong as that of any other Klaatan. “If it comes to the worst, and I have to spend the rest of my life with these people, I shall have to be reconciled to it. They could not live without meat. Not that I shall ever kill anything myself—I couldn’t!” She shuddered.
“Rona, how could you imagine most of these people living with yours. Hamer, and one or two others, might manage to curb themselves sufficiently to fit in. But the majority could never reconcile themselves to civilised conditions.”
“You’re like the rest of the Klaatans, who shut their minds to the problem. We realise it isn’t a simple matter of letting them live in the towns with us, if they wish to. Hamer wants us to teach his people to settle in permanent villages and raise crops, instead of relying upon erratic supplies of game.
“You won’t change them just like that. How about the fighting between tribes. The villages will just raid each other—especially if they are in the open instead of hidden, as at present.”
“We realise all that. We know it isn’t possible to change them overnight, but these people are on the verge of civilisation. With our help, their progress along the paths history has already travelled before can be hastened. It should be possible to compress two thousand years into two hundred years of progress, given the right kind of guidance.”
“It is amazing they have remained at this stage so long, considering the progress your people have made.”
“We had the obvious advantage of thought-perception to aid us. Then there were the Tube, the books, and the knowledge of of a great civilisation, perished. These people have no written history. Their traditions, handed down by word of mouth from generation to generation, are largely fables. And, so far, no research work has been carried out on their origins by the Klaatans. It seems obvious that they have sprung from ancestors in the more remote parts and have wandered here.
“While tribes may have sprung into being from a few people surviving in an isolated valley, miraculously escaping the radiation which gave our forefathers the added gift we now take for granted. Isolated as the were, civilisation would be a dim memory after one or two generations. These people have had to start from the beginning all over again. I believe it took the stone-age man of your era many thousands of years—so it’s little wonder our Gabblers are still in the early stages of their history.”
For the first time since he had joined the Group, Bruce realised the full depth of the problems which confronted their aims. He was at last beginning to understand the Cause to which he had given his allegiance.
Chapter 13
Urik Wormald was on the verge of whistling happily to himself as he emerged from the entrance of the Tube nearest the control station. His usual caution almost deserted him as he reviewed his latest tactics for upsetting the train schedules. This time he had aimed at a complete stoppage, to operate from mid-morning the next day. Provided nothing happened to implicate him in the meantime, he could sit aback and wait for the Council to ask for aid. No more risks need to be taken. It should be quite obvious by then that a trained maintenance crew was needed to put things in order. Meanwhile, he would offer his services to the Council. He would suggest that there was a chance he could put the Tube into working order again—if only temporarily, until such a time as a major overhaul could be carried out.
He was so wrapped up in his speculations on the Councillors’ reactions that he did not see the group of hunters until they were almost upon him. The Gabblers had been very vague bogeymen to him until this moment. He knew the very rarely harmed Klaatans, but he also knew that he in no way resembled a Klaatan physically. Would his clothes put him above suspicion?
They stood barring his progress back to the city. To turn aside, or to show fear by running, might invite an arrow in his back. He could see the kind of weapons they carried.
Wormald stood his ground. It was deadlock for the moment. He had time to observe their rough skin clothes and brutish faces. Then a shout from fur
ther afield brought a response from some of the hunters. Although he could not understand what had been said, he gathered it was a signal to hold their fire. He made out three people running down the slopes of a hill towards them. As they came nearer, he could distinguish an obviously superior Gabbler in the lead. The latter was followed by Rona. Finally to his amazement, the third figure resolved itself into that of Bruce Kenton.
A few words from Hamer made the hunters relax their threatening attitudes and stand idly by. Rona, Bruce and Wormald greeted each other.
“I didn’t expect to find you in these parts—particularly hob-nobbing with this lot,” grinned Wormald, in relief.
“Come to that, it’s a funny place to meet you isn’t it? I suppose you’re on one of your country, rambles?”
“Well, it’s a nice day for a walk,” said Wormald innocently.
“Wait! Don’t tell me. It’s something to do with the Tube, isn’t it? There used to be an entrance round here I believe.”
“I thought you people couldn’t pry into other people’s minds, unless they wanted you to.” Said Wormald huffily.
“Don’t be silly, you’re so pleased with yourself over something that you’re anxious to tell the whole world. Come on Rikky, you can tell us. After all, it’s something to do with our Cause, isn’t it?” Rona coaxed.
“It’s dangerous to the Cause for too many of us to know about it. Even after it’s all over, it may spoil things, if it leaks out. If I’m giving things away like this, I had better lie low for a few days until I can summer down.”
“It’s too late, Rikky. We’ve already guessed you must have something to do with the peculiarities in the train schedules, after all. You might as well tell us all about it—since the knowledge we have is quite as dangerous as the whole story, if it is found out.”
Hamer had been within earshot of all this. He moved nearer as Wormald gave in to persuasion and told them the whole story of his operation. As he come to the part where he explained how the Tube was due to cease working entirely on the next day, Hamer rapped out a swift command to his men. Immediately, Wormald was being menaced again.
Rona was horrified. “Hamer, have you taken leave of your senses. Urik Wormald is doing this to help our Cause.”
“Your Group has many aims. It’s most praiseworthy one is to better the lot of my people. This idea of scientific advancement has nothing to do with us whatsoever. At least, not until this moment. Now we will see how much your people value the Tube. We will hold this Wormald person to ransom, and demand some of the things we want on account.”
“You’re crazy! If the Council find out the breaking down of the Tube is in any way connected with the Group, we shall never have a chance to have any say in Council affairs. They will regard us as irresponsible citizens. All our aims will be viewed in the same way—the betterment of your people included.”
“Your Group hasn’t made much impression on them so far, and its ideas may never materialise. This is our chance to force them along a little. We could even include a demand for inclusion of some of your members on the Council.”
“You could,” agreed Rona wearily. “But no one could ever take any notice of anything they have to say after this.”
Hamer addressed Wormald: “Go peacefully with my men, and you will be well looked after. We have not forgotten you are attempting to assist us, even if we do not agree as to your method.”
Bruce nodded to Wormald. “Perhaps it would be best to do a he says. It would not be wise to return to the city for a few days, anyway.”
“You shall accompany him,” laughed Hamer. “After all, the same arguments apply to you—now you know what he has been up to.”
“And what do you propose to do with me?” asked Rona, icily.
“That’s something I shall have to decide in a moment or two, my love. It would never do to send you with your friends. I think for the time being you had better stay with me.”
Rona was already desperately sending out messages to Griff Rama. She hoped her fear and desperation were strong enough to enable her to contact him personally. Usually, long-distance messages were transmitted to special receivers, who relayed them to the persons concerned. This line of communication she decided to use only as a last resort, if all else failed. Their plight would then be common knowledge.
She watched Hamer giving orders, which she could not overhear, to his men. Then she saw Bruce and Wormald led away. Never, for one moment, did she stop trying to contact Griff. Hamer noticed her apparent lack of interest in her surroundings, putting it down to shock. Taking her gently by the arm, he led her back to the huts in the forest.
Hours later, sitting in the doorway of Hamer’s own dwelling, a building cleaner and far superior to the others, she got through to Griff.
“Rona!” he exclaimed. “I was just dropping off to sleep.”
“I suppose that’s why I’ve managed to contact you after all from this distance. Your mind was almost blank and very receptive. I’m at Hamer’s village. Listen did you know Urik Wormald was sabotaging the Tube?”
“I have good reason to believe he is behind the trouble we have been having recently. What’s happened?” Griff asked urgently.
“He’s arranged a complete breakdown for tomorrow. Hamer’s holding him as a hostage. There’s going to be a demand for a large ransom. I don’t know exactly what yet. He’s got Bruce, too!”
“Where has he taken them? Perhaps Thane can help if we can organise a rescue party.”
“I don’t know. He purposely prevented me from going with them. I think he was afraid I might give the hiding place away. I suppose I had better let him think I’ve become adjusted tot he situation and fully agree with his action. He might let some information slip. He didn’t harm them in any way. In fact, they went almost willingly.”
“What I don’t understand is the fact he separated you so that you shouldn’t give away any information. Has he any reason to believe that Kenton’s and Wormald’s powers of sending messages are any less than yours?”
Rona was stunned. She had been so busy trying to contact Griff that the point had entirely escaped her.
“He assumes they are throwback Klaatans. But he has no evidence they cannot thought-send to any extent, if unaided by a Klaatan. He must have some other plan for keeping them quiet in his mind. I pray it’s nothing violent.”
“Do you sill intend to stick by Hamer?”
This was a vital question for Rona, and one that she had so far refused to face. “I don’t know. I have always known that Hamer is part savage. But, usually he is intelligent enough to recognise the fact. I’ve loved him so far, knowing what hi is. So how can I blame him when he slips occasionally and fails to take a long-sighted view?”
“This is more than a slip, Rona. If he is allowed to have his way, it will ruin everything. And, if you stay with him, you will be lost to us for ever.”
“You want me to argue with him, use myself as a lever! it’s a terrible risk for me. You see, they hold a woman to be of very little importance. And, if he would rather lose me, then we shall have accomplished nothing and I shall have lost my man.”
“I must leave it to you to decide what you must do. But, once Hamer’s demand reaches the Council, our Cause is lost, and I must tell them all I know. We believe our aims are of benefit to the Klaatan society, so any action we take must consider them first. If Hamer and his people wish to act independently, they will have to stand on their own.”
Rona rose to her feet as Hamer came towards the hut. He watched her come to life, pleased that she had at last come out of the coma. She would forget the incident in a little while; it was not his mate’s place to worry about such matters.
She smiled and held out her arms. Thankfully he went to her.
“Hamer, you do love me, don’t you?”
“Whatever else changes, my love will always be toe same. I’m sorry about those two men, my dear, but it’s not important enough to come between us, is it?”
“They will have to catch you first. You have always said you would live with me anyway, even if it did mean leaving the Klaatan society.”
“Don’t you see what a terrible position you are putting me in? If I do nothing, I am, in effect, betraying my own people. You are betraying yours also—because you are depriving them of a better life for their children and those who come after, for the sake of a handful of riches now.”
“As you do not know where the men are, I fail t see how it can be betrayal, if you do nothing. As for my betraying the future of my people, it is only a lot of vague promises after all. My people would rather make sure of something now, than pass up this chance and find the fortune holds nothing. We will learn how to live properly in our own time, without any teaching from your race. It will take centuries longer, but the process will be natural.”
“You say there is nothing I can do. But there is just one thing. Either you return those men unharmed, without resorting to any kind of ransom threats, or I will have nothing more to do with you.”
Hamer stood immovable, his face stony and expressionless. Then he answered stiffly: “So be it. Only, you will not be allowed to leave immediately. When my demands are met—I think I shall have to increase them and include your value in the ransom—you will be in my hut. If I have your word that no escape will be attempted, I will leave you unguarded. But, once I have to tell my men you are a prisoner and they find out you no longer belong to me, I can’t answer for their actions!”
Rona hopelessly agreed. She had tried, and failed. She wondered if she would have acted in the same way, knowing failure to be inexitable. Love, her love, was not a thing to be switched off at a moment’s notice, and uses as a bargaining price.