‘Do it,’ said Tedric. ‘And now. Wherever he is, have him brought here as soon as possible. We seem to have much less time than I originally imagined.’
‘I wouldn’t worry about Fra Villion,’ Wilson said. ‘He can’t harm us here.’
‘I’m more concerned with us harming him than him harming us.’
Tedric’s impatience puzzled Juvi. To tell the truth, she had forgotten all about their real reason for being here during the excitement of the past few moments. But Tedric came from another sphere of reality - Commander Nolan had told her that long ago - and to him everything in this universe must seem like a marvel. What they had witnessed today was no more or less fantastic than a spaceship or even a motor car. Tedric was the savage Wilson had used for an example.
‘All right,’ Wilson said. ‘I’ll find your vemplar for you if you’re really that worried.’
He sat down on the carpeted floor, shut his eyes, and went into another trance. The minutes dragged by slowly, as Tedric and Juvi watched in silence.
Suddenly, in one corner of the room, a flash of motion caught her eye. Turning, she nearly screamed. Fra Villion was staring back at her.
Wilson came suddenly to his feet. ‘Pal Galmain,’ he said, hurrying across his room. ‘Am I pleased to see you again!’
The creature who looked exactly like Fra Villion put out one huge hand and clasped Wilson firmly by the wrist.
‘And I am pleased to see you as well, friend Wilson,’ he said.
Chapter 6
Pal Galmain
The creature who had materialised in the apartment on the Dynarx planet was not, of course, Fra Villion, and in fact, as a closer inspection revealed, any physical resemblance between the two was purely superficial.
But Pal Galmain was a Bioman - and a vemplar. He stood close to seven feet off the floor. Black fur covered the parts of his body - hands and throat - left exposed by the black cape and jumpsuit he wore. His face was hairless and the skin was a deep blue shade.
Wilson performed the necessary introductions. Galmain’s sudden arrival had apparently caught even him by surprise. The vemplar nodded coldly at Tedric but, when introduced to Juvi, he first stared intently, then smiled - showing a row of white sparkling teeth - and bowed deeply at the waist. Taking her fingers in his, he bent down and kissed her hand. ‘A most rare and extreme privilege,’ he said in a soft melodious voice like the purr of a cat. ’You are most beautiful.’
Juvi failed to conceal her embarrassment and delight. Her face flushed red and she smiled happily. Tedric was grateful for his decision to leave Yod Cartwright behind in the ship. If the boy was jealous of Wilson, what would he be feeling now?
Glancing at Wilson and Juvi, Tedric decided it might be wisest to talk to Galmain alone, without the distraction of an audience. Wilson understood this, too. Catching Juvi by the wrist, he pulled her towards the door. ‘Let’s go out and look at the gardens,’ he suggested.
‘But there aren’t any gardens,’ she said, swinging her head to peer at Pal Galmain.
‘By the time we get there, there will be,’ Wilson replied.
When Tedric and Galmain were alone, the two of them stood motionless for a long moment trying to size one another up, like duelists waiting for the signal to begin. It was Pal Galmain who first broke the silence.
‘So you are the mighty Lord Tedric of the Marshes.’ His voice contained more than a touch of sarcasm.
‘And you are one of the wondrous black knights of the Biomen,’ said Tedric in a matching tone that served to conceal his surprise at Galmain’s form of address. His full title was something Tedric seldom used in this universe.
‘I believe we have a certain acquaintance in common,’ Galmain said.
Tedric nodded. ‘I assume you mean Fra Villion.’
‘Yes. In spite of my exiled state, I do make an attempt to keep abreast of current events. Especially those involving Fra Villion.’
‘Are you aware of his present whereabouts?’
‘He has recently returned to Tavera and your arrival here did not greatly surprise me. Am I to assume you intend to proceed further?’
‘I do. To Tavera itself, if necessary. Wilson told me about you. He suggested you might be willing to provide information and assistance. He said you held no love for Fra Villion.’
’That is true but…’ The vemplar shrugged one massive shoulder. ‘Villion and I share the blood oath. I may despise him personally, but I am no friend of your Empire of Man either.’
‘I believe that Villion is a danger to much more than the Empire.’
Galmain showed a spark of interest. ‘Perhaps you should elucidate.’
Tedric did. As quickly as possible, he described the details of Villion’s recent ventures in the Empire of Man. Much of this would have been known to Pal Galmain, but some of it might not be. Tedric placed particular emphasis on Villion’s assault on the Earth, his use of the Iron Sphere and the matter-scrambler.
Galmain smiled grimly. ‘Villion’s use of the Iron Sphere did create some controversy on Tavera, I believe. The vessel was an ancient device, originally built to withstand an outside attack. Villion took the Iron Sphere without permission. Its subsequent loss was a considerable blow to his prestige. Still, his standing among the vemplars proved sufficient to see him through the crisis. Villion possesses a glib tongue and a powerful force of will. Many of my colleagues, alas, appear to have neither.’
Tedric sensed the depth of Galmain’s bitterness at his exile. It was, he realised, something that might be turned to his own advantage.
‘But you have still failed to explain,’ Galmain went on, ‘why Villion represents a threat to more than your own race.’ ‘Because of whom I believe he serves.’
‘And who is that?’
‘Are you familiar with the red clouds?’
Galmain nodded carefully. His face was without any expression, but Tedric knew he had the vemplar interested now. ‘I am aware of the existence of such phenomena, yes.’ ‘I understand that at least one cloud has appeared within the Bioman Sphere.’
‘In an outlying region, yes. The cloud does not at present offer a cause for alarm. Still, it represents a danger that must be dealt with in time. I believe some measures have already been taken towards that end.’
‘What sort of measures?’ Tedric asked, excited by the thought that the Biomen had discovered a means for combating the clouds.
Galmain smiled. ’Unsuccessful measures, I’m afraid.’
‘In that case,’ said Tedric, ‘it might interest you to know that Fra Villion is in the service of whatever it is that’s behind the existence of the clouds.’
Galmain’s expression became even more grim. He showed no sign of surprise at Tedric’s revelation. ’The darker forces,’ he said musingly.
‘Who?’ asked Tedric, sensing a slip on the vemplar’s part.
Pal Galmain shook his head. ‘Never mind. What proof do you have to support this claim?’
’The fact that Villion both entered and fled the Empire by way of one of the clouds. The fact also that the Scientists have told me in confidence that this is the case.’
’The Scientists?’ Galmain sounded genuinely impressed. ‘You are in contact with them?’
‘I serve them.’
’Then that explains much. Not only about you - but about Fra Villion. What you have told me only confirms certain conjectures of my own. During my stay in this realm, I have had much time for thought and speculation. I long ago came to fear that Villion might be in the service of those whom you claim.’
‘But you can’t tell me any more about the nature of these beings - who they are, where they originate, their purpose in attacking the Galaxy?’
‘I’m afraid I cannot. So far as I am aware, no one can answer your questions except, presumably, Fra Villion. Their presence in the Galaxy is not recent. The vemplar archives, which I consulted before my exile, contain numerous past references to their existence. My own acquaintance dates
back perhaps a decade of your years. At that time I was approached - telepathically - and offered employment. The voice in my mind did not identify itself, but I’m now certain it was indeed one of these beings. I refused the offer immediately. Few details were revealed, but what little I learned from the voice disturbed me deeply. I said nothing of the offer to anyone else. The ancient code of the vemplars forbids one knight to discuss with another the terms of his employment. I erred in interpreting the code too strictly. Apparently, later on, Villion was similarly approached. It would now seem that unlike me he did not refuse the offer.’
‘Do I gather you believe there’s a connection between your refusal, Villion’s acceptance and your present exile?’ Pal Galmain nodded. ’From what you have told me, I am now certain of it.’ His eyes blazed with sudden fury. ’Fra
Villion accused me of violating the ancient code by accepting an offer of employment designed to harm the Biomen as a whole. I could not understand how he even knew of the offer. I defended myself but his evidence consisted of lies and distortions. I was convicted and sent into exile. Until now, I have assumed Villion’s motives were personal. I was a powerful knight and he was ambitious. I have underestimated the depth of his treachery. The offer I refused is the one he accepted.’
Tedric decided to attempt to take advantage of Galmain’s anger. ‘In that case, would you be willing to assist me? If we can defeat Villion, it might be possible to force him to admit his deceit. You could then return to your own home.’ Galmain shook his head wearily. ‘It is too late for-that, I am afraid. Although I may not look it, I am very old and not well. The desire to return to Tavera has long since withered within me. I expect to die here - and soon.’
Tedric thought quickly. Galmain’s assistance was essential to the success of his mission. To attempt to enter the Bioman Sphere alone bordered on the suicidal. With Gaimain’s aid, the odds against failure would surely rise. ’The fate of the universe may be at stake. I am not exaggerating. The forces Villion serves are intent upon cosmic destruction.’
Galmain remained silent for a long moment. ‘It will be very dangerous - with me or without me.’
‘I expect that.’
‘And perhaps impossible.’
‘It has to be tried.’
’There is no greater warrior in the Galaxy than Fra Villion.’
‘I have locked swords with him in the past and survived.’ ’That was in your own realm. This will be his.’
‘It must be done,’ Tedric said flatly.
‘All right.’ Galmain sighed. He peered at Tedric, then nodded. ‘If you are willing, then so am I. There may be a way. What you have told me constitutes a most serious charge against Fra Villion. If I were to violate the terms of my exile to return to Tavera to present this charge, I do not believe I would be refused entry. You and your crew could accompany me as witnesses. Once on Tavera, however, I can guarantee little. The case against Villion, even if it is heard, will surely be dismissed. At the very least I will be required to return here. As for your fate, I can promise nothing.’ ‘But what about the case?’ said Tedric. ‘Why are you certain it will fail? It’s true, isn’t it? When I told you, you believed me. Why shouldn’t the others - the jury… whatever you use - why shouldn’t they do the same? I can prove everything I said about Villion and the clouds.’
‘I believed you because I was sympathetic but all you can prove is that Villion entered one of the clouds. When you think about it, to an unbiased observer, that really means nothing. Villion will simply claim that he was conducting a personal evaluation of the nature of the clouds. As far as what the Scientists told you, only they can confirm the truth of that, and I doubt that they would be willing to come to Tavera to testify against Villion.’
‘No,’ said Tedric, who was well aware of the Scientists’ reluctance to intervene in human affairs.
’Then I can promise you no more than I already have: a chance to reach Tavera. After that, what transpires will be of your own making and responsibility.’
‘I understand,’ Tedric said. To be truthful, what Pal Galmain was offering was far more than he had expected. Face to face with Villion, Tedric firmly believed he could and would prevail. He put out his hand. ‘Would you like to seal the agreement?’
Galmain hesitated for a long moment. Then one hairy hand shot out from his side. Tedric and the Bioman shook firmly.
Pal Galmain withdrew his hand and stared at the palm. ‘I don’t believe I have ever touched a mere human being before.’ He looked up at Tedric and smiled gently. For the first time even his eyes seemed amused. ‘But perhaps I am underestimating you.’
Tedric shook his head. ‘I am only a man, Pal Galmain.’
‘Perhaps. But you are also either a great fool or a mighty warrior. No one else would dare face Fra Villion with the equanimity you have shown.’
‘I don’t believe I am a fool,’ said Tedric.
Galmain nodded. He no longer looked amused. ’I hope for both our sakes you are right.’
Chapter 7
Into the Bioman Sphere
As a Bioman vemplar, Pal Galmain was little aware of the small pleasures of life. Of the larger forms of delight - of love, for example - he was as lacking in knowledge as any robot. And yet if Wilson, the renegade robot, was not a typical example of his breed, Pal Galmain was quickly learning that he was no- longer typical of his either.
At one time, to be sure, he had been. Even now, as in his conversation with Tedric, he tried to give the impression that nothing had changed. But that was a lie - and he knew it. Pal Galmain had lived among the Dynarx and, after that, nothing could ever be the same for him. What he had seen and learned and experienced during the years he had spent among those green, slug-like aliens had shown him more truth of the fragile nature of cosmic reality than all his centuries among his own kind ever had. It was because of this - because of what he had learned among the Dynarx -that he had now fallen in love.
The only significant differences between Biomen and normal human beings were psychological. The mental senses that in most human beings lay dormant throughout their lives were put to use by the Biomen as easily and naturally as their eyes or ears or fingertips. Any adult Bioman could move his body through space, change his appearance, or communicate his thoughts over interstellar distances at will.
Still, physically and inwardly, Biomen remained human beings. Despite their bold attempt to convince others to think otherwise, Biomen were subject to all the normal human frailties, including hunger, disease, old age and death.
The Bioman race, like the human race, was also divided into two sexes, male and female. These two groups inter- related, sometimes formed permanent relationships, occasionally produced children, but never fell in love.
As a vemplar, Pal Galmain had had little contact with females, who as a group were never admitted into the ranks of the black knights. It was an omission - if indeed it was an omission - that he had barely noticed.
Since the Dynarx had long since passed beyond the need for separate sexes, the first female of any kind Pal Galmain had seen since his exile from Tavera was Captain Juvi Jerome of the Imperial Corps. As naturally as a raindrop dropping from a cloud, the vemplar had fallen instantly and irrevocably in love with her.
It didn’t make sense. But that was the primary lesson Pal Galmain had learned from the Dynarx - that existence need not make sense, that cause and effect was an illusion - so he tried not to be disturbed. His initial reaction was simply to ignore the emotion. Since it was strange and unfamiliar, he pretended that it did not exist.
He failed. As long as he remained close to Juvi Jerome, his love for her did not lessen. He loved her with all of his heart and soul; he knew he could never bear to be parted from her for long.
During the course of his conversation with Tedric in the apartment, there had never really been any doubt that he would in the end agree to assist the humans in their mission against Fra Villion. It wasn’t hatred that motivated him. The truth
was that he had long since forgotten to hate even Villion. It was love.
So now, in the small ship, as it slipped past the invisible boundary that divided the realm of the Dynarx from the Bioman Sphere, Pal Galmain sat talking with Juvi Jerome. They were alone in the ship’s cockpit. It was her watch, but he had slipped quietly away from the others in the larger bunkroom in the rear to join her. The viewscreens showed the utter blankness of N-space. A console calendar announced that the ship would be re-entering normal space in the vicinity of Tavera in fifty-two hours, seventeen minutes, nine seconds.
‘So even though you weren’t born a vemplar,’ said Juvi, ‘you really can’t remember what it was like not to be one.’ They were discussing his past. It was a subject he had never spoken about with anyone before, but with Juvi it seemed almost inescapable. He didn’t really understand why. Obviously, it had something to do with falling in love.
’Those who are destined to be admitted to the ranks of the knights,’ he said, ‘are chosen by lottery at birth, and those selected are immediately subjected to rigorous physical, mental, and psychological exams. Those who fail are destroyed - painlessly. It is my understanding that barely one in ten lottery winners do survive.’
‘How horrible,’ she said.
He nodded. Before the Dynarx he would never have done that, but now, even though he wasn’t sure he agreed with her remark, he at least understood why she made it.
‘But I was one of those who passed. I was taken immediately to Tavera and placed in Sanctuary, a huge stone castle that’s the only building on the whole planet. From the earliest time I can remember, I was learning what it meant to be a vemplar. Combat training began when I was six. At thirteen, I fought my first duel. At twenty, I recited the blood oath of the ancient code.’
‘What’s that?’
He shook his head. ‘If I could tell you, I would, but I’m afraid it’s not possible.’
’Is it a secret?’
‘No,’ he said, ‘but it’s very complicated. It took me twenty of your Earth years to learn the code and nine months to recite it. Ignoring the complexities, the code requires every vemplar to remain loyal to the group, the species and himself - in that order. Failure to observe any tenet of the code, no matter how obscure, is punishable by death or, as in my case, permanent exile.’
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