I think that is because of his greategotism. Dont
worry about me, I replied; I can take care of myself.
For long hours he applies various stimuli and
watches thereaction of the brain.
Tonight Fal Sivas sent for two of us, another girl
and myself.
I think you are going to make me a good
man.
There are notmany with as good heads on them as
Rapas the Ulsio. Just before the meal was over, I told Hamas that Fal Sivas
hadinstructed me to select a slave.
I was frightened, and I hid, she
replied.
Tonight Fal Sivas sent for two of us, another girl
and myself. He examined us, and then finally he selected me. He shook his head,
evidentlyin an effort to clear it.
There are seldom but few, if any, private rooms.
That is a matter of small concern to me, he said. His short sword flashed from its
scabbard. You may rest assured that Rapas knowsnothing of importance. I do not know
all of the things that he does, but there is the ship. You are a paragon, Rapas, he
said, the soul of honor. Perhaps not, I said; it is worth trying, anyway. She was a
delicate-looking creature, but her appearance belied herstrength. Therehave been so
many changes that it is like coming to a strange city. I am perfecting a ship that
will traverse space.
He gloweredat Zanda for a moment and then fell to
eating his breakfast.
He got it and came back, and this time he lunged at
me viciously. No, not to the death, of course, said Fal Sivas. Then when there is no
one in the corridor, I will slip out. He would have spitted me straight through the
heart.
I glanced at Hamas and saw his eyes narrow as they
alighted uponher.
From your looks, Id take you to be a fighting man
by profession, hesuggested.
Scarcely any of the other guests were in the house
at this hour of theday. As she looked upat me, I placed a finger across my lips.
Some more slaves were entering the room now, and just behind them cameZanda.