The Stones of Nomuru

Upon reaching Tuui, Salazar and Kara rode towards the huge headquarters tent, followed by their two Kook helpers and a string of eleven snorting, smoking trucks, crammed with Rangers and their gear. As they neared the main entrance, lines of musketeers shouted: "Hail, Terrans!" and presented arms in the Kukulcanian manner, turning their weapons muzzle down.

Other soldiers ran forward to hold the jutens' lead straps while the Terrans and Salazar's deputy, "Major" Kange, dismounted. An officer saluted and said: "Follow me."

He led them to the main tent, which loomed above them, its bulbous arms resembling a fat starfish. A Kook identified by his painted insignia as General Jidsho received them with un-Kookish effusiveness:

"Ah, Terrans who come from across the nighted gulfs of space to save us from the bloodstained nomads, thrice welcome! May you lead tranquil lives! Major Kange, return to your command, whilst we discuss the impeding campaign. My troops will assist you in promptly quartering your men."

When Kange had departed, Jidsho continued: "In your honor we have prepared our best food and drink to refresh you after your toilsome journey. We have imported from Henderson a human being who, having worked for Terrans, can cook in the alien fashion. Follow me, please."

As they trailed through the curtain that divided the main part of the tent from one of the starfish arms, Salazar muttered in English:

"Curiouser and curiouser! Upper-caste Kooks lose face if they eat with a Terran."

"Maybe they'll just watch us eat," Kara whispered.

As Salazar let the canvas flap fall behind them, he saw that he was in an elongated sub-tent at right angles to the axis of the main accommodation, and nine or ten meters high. Midway between the two poles was a circular pit a meter deep and seven or eight meters in diameter. In the center of the pit rose a post somewhat higher than a man.

"Now what?" murmured Salazar. "I don't see any sign of a buffet—"

At that instant, Kooks on both sides of the Terrans seized their arms in scaly, steel-muscled hands. Kara screamed.

"Hey!" shouted Salazar, resisting. "What the hell—" Kooks swiftly relieved Salazar of his rifle, pistol, and sheath knife. Others took Kara's small pistol.

General Jidsho stepped before them, his neck spines rippling satisfaction, saying:

"You clever aliens intended, by pretending to aid us against the Choshas, to seize the rule of our Empire? But we are not so stupid as you thought!"

"Whatever makes you think that?" retorted Salazar hotly. "If this be the treatment you accord those who come to help you—"

From a pouch, Jidsho drew a roll of native paper. "This letter arrived by courier from General Shta. It gives the particulars of your plot; you plan not to march against the Choshas but to slay me and my subordinates, seize command of the frontier force, lead it back to Machura, overthrow the Empress, and make yourselves rulers! You would destroy our venerable traditions and noble principles! You have already begun your subversion by wheeling soldiers about the land in trucks, instead of marching them about as warriors have always marched. You wish to soften them to the point of uselessness."

Privately, Salazar though the Kooks were right to fear the expansionist tendencies on the part of the Terrans on Kukulcan; but under present circumstances he could not admit this to Jidsho. He said:

"That is a fantastic fabrication. Will Your Gallantry hear the true story?"

"We shall give you your say ere you pay the penalty of treason." Jidsho snapped a clawed finger. "Tie their hands behind them and fetch a brace of stools. These feeble aliens cannot stand for long without extreme distress."

When this had been done, Jidsho stood towering over the Terrans. "Very well, now speak!"

"Do you know the work I have been doing at Nomuru?" said Salazar.

"Aye, digging for treasure, albeit I am not familiar with petty rumors in Shongosi."

"My treasure is one that Your Gallantry would never recognize. I am an archaeologist, whose work is to unearth, study, and interpret the material remains of ancient cultures and to learn the lives of the people of former times."

Warming to his subject, Salazar gave an impromptu lecture on the aims of archaeology. He explained why he did not wish the Choshas to rule the site of Nomuru and told of his negotiations with the Empress. He feared that he might be boring his hearer if he went on too long; but Jidsho's neck spines showed rising interest. Salazar concluded:

"As Your Gallantry can see, so far from overthrowing your venerable customs and traditions, I strive to bring back into the light of day those that have been buried and forgotten. If I can continue my excavations, your traditions will be strengthened, amplified, and reinforced. If you doubt me, go look at the ruins of Horenso, where workers under my direction replaced fallen stones, restored half-obliterated inscriptions, and returned the city, as far as possible, to its former aspect."

When Salazar paused, Jidsho said: "General Shta also warns me that you and the female Terran propose to use some spirit-destroying electrical device in connection with your plan. That we cannot permit."