The Quest - Smith Wilbur (читаем книги онлайн бесплатно TXT) 📗

I know not if you will be able to destroy the evil thing itself, but I pray to all the gods of Egypt that, with your wisdom and magical skills, you will be sufficient to protect us from its wrath long enough for us to escape from Jarri. I pray also that you can use those powers to shatter the barriers that the thing has placed across the tributaries of the Nile.'

'We tried once to destroy the wall of the Red Stones, Meren and I. In the attempt Meren lost his eye.'

'That was because you treated the demolition as a physical problem.

At that stage you had not realized its deeper, more sinister implications.

We know that our chance of success is infinitesimally small, but my followers and I are prepared to lay down our lives for it. Will you make the attempt? Will you lead us?'I 'That is why 1 came to Jarri,' said Taita. 'If we are to have that smallest chance, there is much work ahead of us. As you have pointed out, it will not be easy to escape detection. We must take full advantage of this rare opportunity to be alone and unobserved. First, you must tell me everything I should know of your preparations up to this time. How many men and women are with you? What dispositions have you made? Then I will tell you my own observations and conclusions.'

'That is a sensible course of action.'

In order to draw out the journey to its limit and thus give themselves every possible moment alone, Taita feigned weakness and exhaustion.

He demanded frequent stops to rest and even when he was on her back he held Windsmoke at her slowest pace. That, who had evidently prepared for this conference, provided him with a full report of his plans and the battle order of his forces.

When he had finished Taita told him, 'It seems to me that you are not strong enough to take on the task of overthrowing the oligarchs, let alone pitting yourselves against the power behind them. From your own report most of your loyalists are imprisoned or enslaved in the mines and quarries. How many will be fit to travel, let alone fight, when you free them?'

'Certainly we could not muster the forces to win a pitched battle against the oligarchs, then capture and hold the entire country. That was never my plan. I thought to capture the oligarchs by some subterfuge or ruse, then hold them hostage for the release of our compatriots from captivity and our safe passage out of Jarri. I know that this is the barest outline of a plan, one that, without your help, is bound to end in failure and death.'

Taita called Meren to ride in their company. 'Meren, as you know, is my trusted companion, a brave and clever warrior. I would like you to accept him as your second in command.'

That did not hesitate. 'I accept your recommendation.'

As they rode on down the steep pathway the three discussed the basic battle plan, enlarging upon it and trying to find ways to strengthen it.

The time passed too swiftly and soon the buildings and roofs of the citadel came into view far below. They stopped the horses and dismounted to divest themselves of their heavy leather cloaks and other mountain clothing.

'We have little more time to talk,' Taita said to That. 'You and Meren know what you must do. Now I shall explain what I plan. Colonel That, all that you have told me so far has the ring of truth, and coincides with everything I have observed and discovered. I was informed by a seer and magus much greater than myself of the dark presence about which you spoke. This “goddess” is neither divine nor immortal but of such immense antiquity that she has been able to accumulate powers far beyond any possessed before by a mortal being. She has taken the name of Eos, the Daughter of the Dawn, and has a monstrous, remorseless appetite for power. All this I learnt from the magus Demeter, who was as well known to Meren as to me.' Taita glanced at his companion for confirmation.

Meren nodded. 'He was indeed a great man, but I must contradict you, Magus. He was no greater than you.'

Taita smiled indulgently at the compliment. 'Loyal Meren, I hope you never discover my true defects. However, to continue, Demeter had encountered Eos face to face. Despite his power and wisdom, she almost destroyed him at their first encounter, and succeeded at the next. Meren and I witnessed the manner of his death, but he survived long enough to pass on to me vital information about Eos. He explained that her purpose in damming the Nile is to reduce Egypt to such a parlous state that the populace will welcome her as their saviour. That would enable her to usurp the throne of the Two Kingdoms. With all the power and wealth of Egypt behind her, she would launch herself upon the other nations of the earth like a falcon upon a flock of sparrows. Her ultimate design is to subjugate them all to her sway.'

That had listened raptly to this point, but now he interjected: 'Where did Demeter encounter the Eos creature? Was it here in Jarri?'

'No, it was in a distant land where she once lived in the caverns of a volcano. It appears that she fled from there to this place. She needs to draw her vital forces from underground fires and boiling rivers. Demeter's clues led me to Jarri.' All three turned in their saddles to look back at the tall plumed peaks.

That spoke at last: 'There are three great volcanoes here. Which is her home?'

'The Cloud Gardens are her stronghold,' Taita replied.

'How can you be certain?'

'She disclosed herself to me while I was there.'

'You saw her?' Meren exclaimed.

'Not Eos herself, but she appeared to me in some of her many manifestations.'

'She did not attack you as she did Demeter, the magus of whom you spoke?' asked That.; 'No, because she wants something from me. When she has it she will destroy me without hesitation. But until then I am safe - or as safe as anything can be when it is near to her.'

'What is it that she wants from you?' That demanded. 'She seems already to have almost everything.'

'She wants learning and wisdom that I have and she does not.'

'I do not understand. Are you saying she wants you to teach her?'

'She is like a vampire bat, but instead of blood, she sucks the essence and soul from her victims. She has done so with thousands of seers and magi over the centuries. You told me of those you brought to Jarri, Colonel That. What became of them once you had delivered them?'

'Captain Onka led them up the mountains, along this pathway. I do not know what happened to them after that. Perhaps they are somewhere in the Cloud Gardens, living in the sanatorium. Perhaps they are working with Dr Hannah.'

'You may be right, but I do not think so. 1 believe they were stripped of their wisdom and learning by the witch.'

That stared at him with horror. When he asked his next question it was in a different tone — one of fear: 'Then what became of them, do you think, Magus?'

'You have seen the crocodiles in the lake? You have observed their gigantic size?'

'Yes,' said That, in the same small voice.

'I believe that answers your question.'

That was silent for a while, then asked, 'Would you risk that fate, Magus?'

'It is the only way I will come close to her. I must be able to look upon her person, not upon one of her manifestations. Then she might unwittingly give me my chance. She might underestimate me and lower her guard.'

'What happens to my people if you fail?'

'You must all flee from Jarri. If you remain, it will mean certain death for you.'

'Death will be preferable to a lifetime of slavery,' said That, with his customary gravity. 'So, you are determined to return to the Cloud Gardens?'

'Yes. I must go back into the witch's den.'

'How will you achieve it?'

'By order of the Supreme Council. I believe that Eos will command them to send me to her. She hungers for my soul.'