Astounding Science Fiction, British Edition — page 53: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

104 ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION of Kondaro upon you. I shall only caution you as to the observance of the rites and laws for those who sail the Great Sea. Go now, in peace.” As Musa turned, the younger priest spoke. “I will lead you to one who will give you further guidance,”’ he said. Musa followed him to another small room, where he met still another priest. This man, he discovered, was a shrewd trader in his own right. He was familiar with goods and their values, and in addition to the rites he described, he presented definite advice as to what to take and what to leave behind. Fortunately, Musa discovered as he talked to this priest, he had picked very nearly as good a selection as he could wish. During the days that followed, Musa made more votive offerings, practiced the rites ordered by the priest, and watched his goods as they were delivered to the Bordeklu, a ship belonging to Maladro, beloved of Kondaro, a ship- owner whose ships were permitted by the sea god and his priests to sail the Eastern Sea. At last, the day arrived when Musa himself boarded the ship and set sail past the headland of Norlar. As the ship was warped out of the harbor, Musa took stock of his fellow passengers. Among them were a slender, handsome man named Ladro, who had been on many previous voyages to the land of the East, and Min-ta, a native of the eastern continent, who was returning from a trading voyage to Norlar. There were several others, but they kept to themselves, seeming to radiate an aura of exclusiveness. Ladro and Min-ta on the other hand, were more approachable. Surely, thought Musa, these two can teach me a great deal of the land I am to visit, if they will. He walked over to the rail, where the two stood, looking out over the shoreline. The ship was coming abreast of the great temple of Kondaro. “It’s the most prominant landmark on the island, isn’t it?’ Musa com- mented. “What?” Ladro turned, looking at him curiously. “Oh, yes,” he said, _ “the temple. Yes, it’s the last thing you see as you leave, and the first when you return.” He paused, examining Musa. “This is your first trip?” THE PLAYERS 105 “Yes, it is. I’ve always traded ashore before this.” “But you finally decided to visit Kneuros?”’ “Yes. I’ve dealt with a few traders who had goods from there, and their stories interested me.” Ladro smiled. ““Romance of the far places?” “Well, there’s that, too,’’ Musa admitted, “‘but I’m interested in some of the merchandise I’ve seen.”’ ‘““There’s profit in it,” agreed Ladro. “How long have you been trading around Norlar?”’ “This is my first trip. ’'m from Karth, in the Galankar.” ‘““You mean you were never in Norlar before?’ Min-ta joined the con- versation. Musa shook his head. “I left Karth for the purpose of trading east of the Great Sea.” “Unusual,” mused Min-ta. ““Most traders work between Tanagor and the mainland for several years before they try the Sea.” ‘Yes,’ added Ladro, “and some never go out. They satisfy themselves with the channel trade.” He pointed. “We’re getting out to the open sea now, past the reef.” The ship drew away from the island kingdom, setting its course toward the vague horizon. The day wore on, to be replaced by the extreme blackness of night. Then, the sky lit up again, heralding another day. The ship’s company had settled to sea routine, and the traders roamed about their portion of the deck, talking sometimes, or napping in the sun. Musa leaned over the low rail, watching the water, and admiring the clear, blue swells. He raised his head as the door of the forward cabins opened. A priest, followed by a group of slaves, went up to the raised forecastle. Under the priest’s direction, the slaves busied themselves putting up a high, crimson and yellow curtain across the foredeck. They completed their task and went below. Again, the door opened, and a procession, headed by the chief priest, slowly mounted the ladder to the forecastle. Each of the three priests was followed by his slave, who bore a crimson casket. The curtain tee behind them, then the slaves came out and ranged themselves across the deck, facing aft. ‘I wonder,” said Musa, turning to Ladro, “‘what ritual they are perform- ing.” : Ladro shook his head. “The less a man knows of the activities of the priests, the better he fares,”” he declared. “Truly, on a great ship, curiosity is a deadly vice.” Musa nodded to the stern. “I see that one of the priests is not at the bow.” “That is right. One priest always remains by the steersman, to ward off the spells of the sea demons.” Ladro paused, pointing overside. “See,” he said in a pleased tone, “‘here is an envoy from Kondaro.”’ _Musa’s gaze followed the pointing finger. A huge fish was cruising along- i eomicbooks.co