Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 44 — page 39: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION uniform. He was followed by five naval policemen, all armed. “Prince Niklas,” he an- nounced, “you are under arrest.” *“Ha!”” one of the boys cried. “I think we can be of service to you here and now.” ee: vets. not) yet!” -T cried hastily, for swords were already leaping from scab- bards. “Captain Karan and I understand each other.” At this they laughed again. As I was marched through the long corridors: of the ‘palace, in the midst of the guard, they followed, trailing behind. Many people passed us on the way. All recognised me, and all smiled and called out remarks to me. They saw that I was in trouble, and in general they wished me well, but I knew that if my brother had my head cut off in the next hour or so, they would laugh at that also, and applaud Tomos for having more than paid the debt against him. I was taken into a large room and led to the bottom of a long table. Here I stood, between the uniformed men, with Captain Karan alongside at attention, while Councillors and noblemen filed in, talking and gossiping to each other, and casting occasional inter- 38 . ested glances in my direction. My brother kept them waiting a while. He walked in without looking at me, exchanged a few remarks with persons nearby, and seated himself at the head of the table. The rest sat at his nod. There was a rustling of cloth and an adjusting of robes. No one was in doubt about what would happen to me. I should be sent back to Tauron in one of our ships. I would never reach home, of course, for I should commit suicide. But everyone was interested to see on what lines the Coun- cil would proceed. Possibly some were sorry for me. “My Lords,” the King began, “it is a very unusual and unexpected thing that I should have called you to- gether in Council while we are visiting on a foreign planet, but certain very grave and unusual circumstances force me to seek your advice.” He was enjoying himself. He was sure he had me at last. “To be blunt about the matter,’ he went on, “‘I have recently become gravely dis- pleased with the behaviour of my half brother, Prince Niklas. Despite a strongly worded caution from myself, which some of you may have over- heard, he has become in- conniclooolks.comn)