Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 50 — page 67: what you’re looking at

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

AUTHENTIC SCIENCE FICTION ~ leaned forward with a feral eagerness. “Where?” “A trader passed through the village a ten-night gone, a dealer in spear heads and thin twine. He spoke that . night beside the fire, and I told him a little of his road and the dangers thereon, and in return he spoke of a great treasure far to the north.” The Pupil frowned. “He called it by a strange name, ‘Library, I think, but he was certain of the treasure.” “How so?” “The clans use Books for fuel.” The old man blanched at the heresy, and his thin hands whitened beneath their dirt as he clutched at the edge of the table. “For fuel!” He groaned and stared at the few volumes on the shelvés. “Why? Have they no Reader?” “The Trader did not say.” “The fools!” He glared at the young man. “Kalin must hear of this. An expedition must set out to the north and save this great treasure. You 66 should have spoken of this before.” “You were busy, Reader,” stammered the young man. _ “Deep in your studies of the ancient lore.” His eyes flickered towards the book. “Have you . . .?” “No.” “But——” The Pupil swallowed at his own temerity. “How long will it be?” “T know not.” The old man sighed and, rising from his chair, began te pace the tiny room. “For as long as the village can remember, there has always been a Reader at Kalin. The old tales tell us that when our fathers first came here they had no treasure; it was not until long after that Books were found. The King at that time was wise, and he remembered what his fathers had told him. He knew of the secrets to be found in the Books, wonder- ful secrets and knowledge of tremendous power—if only they could be read, for in that time there was none who comiclooks.conn