Authentic Science Fiction Monthly No. 50 — page 76: what you’re looking at

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

HIDDEN TREASURE OF KALIN “‘A warrior died today,” he said evenly. “He died as a man should die. To his mother and family is given the use of a Hairy, to work, to sell, to hire as is the custom.” “Tt is well,’ droned the villagers, and envied the woman her luck even while sympathising with her at the loss of a son. “Are there any among you with words you wish to speak?” Kalin droned the ritual as he gave leave to all men to speak their minds without fear of punishment or reprisal. “T do.” “Smuth ?” “Speak.” “My son is dying,” said the man, a__ broad-shouldered farmer. “He is my only son and if he yields to the Great Enemy I shall be alone and without aid in my old age. I appeal to the King!” “How so, Smuth?” said Kalin gently. “None can fight the Great Enemy.” “What of the treasure of Kalin nodded. 75 Kalin? What of the Reader?” “Yes, chorused the vil- lagers. “What of the Reader ?” ““My crops fail,” babbled a man at the edge of the crowd. “They are poor and wilt as never before. I appeal to the King!” Kalin smiled as he heard the shouts of those appealing for aid. From his high place his eyes sought out the thin ficure of the Reader and he lifted his hand for silence. “Hold! Let the Reader come close.” Slowly the old man edged through the crowd, his weak eyes running with water from the strong light and his dark- ness-bleached skin a ghastly pallor. He halted before the sombre figure of the king and stared defiantly at the scarred face above his own. “Yesr"} : “You have heard,” said Kalin evenly. “Evil times have come to the village, and now is the time to use the secrets of the Books. You are _ the Reader. You have been comicloooks.conm