Authentic Science Fiction Monthly, No. 65 — page 112: what you’re looking at

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

THE ROOM 9 guide you,” she said. “I tire of the quiet life in Marnia.”’ “But I wouldn’t wish you to risk your life on my account,” Bill argued. *‘There’s no risk of life,” she countered. ‘‘Only a risk of changing one’s environment for a while. Let’s not argue; my mind is made up. We must start soon.” ‘‘Why should you trouble, Princess? Show me where to go and leave it at that,” he protested. But the Princess would not agree to his going alone. ‘Refreshments first, Bill. Then we can prepare for the journey.” Reluctantly, Bill agreed, yet feeling half-pleased be- cause he would have such a lovely companion. Guided by Royalty; quite a thought. After drinking stimulating fruit-juices, they left for the distant horizon. They were not accompanied by any of Duvane’s retainers and he could not help but admire her courage. Darkness enveloped them. Strange cries echoed in rocky 1il valleys. Tall, grotesque trees cast their ominous nearness everywhere. An unusual con- trast in what appeared to be unfertile soil. The Princess grasped Bill’s arm _ tightly. She whispered: ““This is demon country. These are elemental regions where anything can happen. It’s important not to be afraid of al] manifestations —no matter how terrifying they may appear.” Duvane had just finished her whispered message when the most ear-splitting scream caused them both to jump. They could see nothing in the darkness. Bill clutched at Duvane. They moved slowly. A few minutes had passed when they saw a series of dim, phosphorescent beings parading ahead. They looked like huge, ugly toads, and they screamed in a high falsetto that was almost un- nerving: Suddenly, they changed into tall spiky shapes which jumped up and down as though they were jerked by strings. Bill began to swear and to move forward more quickly. Duvane strove to keep up with him, plucking at his arm. comiclbooks.corn