Ken spied Chaminade as Hrrula talked, and beckoned him over, deriving a small satisfaction as the fat figure waddled obediently to his summons.
Remember that sapphire someone snitched from McKee? I want it now, Chaminade, for the Hrruban leader.
The little eyes narrowed speculatively. It does belong to the Hrrubans, I guess, the Codep man agreed and snapped an order to his wrist unit. Those bare-chested catmen are armed, Reeve, he remarked, looking Hrrula directly in the eye.
We are protecting our First Speaker from you barbarians, Hrrula replied in his fluent but oddly accented Terran.
Suddenly Ken realized that Hrrula accented the wrong Terran syllables at times and retained his own pitched inflections. If you missed his first words you missed most of the sentence.
Let me explain quickly, Rrev. Zodd must remain by Hrruna. No talk of treaty or anything, for this is a social visit, and Hrrula wheezed briefly. Zodd has been trained in the protocol of formal Hrruban and, since every circuit on Hrruba is turned onto this scene, our people must receive the best possible impression of yours. It can still reverse opinion in our favor!
"But a kid " Chaminade protested.
Already that Sumitral has made several errors understandable, because no one in our village used the formal tones, but few on our planet will make that allowance. They will only see discourtesy toward our First Speaker. I agree it is wonderful that Sumitral tries to speak Hrruban but he does not speak well enough yet.
From the mouths of babes, Chaminade sighed.
Unexpectedly Hrrula grinned. It is a saying on our world that if one wishes to hear the truth, let him ask a child. That child of yours may deliver us this planet. He is the best advocate you possess. However, while we have the view-screen coverage we have tried so often to secure, let us use every argument. I saw only part of that unfortunate stampede. Was the black hrrss injured? Very good. Please will you ask Ben to bring him and the pretty red mare here, saddled and ready to be ridden. They are an important argument because on our worlds we have sacrificed every living species but our own. Now it is regretted.
Ken called Bill Moody over and gave him the message just as the guard brought the jewel which Chaminade immediately passed to Ken.
Be sure to give the jewel to Zodd, Hrrula whispered as they re-entered the hall.
Sumitral is going to hate talking through Todd.
Is not expediency a diplomatic thorn on Terra? inquired Hrrula mockingly.
Ken awarded him a long look before he followed his example and bowed low as they re-approached the First Speaker. Sumitral was evidently relieved by their reappearance.
Todd, Ken began in low-voiced Hrruban, would you present this properly to the gracious noble First Speaker? Say it is a poor example of what else is to be found on Rrala.
Todd grinned broadly at his father as he took the sapphire. He bowed very low to the First Speaker to gain his attention, then carefully folded back the cloth in which the stone had been wrapped, presenting the gleaming jewel on both hands.
Oh, noble sir, my father asks that you accept what is humbly offered.
With an exclamation of unfeigned delight, Hrruna held the sapphire up so that the sunlight caught in the facets which Mace had skillfully cut into the huge blue stone. It was not of a perfect water, having a tiny flaw which cutting did not entirely excise, but it was a brilliant color.
This is much prized by us. Old eyes hunger for blues, Hrruna said to the beaming child. Truly Rrala has many hidden riches.
Why, the old showman, Ken thought, he wants his people to stay on Rrala.
Rrala is good for things from Terra too, Todd remarked, suddenly peering excitedly outside.
Indeed?
See? Hrrses! and Todd pointed just as Ben, leading the black stallion, disappeared around the corner of the hall.
Gracious First Speaker, Hrrestan interjected, bowing deeply, you once expressed a deep interest in the animals which the Terrans brought with them.
They are perhaps nearby?
They await your inspection at the door, gracious noble sir.
Hruna rose with an alacrity that displayed his keen interest.
Hrrula quickly stepped to one side, gesturing Todd to fall directly in behind the old Hrruban.
Every time I try to talk, either Todd or the other old one shuts me up, Sumitral complained in a low voice. Why?
Thank God for a reasonable man, Ken thought gratefully. He's been taught their formal speech. You've already insulted Hrruna by using vulgar Hrruban not your fault, just their crazy customs. Hrrula says everything's being beamed back and their whole world is watching.
Sumitral paled, swallowed hard.
Then I can't get him to talk any treaty?
Uhuh. This whole thing is completely unexpected, unprecedented and incredible. Hrruna wants an alliance and he took this tremendous chance to force publicity. We've got to make sure it's all good!
Sumitral's mouth formed an 'o' of surprised shock but he had recovered himself as they stepped out onto the porch and watched Ben and Hrrula display the horses' paces. Hrrula, on the stallion. was grinning like a fool and taking extraordinary chances.
By the time the exhibition was over, the sun was lowering in the west. The First Speaker gestured to one of the Hrruban guards who nodded solemnly and barked orders in a staccato howl. Hrruna turned to the Terrans, inclining his head in an expression of deep regret.
I have too long absented myself from the duties of my office, gentle friends. I must take my leave. My thanks for the courtesies of refreshment, and entertainment, and for this beautiful product of a lovely world. He held up the sapphire which scintillated in the afternoon sun. Politely his eyes lingered briefly on each face. Ken was sure the man was amused and pleased with the outcome of his outrageous visit. But he was already sweeping down the Common with Todd his obedient shadow. Hrrestan signaled Hrrula peremptorily to leave the stallion. Ken hurried after them, but before he could catch up, the Hrruban guards cut him off politely but firmly.
What's going to happen now? Sumitral exclaimed, joining him.
Maybe Todd will know.
They watched, frustrated at the enforced passivity, as Todd stepped out of the procession at the bridge. The First Speaker and his guards crossed over. They saw him step onto a metallic grid that had been placed on the far side of the river at some point in the afternoon. A misty envelope hid him and then dispersed, leaving the bare grid.
So that's their matter transmitter, Sumitral murmured.
And that's how they removed the village so quickly. I'll bet their whole site is laid out on a huge grid.
Think of the economy of such a system, let alone the convenience.
Four guards removed corner posts and rolled up the grid. Then the whole column, Hrrestan and Hrrula in its van, marched off into the forest, Toddy waving sadly after the disappearing backs.
Chapter XXV. VIGIL
AND STILL WE don't know to go or stay, Lee Lawrence remarked with a wry grin.
The weary, confused colonists had asked the three departmental representatives to a meeting on the Common. It had been decided not to remove any of the Hrruban devices although most had been located. It seemed wiser, however, to hold the meeting on a 'blind' spot.
The Hrrubans are technically the owners of this planet, Sumitral pointed out, until we can assume, by their continued absence, that they have abdicated their rights. In either case, an apology is owed these fine people, and he gestured to the colonists, for the discourtesies, inconveniences and insults they have suffered. He glared at Landreau and Chaminade. They have earned their right to remain on Rrala.