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off by a master gate that lies to the northeast of the city. When the master
gate is opened, Time is allowed to run in a circular channel all around the
border of Hamacassar. Until it is closed and the time stream shut off, no one
can enter or leave the city. No criminal may flee, no enemy enter. She nodded
forward.
 As you can see, it flows as effectively over water as across the land.
 What would happen if you just tried to run it? Simna was a direct man, and
it was a direct question.
By the Captain s reaction, however, not a well-thought-out one.  Why, any
vessel attempting to sail through would be caught in the currents of Time and
swept away, never to be seen or heard from again. I
don t know what that would be like, because no ship or person who has been
caught up in the time flow has ever come back out to speak of the experience.
She nodded toward the rapidly approaching outpost.
 We ll see what they want and then we ll be on our way again. I m sure it s
nothing of significance, and will likely cost us half an hour at most.
Despite the Captain s reassurances, Ehomba was distressed to see a double line
of heavily armed soldiers drawn up on the dock. They carried crossbows and
battle swords but wore little armor, impractical in the heat and humidity of
the Hamacassarian lowlands. They wore uniforms of streaked emerald green and
sandals instead of boots, again in keeping with the practicalities imposed by
the climate.
Waiting to greet the
Grömsketter as it bumped up against the dock were half a dozen men and women
of varying age. All wore similar colors, but much finer fabrics. The single
toga-like garments were belted at the waist with yellow-gold braid, and
extended only as far as the knee. Sleeves ended at the elbow.
Shading their heads were peculiar tricornered hats that mimicked the design of
the time gates. None of the assembled were smiling.
Clinging to the mainmast rigging with one hand and leaning out over the water
and the dock as the ship pulled in, Terious hailed the gathering.  Good
morning to you, virtuous Gate Masters! Do you wish to
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Into the Thinking Kingdoms: Journeys of the Catechist, Book 2
board?
A stern-faced, handsome man in his forties replied.  Only if necessary,
Grömsketter.
We won t keep you long. We re looking for someone.
 A fugitive? Behind the helm deck railing, Stanager was murmuring aloud to
herself.  We ve hired three new men and one woman for this crossing. I wonder
if all were thoroughly checked? Leaning over the rail, she shouted down at
the Gate Master.  Does this person you seek have a name?
As she spoke, preoccupied faces turned in her direction. Ehomba and Simna
stood close by. Suddenly another of the Gate Masters, an older woman, spoke
out sharply.
 No name, only an aura and there he is! Raising an arm, she pointed sharply.
Straight at Ehomba.
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Into the Thinking Kingdoms: Journeys of the Catechist, Book 2
XXIV
On board the
Grömsketter all eyes turned to the obviously bemused herdsman. When he did not
respond, Stanager again addressed the assembled officials.  This man is a
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passenger on my ship. Though known to me for only a few days, I have found him
to be a responsible and worthy individual. What is it you want with him?
 That is our business, another man shouted upward.  Turn him over and you may
proceed on your way.
Refuse, and your vessel will be boarded. Those who comply may depart freely.
Those who resist will be killed or taken before the Board of Logicians to have
their ultimate fates resolved.
Stepping away from the railing, Stanager turned to stare up at her long-faced
passenger.  I don t understand any of this. What do the Gate Masters want with
you? What have you done?
 I tell you honestly, Captain: to my knowledge, nothing. Ehomba was aware
that the eyes not only of his friends but of the crew were on him, watching
and waiting to see what he would do.  But I cannot allow my own circumstances
to put you and your people in danger. You have done nothing.
 By Gorquon s Helmet, neither have we, Etjole! The right hand of Simna ibn
Sind rested firmly on the hilt of his sword.  I ll not see you handed over to
an unknown fate. Not after all we ve been through together!
The herdsman smiled fondly at his friend.  What is this, Simna? Loyalty? And
without a gold piece in sight?
 Mock me if you will, long bruther. You wouldn t be the first. The
swordsman s face was flush with anger.  Dying in combat with some monstrous
beast or battling an attacking army is a worthy death for a man. You deserve
better than to rot in some cell accused of Gwinbare knows what imaginary
crime.
 No one has said anything about dying or rotting in a cell. Ehomba s voice
was calm, his manner composed.  They may only want to talk to me.
 Hoy, but for how long? Simna gestured sharply in the direction of the
assembled soldiers and officials. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]