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diff --git a/1329-h/1329-h.htm b/1329-h/1329-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9143e3f --- /dev/null +++ b/1329-h/1329-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,15740 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + A Voyage to Arcturus, by David Lindsay + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .50em; margin-bottom: .50em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1329 ***</div> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + A VOYAGE TO ARCTURUS. + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By David Lindsay + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> Chapter 1. THE SÉANCE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> Chapter 2. IN THE STREET </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> Chapter 3. STARKNESS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> Chapter 4. THE VOICE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> Chapter 5. THE NIGHT OF DEPARTURE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> Chapter 6. JOIWIND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> Chapter 7. PANAWE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> Chapter 8. THE LUSION PLAIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> Chapter 9. OCEAXE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> Chapter 10. TYDOMIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> Chapter 11. ON DISSCOURN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> Chapter 12. SPADEVIL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> Chapter 13. THE WOMBFLASH FOREST </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> Chapter 14. POLECRAB </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> Chapter 15. SWAYLONE’S ISLAND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> Chapter 16. LEEHALLFAE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> Chapter 17. CORPANG </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> Chapter 18. HAUNTE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> Chapter 19. SULLENBODE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> Chapter 20. BAREY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> Chapter 21. MUSPEL </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + Chapter 1. THE SÉANCE + </h2> + <p> + On a March evening, at eight o’clock, Backhouse, the medium—a + fast-rising star in the psychic world—was ushered into the study at + Prolands, the Hampstead residence of Montague Faull. The room was + illuminated only by the light of a blazing fire. The host, eying him with + indolent curiosity, got up, and the usual conventional greetings were + exchanged. Having indicated an easy chair before the fire to his guest, + the South American merchant sank back again into his own. The electric + light was switched on. Faull’s prominent, clear-cut features, + metallic-looking skin, and general air of bored impassiveness, did not + seem greatly to impress the medium, who was accustomed to regard men from + a special angle. Backhouse, on the contrary, was a novelty to the + merchant. As he tranquilly studied him through half closed lids and the + smoke of a cigar, he wondered how this little, thickset person with the + pointed beard contrived to remain so fresh and sane in appearance, in view + of the morbid nature of his occupation. + </p> + <p> + “Do you smoke?” drawled Faull, by way of starting the + conversation. “No? Then will you take a drink?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at present, I thank you.” + </p> + <p> + A pause. + </p> + <p> + “Everything is satisfactory? The materialisation will take place?” + </p> + <p> + “I see no reason to doubt it.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s good, for I would not like my guests to be + disappointed. I have your check written out in my pocket.” + </p> + <p> + “Afterward will do quite well.” + </p> + <p> + “Nine o’clock was the time specified, I believe?” + </p> + <p> + “I fancy so.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation continued to flag. Faull sprawled in his chair, and + remained apathetic. + </p> + <p> + “Would you care to hear what arrangements I have made?” + </p> + <p> + “I am unaware that any are necessary, beyond chairs for your guests.” + </p> + <p> + “I mean the decoration of the séance room, the music, and so forth.” + </p> + <p> + Backhouse stared at his host. “But this is not a theatrical + performance.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s correct. Perhaps I ought to explain.... There will be + ladies present, and ladies, you know, are aesthetically inclined.” + </p> + <p> + “In that case I have no objection. I only hope they will enjoy the + performance to the end.” + </p> + <p> + He spoke rather dryly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s all right, then,” said Faull. Flicking his + cigar into the fire, he got up and helped himself to whisky. + </p> + <p> + “Will you come and see the room?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, no. I prefer to have nothing to do with it till the time + arrives.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let’s go to see my sister, Mrs. Jameson, who is in the + drawing room. She sometimes does me the kindness to act as my hostess, as + I am unmarried.” + </p> + <p> + “I will be delighted,” said Backhouse coldly. + </p> + <p> + They found the lady alone, sitting by the open pianoforte in a pensive + attitude. She had been playing Scriabin and was overcome. The medium took + in her small, tight, patrician features and porcelain-like hands, and + wondered how Faull came by such a sister. She received him bravely, with + just a shade of quiet emotion. He was used to such receptions at the hands + of the sex, and knew well how to respond to them. + </p> + <p> + “What amazes me,” she half whispered, after ten minutes of + graceful, hollow conversation, “is, if you must know it, not so much + the manifestation itself—though that will surely be wonderful—as + your assurance that it will take place. Tell me the grounds of your + confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “I dream with open eyes,” he answered, looking around at the + door, “and others see my dreams. That is all.” + </p> + <p> + “But that’s beautiful,” responded Mrs. Jameson. She + smiled rather absently, for the first guest had just entered. + </p> + <p> + It was Kent-Smith, the ex-magistrate, celebrated for his shrewd judicial + humour, which, however, he had the good sense not to attempt to carry into + private life. Although well on the wrong side of seventy, his eyes were + still disconcertingly bright. With the selective skill of an old man, he + immediately settled himself in the most comfortable of many comfortable + chairs. + </p> + <p> + “So we are to see wonders tonight?” + </p> + <p> + “Fresh material for your autobiography,” remarked Faull. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you should not have mentioned my unfortunate book. An old + public servant is merely amusing himself in his retirement, Mr. Backhouse. + You have no cause for alarm—I have studied in the school of + discretion.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not alarmed. There can be no possible objection to your + publishing whatever you please.” + </p> + <p> + “You are most kind,” said the old man, with a cunning smile. + </p> + <p> + “Trent is not coming tonight,” remarked Mrs. Jameson, throwing + a curious little glance at her brother. + </p> + <p> + “I never thought he would. It’s not in his line.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Trent, you must understand,” she went on, addressing the + ex-magistrate, “has placed us all under a debt of gratitude. She has + decorated the old lounge hall upstairs most beautifully, and has secured + the services of the sweetest little orchestra.” + </p> + <p> + “But this is Roman magnificence.” + </p> + <p> + “Backhouse thinks the spirits should be treated with more deference,” + laughed Faull. + </p> + <p> + “Surely, Mr. Backhouse—a poetic environment...” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me. I am a simple man, and always prefer to reduce things to + elemental simplicity. I raise no opposition, but I express my opinion. + Nature is one thing, and art is another.” + </p> + <p> + “And I am not sure that I don’t agree with you,” said + the ex-magistrate. “An occasion like this ought to be simple, to + guard against the possibility of deception—if you will forgive my + bluntness, Mr. Backhouse.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall sit in full light,” replied Backhouse, “and + every opportunity will be given to all to inspect the room. I shall also + ask you to submit me to a personal examination.” + </p> + <p> + A rather embarrassed silence followed. It was broken by the arrival of two + more guests, who entered together. These were Prior, the prosperous City + coffee importer, and Lang, the stockjobber, well known in his own circle + as an amateur prestidigitator. Backhouse was slightly acquainted with the + latter. Prior, perfuming the room with the faint odour of wine and tobacco + smoke, tried to introduce an atmosphere of joviality into the proceedings. + Finding that no one seconded his efforts, however, he shortly subsided and + fell to examining the water colours on the walls. Lang, tall, thin, and + growing bald, said little, but stared at Backhouse a good deal. + </p> + <p> + Coffee, liqueurs, and cigarettes were now brought in. Everyone partook, + except Lang and the medium. At the same moment, Professor Halbart was + announced. He was the eminent psychologist, the author and lecturer on + crime, insanity, genius, and so forth, considered in their mental aspects. + His presence at such a gathering somewhat mystified the other guests, but + all felt as if the object of their meeting had immediately acquired + additional solemnity. He was small, meagre-looking, and mild in manner, + but was probably the most stubborn-brained of all that mixed company. + Completely ignoring the medium, he at once sat down beside Kent-Smith, + with whom he began to exchange remarks. + </p> + <p> + At a few minutes past the appointed hour Mrs. Trent entered, unannounced. + She was a woman of about twenty-eight. She had a white, demure, saintlike + face, smooth black hair, and lips so crimson and full that they seemed to + be bursting with blood. Her tall, graceful body was most expensively + attired. Kisses were exchanged between her and Mrs. Jameson. She bowed to + the rest of the assembly, and stole a half glance and a smile at Faull. + The latter gave her a queer look, and Backhouse, who lost nothing, saw the + concealed barbarian in the complacent gleam of his eye. She refused the + refreshment that was offered her, and Faull proposed that, as everyone had + now arrived, they should adjourn to the lounge hall. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Trent held up a slender palm. “Did you, or did you not, give me + carte blanche, Montague?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I did,” said Faull, laughing. “But what’s + the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I have been rather presumptuous. I don’t know. I have + invited a couple of friends to join us. No, no one knows them.... The two + most extraordinary individuals you ever saw. And mediums, I am sure.” + </p> + <p> + “It sounds very mysterious. Who are these conspirators?” + </p> + <p> + “At least tell us their names, you provoking girl,” put in + Mrs. Jameson. + </p> + <p> + “One rejoices in the name of Maskull, and the other in that of + Nightspore. That’s nearly all that I know about them, so don’t + overwhelm me with any more questions.” + </p> + <p> + “But where did you pick them up? You must have picked them up + somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “But this is a cross-examination. Have I sinned against convention? + I swear I will tell you not another word about them. They will be here + directly, and then I will deliver them to your tender mercy.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know them,” said Faull, “and nobody else + seems to, but, of course, we will all be very pleased to have them.... + Shall we wait, or what?” + </p> + <p> + “I said nine, and it’s past that now. It’s quite + possible they may not turn up after all.... Anyway, don’t wait.” + </p> + <p> + “I would prefer to start at once,” said Backhouse. + </p> + <p> + The lounge, a lofty room, forty feet long by twenty wide, had been divided + for the occasion into two equal parts by a heavy brocade curtain drawn + across the middle. The far end was thus concealed. The nearer half had + been converted into an auditorium by a crescent of armchairs. There was no + other furniture. A large fire was burning halfway along the wall, between + the chairbacks and the door. The room was brilliantly lighted by electric + bracket lamps. A sumptuous carpet covered the floor. + </p> + <p> + Having settled his guests in their seats, Faull stepped up to the curtain + and flung it aside. A replica, or nearly so, of the Drury Lane + presentation of the temple scene in <i>The Magic Flute</i> was then + exposed to view: the gloomy, massive architecture of the interior, the + glowing sky above it in the background, and, silhouetted against the + latter, the gigantic seated statue of the Pharaoh. A fantastically carved + wooden couch lay before the pedestal of the statue. Near the curtain, + obliquely placed to the auditorium, was a plain oak armchair, for the use + of the medium. + </p> + <p> + Many of those present felt privately that the setting was quite + inappropriate to the occasion and savoured rather unpleasantly of + ostentation. Backhouse in particular seemed put out. The usual + compliments, however, were showered on Mrs. Trent as the deviser of so + remarkable a theatre. Faull invited his friends to step forward and + examine the apartment as minutely as they might desire. Prior and Lang + were the only ones to accept. The former wandered about among the + pasteboard scenery, whistling to himself and occasionally tapping a part + of it with his knuckles. Lang, who was in his element, ignored the rest of + his party and commenced a patient, systematic search, on his own account, + for secret apparatus. Faull and Mrs. Trent stood in a corner of the + temple, talking together in low tones; while Mrs. Jameson, pretending to + hold Backhouse in conversation, watched them as only a deeply interested + woman knows how to watch. + </p> + <p> + Lang, to his own disgust, having failed to find anything of a suspicious + nature, the medium now requested that his own clothing should be searched. + </p> + <p> + “All these precautions are quite needless and beside the matter in + hand, as you will immediately see for yourselves. My reputation demands, + however, that other people who are not present would not be able to say + afterward that trickery has been resorted to.” + </p> + <p> + To Lang again fell the ungrateful task of investigating pockets and + sleeves. Within a few minutes he expressed himself satisfied that nothing + mechanical was in Backhouse’s possession. The guests reseated + themselves. Faull ordered two more chairs to be brought for Mrs. Trent’s + friends, who, however, had not yet arrived. He then pressed an electric + bell, and took his own seat. + </p> + <p> + The signal was for the hidden orchestra to begin playing. A murmur of + surprise passed through the audience as, without previous warning, the + beautiful and solemn strains of Mozart’s “temple” music + pulsated through the air. The expectation of everyone was raised, while, + beneath her pallor and composure, it could be seen that Mrs. Trent was + deeply moved. It was evident that aesthetically she was by far the most + important person present. Faull watched her, with his face sunk on his + chest, sprawling as usual. + </p> + <p> + Backhouse stood up, with one hand on the back of his chair, and began + speaking. The music instantly sank to pianissimo, and remained so for as + long as he was on his legs. + </p> + <p> + “Ladies and gentlemen, you are about to witness a materialisation. + That means you will see something appear in space that was not previously + there. At first it will appear as a vaporous form, but finally it will be + a solid body, which anyone present may feel and handle—and, for + example, shake hands with. For this body will be in the human shape. It + will be a real man or woman—which, I can’t say—but a man + or woman without known antecedents. If, however, you demand from me an + explanation of the origin of this materialised form—where it comes + from, whence the atoms and molecules composing its tissues are derived—I + am unable to satisfy you. I am about to produce the phenomenon; if anyone + can explain it to me afterward, I shall be very grateful.... That is all I + have to say.” + </p> + <p> + He resumed his seat, half turning his back on the assembly, and paused for + a moment before beginning his task. + </p> + <p> + It was precisely at this minute that the manservant opened the door and + announced in a subdued but distinct voice: “Mr. Maskull, Mr. + Nightspore.” + </p> + <p> + Everyone turned round. Faull rose to welcome the late arrivals. Backhouse + also stood up, and stared hard at them. + </p> + <p> + The two strangers remained standing by the door, which was closed quietly + behind them. They seemed to be waiting for the mild sensation caused by + their appearance to subside before advancing into the room. Maskull was a + kind of giant, but of broader and more robust physique than most giants. + He wore a full beard. His features were thick and heavy, coarsely + modelled, like those of a wooden carving; but his eyes, small and black, + sparkled with the fires of intelligence and audacity. His hair was short, + black, and bristling. Nightspore was of middle height, but so + tough-looking that he appeared to be trained out of all human frailties + and susceptibilities. His hairless face seemed consumed by an intense + spiritual hunger, and his eyes were wild and distant. Both men were + dressed in tweeds. + </p> + <p> + Before any words were spoken, a loud and terrible crash of falling masonry + caused the assembled party to start up from their chairs in consternation. + It sounded as if the entire upper part of the building had collapsed. + Faull sprang to the door, and called to the servant to say what was + happening. The man had to be questioned twice before he gathered what was + required of him. He said he had heard nothing. In obedience to his master’s + order, he went upstairs. Nothing, however, was amiss there, neither had + the maids heard anything. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Backhouse, who almost alone of those assembled had + preserved his sangfroid, went straight up to Nightspore, who stood gnawing + his nails. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you can explain it, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “It was supernatural,” said Nightspore, in a harsh, muffled + voice, turning away from his questioner. + </p> + <p> + “I guessed so. It is a familiar phenomenon, but I have never heard + it so loud.” + </p> + <p> + He then went among the guests, reassuring them. By degrees they settled + down, but it was observable that their former easy and good-humoured + interest in the proceedings was now changed to strained watchfulness. + Maskull and Nightspore took the places allotted to them. Mrs. Trent kept + stealing uneasy glances at them. Throughout the entire incident, Mozart’s + hymn continued to be played. The orchestra also had heard nothing. + </p> + <p> + Backhouse now entered on his task. It was one that began to be familiar to + him, and he had no anxiety about the result. It was not possible to effect + the materialisation by mere concentration of will, or the exercise of any + faculty; otherwise many people could have done what he had engaged himself + to do. His nature was phenomenal—the dividing wall between himself + and the spiritual world was broken in many places. Through the gaps in his + mind the inhabitants of the invisible, when he summoned them, passed for a + moment timidly and awfully into the solid, coloured universe.... He could + not say how it was brought about.... The experience was a rough one for + the body, and many such struggles would lead to insanity and early death. + That is why Backhouse was stern and abrupt in his manner. The coarse, + clumsy suspicion of some of the witnesses, the frivolous aestheticism of + others, were equally obnoxious to his grim, bursting heart; but he was + obliged to live, and, to pay his way, must put up with these + impertinences. + </p> + <p> + He sat down facing the wooden couch. His eyes remained open but seemed to + look inward. His cheeks paled, and he became noticeably thinner. The + spectators almost forgot to breathe. The more sensitive among them began + to feel, or imagine, strange presences all around them. Maskull’s + eyes glittered with anticipation, and his brows went up and down, but + Nightspore appeared bored. + </p> + <p> + After a long ten minutes the pedestal of the statue was seen to become + slightly blurred, as though an intervening mist were rising from the + ground. This slowly developed into a visible cloud, coiling hither and + thither, and constantly changing shape. The professor half rose, and held + his glasses with one hand further forward on the bridge of his nose. + </p> + <p> + By slow stages the cloud acquired the dimensions and approximate outline + of an adult human body, although all was still vague and blurred. It + hovered lightly in the air, a foot or so above the couch. Backhouse looked + haggard and ghastly. Mrs. Jameson quietly fainted in her chair, but she + was unnoticed, and presently revived. The apparition now settled down upon + the couch, and at the moment of doing so seemed suddenly to grow dark, + solid, and manlike. Many of the guests were as pale as the medium himself, + but Faull preserved his stoical apathy, and glanced once or twice at Mrs. + Trent. She was staring straight at the couch, and was twisting a little + lace handkerchief through the different fingers of her hand. The music + went on playing. + </p> + <p> + The figure was by this time unmistakably that of a man lying down. The + face focused itself into distinctness. The body was draped in a sort of + shroud, but the features were those of a young man. One smooth hand fell + over, nearly touching the floor, white and motionless. The weaker spirits + of the company stared at the vision in sick horror; the rest were grave + and perplexed. The seeming man was <i>dead</i>, but somehow it did not + appear like a death succeeding life, but like a death preliminary to life. + All felt that he might sit up at any minute. + </p> + <p> + “Stop that music!” muttered Backhouse, tottering from his + chair and facing the party. Faull touched the bell. A few more bars + sounded, and then total silence ensued. + </p> + <p> + “Anyone who wants to may approach the couch,” said Backhouse + with difficulty. + </p> + <p> + Lang at once advanced, and stared awestruck at the supernatural youth. + </p> + <p> + “You are at liberty to touch,” said the medium. + </p> + <p> + But Lang did not venture to, nor did any of the others, who one by one + stole up to the couch—until it came to Faull’s turn. He looked + straight at Mrs. Trent, who seemed frightened and disgusted at the + spectacle before her, and then not only touched the apparition but + suddenly grasped the drooping hand in his own and gave it a powerful + squeeze. Mrs. Trent gave a low scream. The ghostly visitor opened his + eyes, looked at Faull strangely, and sat up on the couch. A cryptic smile + started playing over his mouth. Faull looked at his hand; a feeling of + intense pleasure passed through his body. + </p> + <p> + Maskull caught Mrs. Jameson in his arms; she was attacked by another spell + of faintness. Mrs. Trent ran forward, and led her out of the room. Neither + of them returned. + </p> + <p> + The phantom body now stood upright, looking about him, still with his + peculiar smile. Prior suddenly felt sick, and went out. The other men more + or less hung together, for the sake of human society, but Nightspore paced + up and down, like a man weary and impatient, while Maskull attempted to + interrogate the youth. The apparition watched him with a baffling + expression, but did not answer. Backhouse was sitting apart, his face + buried in his hands. + </p> + <p> + It was at this moment that the door was burst open violently, and a + stranger, unannounced, half leaped, half strode a few yards into the room, + and then stopped. None of Faull’s friends had ever seen him before. + He was a thick, shortish man, with surprising muscular development and a + head far too large in proportion to his body. His beardless yellow face + indicated, as a first impression, a mixture of sagacity, brutality, and + humour. + </p> + <p> + “Aha-i, gentlemen!” he called out loudly. His voice was + piercing, and oddly disagreeable to the ear. “So we have a little + visitor here.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore turned his back, but everyone else stared at the intruder in + astonishment. He took another few steps forward, which brought him to the + edge of the theatre. + </p> + <p> + “May I ask, sir, how I come to have the honour of being your host?” + asked Faull sullenly. He thought that the evening was not proceeding as + smoothly as he had anticipated. + </p> + <p> + The newcomer looked at him for a second, and then broke into a great, + roaring guffaw. He thumped Faull on the back playfully—but the play + was rather rough, for the victim was sent staggering against the wall + before he could recover his balance. + </p> + <p> + “Good evening, my host!” + </p> + <p> + “And good evening to you too, my lad!” he went on, addressing + the supernatural youth, who was now beginning to wander about the room, in + apparent unconsciousness of his surroundings. “I have seen someone + very like you before, I think.” + </p> + <p> + There was no response. + </p> + <p> + The intruder thrust his head almost up to the phantom’s face. + “You have no right here, as you know.” + </p> + <p> + The shape looked back at him with a smile full of significance, which, + however, no one could understand. + </p> + <p> + “Be careful what you are doing,” said Backhouse quickly. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the matter, spirit usher?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know who you are, but if you use physical violence + toward <i>that</i>, as you seem inclined to do, the consequences may prove + very unpleasant.” + </p> + <p> + “And without pleasure our evening would be spoiled, wouldn’t + it, my little mercenary friend?” + </p> + <p> + Humour vanished from his face, like sunlight from a landscape, leaving it + hard and rocky. Before anyone realised what he was doing, he encircled the + soft, white neck of the materialised shape with his hairy hands and, with + a double turn, twisted it completely round. A faint, unearthly shriek + sounded, and the body fell in a heap to the floor. Its face was uppermost. + The guests were unutterably shocked to observe that its expression had + changed from the mysterious but fascinating smile to a vulgar, sordid, + bestial grin, which cast a cold shadow of moral nastiness into every + heart. The transformation was accompanied by a sickening stench of the + graveyard. + </p> + <p> + The features faded rapidly away, the body lost its consistence, passing + from the solid to the shadowy condition, and, before two minutes had + elapsed, the spirit-form had entirely disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The short stranger turned and confronted the party, with a long, loud + laugh, like nothing in nature. + </p> + <p> + The professor talked excitedly to Kent-Smith in low tones. Faull beckoned + Backhouse behind a wing of scenery, and handed him his check without a + word. The medium put it in his pocket, buttoned his coat, and walked out + of the room. Lang followed him, in order to get a drink. + </p> + <p> + The stranger poked his face up into Maskull’s. + </p> + <p> + “Well, giant, what do you think of it all? Wouldn’t you like + to see the land where this sort of fruit grows wild?” + </p> + <p> + “What sort of fruit?” + </p> + <p> + “That specimen goblin.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull waved him away with his huge hand. “Who are you, and how did + you come here?” + </p> + <p> + “Call up your friend. Perhaps he may recognise me.” Nightspore + had moved a chair to the fire, and was watching the embers with a set, + fanatical expression. + </p> + <p> + “Let Krag come to me, if he wants me,” he said, in his strange + voice. + </p> + <p> + “You see, he does know me,” uttered Krag, with a humorous + look. Walking over to Nightspore, he put a hand on the back of his chair. + </p> + <p> + “Still the same old gnawing hunger?” + </p> + <p> + “What is doing these days?” demanded Nightspore disdainfully, + without altering his attitude. + </p> + <p> + “Surtur has gone, and we are to follow him.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you two come to know each other, and of whom are you + speaking?” asked Maskull, looking from one to the other in + perplexity. + </p> + <p> + “Krag has something for us. Let us go outside,” replied + Nightspore. He got up, and glanced over his shoulder. Maskull, following + the direction of his eye, observed that the few remaining men were + watching their little group attentively. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 2. IN THE STREET + </h2> + <p> + The three men gathered in the street outside the house. The night was + slightly frosty, but particularly clear, with an east wind blowing. The + multitude of blazing stars caused the sky to appear like a vast scroll of + hieroglyphic symbols. Maskull felt oddly excited; he had a sense that + something extraordinary was about to happen. “What brought you to + this house tonight, Krag, and what made you do what you did? How are we + understand that apparition?” + </p> + <p> + “That must have been Crystalman’s expression on its face,” + muttered Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + “We have discussed that, haven’t we, Maskull? Maskull is + anxious to behold that rare fruit in its native wilds.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked at Krag carefully, trying to analyse his own feelings + toward him. He was distinctly repelled by the man’s personality, yet + side by side with this aversion a savage, living energy seemed to spring + up in his heart that in some strange fashion was attributable to Krag. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you insist on this simile?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Because it is apropos. Nightspore’s quite right. That was + Crystalman’s face, and we are going to Crystalman’s country.” + </p> + <p> + “And where is this mysterious country?” + </p> + <p> + “Tormance.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a quaint name. But where is it?” + </p> + <p> + Krag grinned, showing his yellow teeth in the light of the street lamp. + </p> + <p> + “It is the residential suburb of Arcturus.” + </p> + <p> + “What is he talking about, Nightspore?... Do you mean the star of + that name?” he went on, to Krag. + </p> + <p> + “Which you have in front of you at this very minute,” said + Krag, pointing a thick finger toward the brightest star in the + south-eastern sky. “There you see Arcturus, and Tormance is its one + inhabited planet.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked at the heavy, gleaming star, and again at Krag. Then he + pulled out a pipe, and began to fill it. + </p> + <p> + “You must have cultivated a new form of humour, Krag.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad if I can amuse you, Maskull, if only for a few days.” + </p> + <p> + “I meant to ask you—how do you know my name?” + </p> + <p> + “It would be odd if I didn’t, seeing that I only came here on + your account. As a matter of fact, Nightspore and I are old friends.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull paused with his suspended match. “You came here on my + account?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely. On your account and Nightspore’s. We three are to be + fellow travellers.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull now lit his pipe and puffed away coolly for a few moments. + </p> + <p> + “I’m sorry, Krag, but I must assume you are mad.” + </p> + <p> + Krag threw his head back, and gave a scraping laugh. “Am I mad, + Nightspore?” + </p> + <p> + “Has Surtur gone to Tormance?” ejaculated Nightspore in a + strangled voice, fixing his eyes on Krag’s face. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and he requires that we follow him at once.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull’s heart began to beat strangely. It all sounded to him like + a dream conversation. + </p> + <p> + “And since how long, Krag, have I been <i>required</i> to do things + by a total stranger.... Besides, who is this individual?” + </p> + <p> + “Krag’s chief,” said Nightspore, turning his head away. + </p> + <p> + “The riddle is too elaborate for me. I give up.” + </p> + <p> + “You are looking for mysteries,” said Krag, “so + naturally you are finding them. Try and simplify your ideas, my friend. + The affair is plain and serious.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull stared hard at him and smoked rapidly. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you come from now?” demanded Nightspore suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “From the old observatory at Starkness.... Have you heard of the + famous Starkness Observatory, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “No. Where is it?” + </p> + <p> + “On the north-east coast of Scotland. Curious discoveries are made + there from time to time.” + </p> + <p> + “As, for example, how to make voyages to the stars. So this Surtur + turns out to be an astronomer. And you too, presumably?” + </p> + <p> + Krag grinned again. “How long will it take you to wind up your + affairs? When can you be ready to start?” + </p> + <p> + “You are too considerate,” said Maskull, laughing outright. + “I was beginning to fear that I would be hauled away at once.... + However, I have neither wife, land, nor profession, so there’s + nothing to wait for.... What is the itinerary?” + </p> + <p> + “You are a fortunate man. A bold, daring heart, and no encumbrances.” + Krag’s features became suddenly grave and rigid. “Don’t + be a fool, and refuse a gift of luck. A gift declined is not offered a + second time.” + </p> + <p> + “Krag,” replied Maskull simply, returning his pipe to his + pocket. “I ask you to put yourself in my place. Even if I were a man + sick for adventures, how could I listen seriously to such an insane + proposition as this? What do I know about you, or your past record? You + may be a practical joker, or you may have come out of a madhouse—I + know nothing about it. If you claim to be an exceptional man, and want my + cooperation, you must offer me exceptional proofs.” + </p> + <p> + “And what proofs would you consider adequate, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he gripped Maskull’s arm. A sharp, chilling pain + immediately passed through the latter’s body and at the same moment + his brain caught fire. A light burst in upon him like the rising of the + sun. He asked himself for the first time if this fantastic conversation + could by any chance refer to real things. + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Krag,” he said slowly, while peculiar images and + conceptions started to travel in rich disorder through his mind. “You + talk about a certain journey. Well, if that journey were a possible one, + and I were given the chance of making it, I would be willing never to come + back. For twenty-four hours on that Arcturian planet, I would give my + life. That is my attitude toward that journey.... Now prove to me that you’re + not talking nonsense. Produce your credentials.” + </p> + <p> + Krag stared at him all the time he was speaking, his face gradually + resuming its jesting expression. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you will get your twenty-four hours, and perhaps longer, but + not much longer. You’re an audacious fellow, Maskull, but this trip + will prove a little strenuous, even for you.... And so, like the + unbelievers of old, you want a sign from heaven?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull frowned. “But the whole thing is ridiculous. Our brains are + overexcited by what took place in <i>there</i>. Let us go home, and sleep + it off.” + </p> + <p> + Krag detained him with one hand, while groping in his breast pocket with + the other. He presently fished out what resembled a small folding lens. + The diameter of the glass did not exceed two inches. + </p> + <p> + “First take a peep at Arcturus through this, Maskull. It may serve + as a provisional sign. It’s the best I can do, unfortunately. I am + not a travelling magician.... Be very careful not to drop it. It’s + somewhat heavy.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull took the lens in his hand, struggled with it for a minute, and + then looked at Krag in amazement. The little object weighed at least + twenty pounds, though it was not much bigger than a crown piece. + </p> + <p> + “What stuff can this be, Krag?” + </p> + <p> + “Look through it, my good friend. That’s what I gave it to you + for.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull held it up with difficulty, directed it toward the gleaming + Arcturus, and snatched as long and as steady a glance at the star as the + muscles of his arm would permit. What he saw was this. The star, which to + the naked eye appeared as a single yellow point of light, now became + clearly split into two bright but minute suns, the larger of which was + still yellow, while its smaller companion was a beautiful blue. But this + was not all. Apparently circulating around the yellow sun was a + comparatively small and hardly distinguishable satellite, which seemed to + shine, not by its own, but by reflected light.... Maskull lowered and + raised his arm repeatedly. The same spectacle revealed itself again and + again, but he was able to see nothing else. Then he passed back the lens + to Krag, without a word, and stood chewing his underlip. + </p> + <p> + “You take a glimpse too,” scraped Krag, proffering the glass + to Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore turned his back and began to pace up and down. Krag laughed + sardonically, and returned the lens to his pocket. “Well, Maskull, + are you satisfied?” + </p> + <p> + “Arcturus, then, is a double sun. And is that third point the planet + Tormance?” + </p> + <p> + “Our future home, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull continued to ponder. “You inquire if I am satisfied. I don’t + know, Krag. It’s miraculous, and that’s all I can say about + it.... But I’m satisfied of one thing. There must be very wonderful + astronomers at Starkness and if you invite me to your observatory I will + surely come.” + </p> + <p> + “I do invite you. We set off from there.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, Nightspore?” demanded Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “The journey has to be made,” answered his friend in + indistinct tones, “though I don’t see what will come of it.” + </p> + <p> + Krag shot a penetrating glance at him. “More remarkable adventures + than this would need to be arranged before we could excite Nightspore.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet he is coming.” + </p> + <p> + “But not <i>con amore</i>. He is coming merely to bear you company.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull again sought the heavy, sombre star, gleaming in solitary might, + in the south-eastern heavens, and, as he gazed, his heart swelled with + grand and painful longings, for which, however, he was unable to account + to his own intellect. He felt that his destiny was in some way bound up + with this gigantic, far-distant sun. But still he did not dare to admit to + himself Krag’s seriousness. + </p> + <p> + He heard his parting remarks in deep abstraction, and only after the lapse + of several minutes, when, alone with Nightspore, did he realise that they + referred to such mundane matters as travelling routes and times of trains. + </p> + <p> + “Does Krag travel north with us, Nightspore? I didn’t catch + that.” + </p> + <p> + “No. We go on first, and he joins us at Starkness on the evening of + the day after tomorrow.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull remained thoughtful. “What am I to think of that man?” + </p> + <p> + “For your information,” replied Nightspore wearily, “I + have never known him to lie.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 3. STARKNESS + </h2> + <p> + A couple of days later, at two o’clock in the afternoon, Maskull and + Nightspore arrived at Starkness Observatory, having covered the seven + miles from Haillar Station on foot. The road, very wild and lonely, ran + for the greater part of the way near the edge of rather lofty cliffs, + within sight of the North Sea. The sun shone, but a brisk east wind was + blowing and the air was salt and cold. The dark green waves were flecked + with white. Throughout the walk, they were accompanied by the plaintive, + beautiful crying of the gulls. + </p> + <p> + The observatory presented itself to their eyes as a self-contained little + community, without neighbours, and perched on the extreme end of the land. + There were three buildings: a small, stone-built dwelling house, a low + workshop, and, about two hundred yards farther north, a square tower of + granite masonry, seventy feet in height. + </p> + <p> + The house and the shop were separated by an open yard, littered with + waste. A single stone wall surrounded both, except on the side facing the + sea, where the house itself formed a continuation of the cliff. No one + appeared. The windows were all closed, and Maskull could have sworn that + the whole establishment was shut up and deserted. + </p> + <p> + He passed through the open gate, followed by Nightspore, and knocked + vigorously at the front door. The knocker was thick with dust and had + obviously not been used for a long time. He put his ear to the door, but + could hear no movements inside the house. He then tried the handle; the + door was looked. + </p> + <p> + They walked around the house, looking for another entrance, but there was + only the one door. + </p> + <p> + “This isn’t promising,” growled Maskull. “There’s + no one here..... Now you try the shed, while I go over to that tower.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore, who had not spoken half a dozen words since leaving the train, + complied in silence, and started off across the yard. Maskull passed out + of the gate again. When he arrived at the foot of the tower, which stood + some way back from the cliff, he found the door heavily padlocked. Gazing + up, he saw six windows, one above the other at equal distances, all on the + east face—that is, overlooking the sea. Realising that no + satisfaction was to be gained here, he came away again, still more + irritated than before. When he rejoined his friend, Nightspore reported + that the workshop was also locked. + </p> + <p> + “Did we, or did we not, receive an invitation?” demanded + Maskull energetically. + </p> + <p> + “The house is empty,” replied Nightspore, biting his nails. + “Better break a window.” + </p> + <p> + “I certainly don’t mean to camp out till Krag condescends to + come.” + </p> + <p> + He picked up an old iron bolt from the yard and, retreating to a safe + distance, hurled it against a sash window on the ground floor. The lower + pane was completely shattered. Carefully avoiding the broken glass, + Maskull thrust his hand through the aperture and pushed back the frame + fastening. A minute later they had climbed through and were standing + inside the house. + </p> + <p> + The room, which was a kitchen, was in an indescribably filthy and + neglected condition. The furniture scarcely held together, broken utensils + and rubbish lay on the floor instead of on the dust heap, everything was + covered with a deep deposit of dust. The atmosphere was so foul that + Maskull judged that no fresh air had passed into the room for several + months. Insects were crawling on the walls. + </p> + <p> + They went into the other rooms on the lower floor—a scullery, a + barely furnished dining room, and a storing place for lumber. The same + dirt, mustiness, and neglect met their eyes. At least half a year must + have elapsed since these rooms were last touched, or even entered. + </p> + <p> + “Does your faith in Krag still hold?” asked Maskull. “I + confess mine is at vanishing point. If this affair isn’t one big + practical joke, it has every promise of being one. Krag never lived here + in his life.” + </p> + <p> + “Come upstairs first,” said Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + The upstairs rooms proved to consist of a library and three bedrooms. All + the windows were tightly closed, and the air was insufferable. The beds + had been slept in, evidently a long time ago, and had never been made + since. The tumbled, discoloured bed linen actually preserved the + impressions of the sleepers. There was no doubt that these impressions + were ancient, for all sorts of floating dirt had accumulated on the sheets + and coverlets. + </p> + <p> + “Who could have slept here, do you think?” interrogated + Maskull. “The observatory staff?” + </p> + <p> + “More likely travellers like ourselves. They left suddenly.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull flung the windows wide open in every room he came to, and held his + breath until he had done so. Two of the bedrooms faced the sea; the third, + the library, the upward-sloping moorland. This library was now the only + room left unvisited, and unless they discovered signs of recent occupation + here Maskull made up his mind to regard the whole business as a gigantic + hoax. + </p> + <p> + But the library, like all the other rooms, was foul with stale air and + dust-laden. Maskull, having flung the window up and down, fell heavily + into an armchair and looked disgustedly at his friend. + </p> + <p> + “Now what is your opinion of Krag?” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore sat on the edge of the table which stood before the window. + “He may still have left a message for us.” + </p> + <p> + “What message? Why? Do you mean in this room?—I see no + message.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore’s eyes wandered about the room, finally seeming to linger + upon a glass-fronted wall cupboard, which contained a few old bottles on + one of the shelves and nothing else. Maskull glanced at him and at the + cupboard. Then, without a word, he got up to examine the bottles. + </p> + <p> + There were four altogether, one of which was larger than the rest. The + smaller ones were about eight inches long. All were torpedo-shaped, but + had flattened bottoms, which enabled them to stand upright. Two of the + smaller ones were empty and unstoppered, the others contained a colourless + liquid, and possessed queer-looking, nozzle-like stoppers that were + connected by a thin metal rod with a catch halfway down the side of the + bottle. They were labelled, but the labels were yellow with age and the + writing was nearly undecipherable. Maskull carried the filled bottles with + him to the table in front of the window, in order to get better light. + Nightspore moved away to make room for him. + </p> + <p> + He now made out on the larger bottle the words “Solar Back Rays”; + and on the other one, after some doubt, he thought that he could + distinguish something like “Arcturian Back Rays.” + </p> + <p> + He looked up, to stare curiously at his friend. “Have you been here + before, Nightspore?” + </p> + <p> + “I guessed Krag would leave a message.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don’t know—it may be a message, but it means + nothing to us, or at all events to me. What are ‘back rays’?” + </p> + <p> + “Light that goes back to its source,” muttered Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + “And what kind of light would that be?” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore seemed unwilling to answer, but, finding Maskull’s eyes + still fixed on him, he brought out: “Unless light pulled, as well as + pushed, how would flowers contrive to twist their heads around after the + sun?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. But the point is, what are these bottles for?” + </p> + <p> + While he was still talking, with his hand on the smaller bottle, the + other, which was lying on its side, accidentally rolled over in such a + manner that the metal caught against the table. He made a movement to stop + it, his hand was actually descending, when—the bottle suddenly + disappeared before his eyes. It had not rolled off the table, but had + really vanished—it was nowhere at all. + </p> + <p> + Maskull stared at the table. After a minute he raised his brows, and + turned to Nightspore with a smile. “The message grows more + intricate.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore looked bored. “The valve became unfastened. The contents + have escaped through the open window toward the sun, carrying the bottle + with them. But the bottle will be burned up by the earth’s + atmosphere, and the contents will dissipate, and will not reach the sun.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull listened attentively, and his smile faded. “Does anything + prevent us from experimenting with this other bottle?” + </p> + <p> + “Replace it in the cupboard,” said Nightspore. “Arcturus + is still below the horizon, and you would succeed only in wrecking the + house.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull remained standing before the window, pensively gazing out at the + sunlit moors. + </p> + <p> + “Krag treats me like a child,” he remarked presently. “And + perhaps I really am a child.... My cynicism must seem most amusing to + Krag. But why does he leave me to find out all this by myself—for I + don’t include you, Nightspore.... But what time will Krag be here?” + </p> + <p> + “Not before dark, I expect,” his friend replied. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 4. THE VOICE + </h2> + <p> + It was by this time past three o’clock. Feeling hungry, for they had + eaten nothing since early morning, Maskull went downstairs to forage, but + without much hope of finding anything in the shape of food. In a safe in + the kitchen he discovered a bag of mouldy oatmeal, which was untouchable, + a quantity of quite good tea in an airtight caddy, and an unopened can of + ox tongue. Best of all, in the dining-room cupboard he came across an + uncorked bottle of first-class Scotch whisky. He at once made preparations + for a scratch meal. + </p> + <p> + A pump in the yard ran clear after a good deal of hard working at it, and + he washed out and filled the antique kettle. For firewood, one of the + kitchen chairs was broken up with a chopper. The light, dusty wood made a + good blaze in the grate, the kettle was boiled, and cups were procured and + washed. Ten minutes later the friends were dining in the library. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore ate and drank little, but Maskull sat down with good appetite. + There being no milk, whisky took the place of it; the nearly black tea was + mixed with an equal quantity of the spirit. Of this concoction Maskull + drank cup after cup, and long after the tongue had disappeared he was + still imbibing. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore looked at him queerly. “Do you intend to finish the + bottle before Krag comes?” + </p> + <p> + “Krag won’t want any, and one must do something. I feel + restless.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us take a look at the country.” + </p> + <p> + The cup, which was on its way to Maskull’s lips, remained poised in + the air. “Have you anything in view, Nightspore?” + </p> + <p> + “Let us walk out to the Gap of Sorgie.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s that?” + </p> + <p> + “A showplace,” answered Nightspore, biting his lip. + </p> + <p> + Maskull finished off the cup, and rose to his feet. “Walking is + better than soaking at any time, and especially on a day like this.... How + far is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Three or four miles each way.” + </p> + <p> + “You probably mean something,” said Maskull, “for I’m + beginning to regard you as a second Krag. But if so, so much the better. I + am growing nervous, and need incidents.” + </p> + <p> + They left the house by the door, which they left ajar, and immediately + found themselves again on the moorland road that had brought them from + Haillar. This time they continued along it, past the tower. + </p> + <p> + Maskull, as they went by, regarded the erection with puzzled interest. + “What <i>is</i> that tower, Nightspore?” + </p> + <p> + “We sail from the platform on the top.” + </p> + <p> + “Tonight?”—throwing him a quick look. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull smiled, but his eyes were grave. “Then we are looking at the + gateway of Arcturus, and Krag is now travelling north to unlock it.” + </p> + <p> + “You no longer think it impossible, I fancy,” mumbled + Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + After a mile or two, the road parted from the sea coast and swerved + sharply inland, across the hills. With Nightspore as guide, they left it + and took to the grass. A faint sheep path marked the way along the cliff + edge for some distance, but at the end of another mile it vanished. The + two men then had some rough walking up and down hillsides and across deep + gullies. The sun disappeared behind the hills, and twilight imperceptibly + came on. They soon reached a spot where further progress appeared + impossible. The buttress of a mountain descended at a steep angle to the + very edge of the cliff, forming an impassable slope of slippery grass. + Maskull halted, stroked his beard, and wondered what the next step was to + be. + </p> + <p> + “There’s a little scrambling here,” said Nightspore. + “We are both used to climbing, and there is not much in it.” + </p> + <p> + He indicated a narrow ledge, winding along the face of the precipice a few + yards beneath where they were standing. It averaged from fifteen to thirty + inches in width. Without waiting for Maskull’s consent to the + undertaking, he instantly swung himself down and started walking along + this ledge at a rapid pace. Maskull, seeing that there was no help for it, + followed him. The shelf did not extend for above a quarter of a mile, but + its passage was somewhat unnerving; there was a sheer drop to the sea, + four hundred feet below. In a few places they had to sidle along without + placing one foot before another. The sound of the breakers came up to them + in a low, threatening roar. + </p> + <p> + Upon rounding a corner, the ledge broadened out into a fair-sized platform + of rock and came to a sudden end. A narrow inlet of the sea separated them + from the continuation of the cliffs beyond. + </p> + <p> + “As we can’t get any further,” said Maskull, “I + presume this is your Gap of Sorgie?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered his friend, first dropping on his knees and + then lying at full length, face downward. He drew his head and shoulders + over the edge and began to stare straight down at the water. + </p> + <p> + “What is there interesting down there, Nightspore?” + </p> + <p> + Receiving no reply, however, he followed his friend’s example, and + the next minute was looking for himself. Nothing was to be seen; the gloom + had deepened, and the sea was nearly invisible. But, while he was + ineffectually gazing, he heard what sounded like the beating of a drum on + the narrow strip of shore below. It was very faint, but quite distinct. + The beats were in four-four time, with the third beat slightly accented. + He now continued to hear the noise all the time he was lying there. The + beats were in no way drowned by the far louder sound of the surf, but + seemed somehow to belong to a different world.... + </p> + <p> + When they were on their feet again, he questioned Nightspore. “We + came here solely to hear that?” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore cast one of his odd looks at him. “It’s called + locally ‘The Drum Taps of Sorgie.’ You will not hear that name + again, but perhaps you will hear the sound again.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I do, what will it imply?” demanded Maskull in + amazement. + </p> + <p> + “It bears its own message. Only try always to hear it more and more + distinctly.... Now it’s growing dark, and we must get back.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull pulled out his watch automatically, and looked at the time. It was + past six.... But he was thinking of Nightspore’s words, and not of + the time. + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + Night had already fallen by the time they regained the tower. The black + sky was glorious with liquid stars. Arcturus was a little way above the + sea, directly opposite them, in the east. As they were passing the base of + the tower, Maskull observed with a sudden shock that the gate was open. He + caught hold of Nightspore’s arm violently. “Look! Krag is + back.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we must make haste to the house.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not the tower? He’s probably in there, since the gate + is open. I’m going up to look.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore grunted, but made no opposition. + </p> + <p> + All was pitch-black inside the gate. Maskull struck a match, and the + flickering light disclosed the lower end of a circular flight of stone + steps. “Are you coming up?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, I’ll wait here.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull immediately began the ascent. Hardly had he mounted half a dozen + steps, however, before he was compelled to pause, to gain breath. He + seemed to be carrying upstairs not one Maskull, but three. As he + proceeded, the sensation of crushing weight, so far from diminishing, grew + worse and worse. It was nearly physically impossible to go on; his lungs + could not take in enough oxygen, while his heart thumped like a ship’s + engine. Sweat coursed down his face. At the twentieth step he completed + the first revolution of the tower and came face to face with the first + window, which was set in a high embrasure. + </p> + <p> + Realising that he could go no higher, he struck another match, and climbed + into the embrasure, in order that he might at all events see something + from the tower. The flame died, and he stared through the window at the + stars. Then, to his astonishment, he discovered that it was not a window + at all but a lens.... The sky was not a wide expanse of space containing a + multitude of stars, but a blurred darkness, focused only in one part, + where two very bright stars, like small moons in size, appeared in close + conjunction; and near them a more minute planetary object, as brilliant as + Venus and with an observable disk. One of the suns shone with a glaring + white light; the other was a weird and awful blue. Their light, though + almost solar in intensity, did not illuminate the interior of the tower. + </p> + <p> + Maskull knew at once that the system of spheres at which he was gazing was + what is known to astronomy as the star Arcturus.... He had seen the sight + before, through Krag’s glass, but then the scale had been smaller, + the colors of the twin suns had not appeared in their naked reality.... + These colors seemed to him most marvellous, as if, in seeing them through + earth eyes, he was not seeing them correctly.... But it was at Tormance + that he stared the longest and the most earnestly. On that mysterious and + terrible earth, countless millions of miles distant, it had been promised + him that he would set foot, even though he might leave his bones there. + The strange creatures that he was to behold and touch were already living, + at this very moment. + </p> + <p> + A low, sighing whisper sounded in his ear, from not more than a yard away. + “Don’t you understand, Maskull, that you are only an + instrument, to be used and then broken? Nightspore is asleep now, but when + he wakes you must die. You will go, but he will return.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull hastily struck another match, with trembling fingers. No one was + in sight, and all was quiet as the tomb. + </p> + <p> + The voice did not sound again. After waiting a few minutes, he redescended + to the foot of the tower. On gaining the open air, his sensation of weight + was instantly removed, but he continued panting and palpitating, like a + man who has lifted a far too heavy load. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore’s dark form came forward. “Was Krag there?” + </p> + <p> + “If he was, I didn’t see him. But I heard someone speak.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it Krag?” + </p> + <p> + “It was not Krag—but a voice warned me against you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you will hear these voices too,” said Nightspore + enigmatically. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 5. THE NIGHT OF DEPARTURE + </h2> + <p> + When they returned to the house, the windows were all in darkness and the + door was ajar, just as they had left it; Krag presumably was not there. + Maskull went all over the house, striking matches in every room—at + the end of the examination he was ready to swear that the man they were + expecting had not even stuck his nose inside the premises. Groping their + way into the library, they sat down in the total darkness to wait, for + nothing else remained to be done. Maskull lit his pipe, and began to drink + the remainder of the whisky. Through the open window sounded in their ears + the trainlike grinding of the sea at the foot of the cliffs. + </p> + <p> + “Krag must be in the tower after all,” remarked Maskull, + breaking the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is getting ready.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope he doesn’t expect us to join him there. It was beyond + my powers—but why, heaven knows. The stairs must have a magnetic + pull of some sort.” + </p> + <p> + “It is Tormantic gravity,” muttered Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + “I understand you—or, rather, I don’t—but it doesn’t + matter.” + </p> + <p> + He went on smoking in silence, occasionally taking a mouthful of the neat + liquor. “Who is Surtur?” he demanded abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “We others are gropers and bunglers, but he is a <i>master</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull digested this. “I fancy you are right, for though I know + nothing about him his mere name has an exciting effect on me.... Are you + personally acquainted with him?” + </p> + <p> + “I must be... I forget...” replied Nightspore in a choking + voice. + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked up, surprised, but could make nothing out in the blackness + of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know so many extraordinary men that you can forget some of + them?... Perhaps you can tell me this... will we meet him, where we are + going?” + </p> + <p> + “You will meet death, Maskull.... Ask me no more questions—I + can’t answer them.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let us go on waiting for Krag,” said Maskull coldly. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later the front door slammed, and a light, quick footstep was + heard running up the stairs. Maskull got up, with a beating heart. + </p> + <p> + Krag appeared on the threshold of the door, bearing in his hand a feebly + glimmering lantern. A hat was on his head, and he looked stern and + forbidding. After scrutinising the two friends for a moment or so, he + strode into the room and thrust the lantern on the table. Its light hardly + served to illuminate the walls. + </p> + <p> + “You have got here, then, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “So it seems—but I shan’t thank you for your + hospitality, for it has been conspicuous by its absence.” + </p> + <p> + Krag ignored the remark. “Are you ready to start?” + </p> + <p> + “By all means—when you are. It is not so entertaining here.” + </p> + <p> + Krag surveyed him critically. “I heard you stumbling about in the + tower. You couldn’t get up, it seems.” + </p> + <p> + “It looks like an obstacle, for Nightspore informs me that the start + takes place from the top.” + </p> + <p> + “But your other doubts are all removed?” + </p> + <p> + “So far, Krag, that I now possess an open mind. I am quite willing + to see what you can do.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing more is asked.... But this tower business. You know that + until you are able to climb to the top you are unfit to stand the + gravitation of Tormance?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I repeat, it’s an awkward obstacle, for I certainly can’t + get up.” + </p> + <p> + Krag hunted about in his pockets, and at length produced a clasp knife. + </p> + <p> + “Remove your coat, and roll up your shirt sleeve,” he + directed. + </p> + <p> + “Do you propose to make an incision with that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and don’t start difficulties, because the effect is + certain, but you can’t possibly understand it beforehand.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, a cut with a pocket-knife—” began Maskull, + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “It will answer, Maskull,” interrupted Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + “Then bare your arm too, you aristocrat of the universe,” said + Krag. “Let us see what your blood is made of.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Krag pulled out the big blade of the knife, and made a careless and almost + savage slash at Maskull’s upper arm. The wound was deep, and blood + flowed freely. + </p> + <p> + “Do I bind it up?” asked Maskull, scowling with pain. + </p> + <p> + Krag spat on the wound. “Pull your shirt down, it won’t bleed + any more.” + </p> + <p> + He then turned his attention to Nightspore, who endured his operation with + grim indifference. Krag threw the knife on the floor. + </p> + <p> + An awful agony, emanating from the wound, started to run through Maskull’s + body, and he began to doubt whether he would not have to faint, but it + subsided almost immediately, and then he felt nothing but a gnawing ache + in the injured arm, just strong enough to make life one long discomfort. + </p> + <p> + “That’s finished,” said Krag. “Now you can follow + me.” + </p> + <p> + Picking up the lantern, he walked toward the door. The others hastened + after him, to take advantage of the light, and a moment later their + footsteps, clattering down the uncarpeted stairs, resounded through the + deserted house. Krag waited till they were out, and then banged the front + door after them with such violence that the windows shook. + </p> + <p> + While they were walking swiftly across to the tower, Maskull caught his + arm. “I heard a voice up those stairs.” + </p> + <p> + “What did it say?” + </p> + <p> + “That I am to go, but Nightspore is to return.” + </p> + <p> + Krag smiled. “The journey is getting notorious,” he remarked, + after a pause. “There must be ill-wishers about.... Well, do you + want to return?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what I want. But I thought the thing was curious + enough to be mentioned.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not a bad thing to hear voices,” said Krag, “but + you mustn’t for a minute imagine that all is wise that comes to you + out of the night world.” + </p> + <p> + When they had arrived at the open gateway of the tower, he immediately set + foot on the bottom step of the spiral staircase and ran nimbly up, bearing + the lantern. Maskull followed him with some trepidation, in view of his + previous painful experience on these stairs, but when, after the first + half-dozen steps, he discovered that he was still breathing freely, his + dread changed to relief and astonishment, and he could have chattered like + a girl. + </p> + <p> + At the lowest window Krag went straight ahead without stopping, but + Maskull clambered into the embrasure, in order to renew his acquaintance + with the miraculous spectacle of the Arcturian group. The lens had lost + its magic property. It had become a common sheet of glass, through which + the ordinary sky field appeared. + </p> + <p> + The climb continued, and at the second and third windows he again mounted + and stared out, but still the common sights presented themselves. After + that, he gave up and looked through no more windows. + </p> + <p> + Krag and Nightspore meanwhile had gone on ahead with the light, so that he + had to complete the ascent in darkness. When he was near the top, he saw + yellow light shining through the crack of a half-opened door. His + companions were standing just inside a small room, shut off from the + staircase by rough wooden planking; it was rudely furnished and contained + nothing of astronomical interest. The lantern was resting on a table. + </p> + <p> + Maskull walked in and looked around him with curiosity. “Are we at + the top?” + </p> + <p> + “Except for the platform over our heads,” replied Krag. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn’t that lowest window magnify, as it did earlier in + the evening?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you missed your opportunity,” said Krag, grinning. + “If you had finished your climb then, you would have seen + heart-expanding sights. From the fifth window, for example, you would have + seen Tormance like a continent in relief; from the sixth you would have + seen it like a landscape.... But now there’s no need.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not—and what has need got to do with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Things are changed, my friend, since that wound of yours. For the + same reason that you have now been able to mount the stairs, there was no + necessity to stop and gape at illusions <i>en route</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Maskull, not quite understanding what he + meant. “But is this Surtur’s den?” + </p> + <p> + “He has spent time here.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would describe this mysterious individual, Krag. We may + not get another chance.” + </p> + <p> + “What I said about the windows also applies to Surtur. There’s + no need to waste time over visualising him, because you are immediately + going on to the reality.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let us go.” He pressed his eyeballs wearily. + </p> + <p> + “Do we strip?” asked Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + “Naturally,” answered Krag, and he began to tear off his + clothes with slow, uncouth movements. + </p> + <p> + “Why?” demanded Maskull, following, however, the example of + the other two men. + </p> + <p> + Krag thumped his vast chest, which was covered with thick hairs, like an + ape’s. “Who knows what the Tormance fashions are like? We may + sprout limbs—I don’t say we shall.” + </p> + <p> + “A-ha!” exclaimed Maskull, pausing in the middle of his + undressing. + </p> + <p> + Krag smote him on the back. “New pleasure organs possible, Maskull. + You like that?” + </p> + <p> + The three men stood as nature made them. Maskull’s spirits rose + fast, as the moment of departure drew near. + </p> + <p> + “A farewell drink to success!” cried Krag, seizing a bottle + and breaking its head off between his fingers. There were no glasses, but + he poured the amber-coloured wine into some cracked cups. + </p> + <p> + Perceiving that the others drank, Maskull tossed off his cupful. It was as + if he had swallowed a draught of liquid electricity.... Krag dropped onto + the floor and rolled around on his back, kicking his legs in the air. He + tried to drag Maskull down on top of him, and a little horseplay went on + between the two. Nightspore took no part in it, but walked to and fro, + like a hungry caged animal. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, from out-of-doors, there came a single prolonged, piercing wail, + such as a banshee might be imagined to utter. It ceased abruptly, and was + not repeated. + </p> + <p> + “What’s that?” called out Maskull, disengaging himself + impatiently from Krag. + </p> + <p> + Krag rocked with laughter. “A Scottish spirit trying to reproduce + the bagpipes of its earth life—in honour of our departure.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore turned to Krag. “Maskull will sleep throughout the + journey?” + </p> + <p> + “And you too, if you wish, my altruistic friend. I am pilot, and you + passengers can amuse yourselves as you please.” + </p> + <p> + “Are we off at last?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you are about to cross your Rubicon, Maskull. But what a + Rubicon!... Do you know that it takes light a hundred years or so to + arrive here from Arcturus? Yet we shall do it in nineteen hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you assert that Surtur is already there?” + </p> + <p> + “Surtur is where he is. He is a great traveller.” + </p> + <p> + “Won’t I see him?” + </p> + <p> + Krag went up to him and looked him in the eyes. “Don’t forget + that you have asked for it, and wanted it. Few people in Tormance will + know more about him than you do, but your memory will be your worst + friend.” + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + He led the way up a short iron ladder, mounting through a trap to the flat + roof above. When they were up, he switched on a small electric torch. + </p> + <p> + Maskull beheld with awe the torpedo of crystal that was to convey them + through the whole breadth of visible space. It was forty feet long, eight + wide, and eight high; the tank containing the Arcturian back rays was in + front, the car behind. The nose of the torpedo was directed toward the + south-eastern sky. The whole machine rested upon a flat platform, raised + about four feet above the level of the roof, so as to encounter no + obstruction on starting its flight. + </p> + <p> + Krag flashed the light on to the door of the car, to enable them to enter. + Before doing so, Maskull gazed sternly once again at the gigantic, + far-distant star, which was to be their sun from now onward. He frowned, + shivered slightly, and got in beside Nightspore. Krag clambered past them + onto his pilot’s seat. He threw the flashlight through the open + door, which was then carefully closed, fastened, and screwed up. + </p> + <p> + He pulled the starting lever. The torpedo glided gently from its platform, + and passed rather slowly away from the tower, seaward. Its speed increased + sensibly, though not excessively, until the approximate limits of the + earth’s atmosphere were reached. Krag then released the speed valve, + and the car sped on its way with a velocity more nearly approaching that + of thought than of light. + </p> + <p> + Maskull had no opportunity of examining through the crystal walls the + rapidly changing panorama of the heavens. An extreme drowsiness oppressed + him. He opened his eyes violently a dozen times, but on the thirteenth + attempt he failed. From that time forward he slept heavily. + </p> + <p> + The bored, hungry expression never left Nightspore’s face. The + alterations in the aspect of the sky seemed to possess not the least + interest for him. + </p> + <p> + Krag sat with his hand on the lever, watching with savage intentness his + phosphorescent charts and gauges. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 6. JOIWIND + </h2> + <p> + IT WAS DENSE NIGHT when Maskull awoke from his profound sleep. A wind was + blowing against him, gentle but wall-like, such as he had never + experienced on earth. He remained sprawling on the ground, as he was + unable to lift his body because of its intense weight. A numbing pain, + which he could not identify with any region of his frame, acted from now + onward as a lower, sympathetic note to all his other sensations. It gnawed + away at him continuously; sometimes it embittered and irritated him, at + other times he forgot it. + </p> + <p> + He felt something hard on his forehead. Putting his hand up, he discovered + there a fleshy protuberance the size of a small plum, having a cavity in + the middle, of which he could not feel the bottom. Then he also became + aware of a large knob on each side of his neck, an inch below the ear. + </p> + <p> + From the region of his heart, a tentacle had budded. It was as long as his + arm, but thin, like whipcord, and soft and flexible. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he thoroughly realised the significance of these new organs, + his heart began to pump. Whatever might, or might not, be their use, they + proved one thing—that he was in a new world. + </p> + <p> + One part of the sky began to get lighter than the rest. Maskull cried out + to his companions, but received no response. This frightened him. He went + on shouting out, at irregular intervals—equally alarmed at the + silence and at the sound of his own voice. Finally, as no answering hail + came, he thought it wiser not to make too much noise, and after that he + lay quiet, waiting in cold blood for what might happen. + </p> + <p> + In a short while he perceived dim shadows around him, but these were not + his friends. + </p> + <p> + A pale, milky vapour over the ground began to succeed the black night, + while in the upper sky rosy tints appeared. On earth, one would have said + that day was breaking. The brightness went on imperceptibly increasing for + a very long time. + </p> + <p> + Maskull then discovered that he was lying on sand. The colour of the sand + was scarlet. The obscure shadows he had seen were bushes, with black stems + and purple leaves. So far, nothing else was visible. + </p> + <p> + The day surged up. It was too misty for direct sunshine, but before long + the brilliance of the light was already greater than that of the midday + sun on earth. The heat, too, was intense, but Maskull welcomed it—it + relieved his pain and diminished his sense of crushing weight. The wind + had dropped with the rising of the sun. + </p> + <p> + He now tried to get onto his feet, but succeeded only in kneeling. He was + unable to see far. The mists had no more than partially dissolved, and all + that he could distinguish was a narrow circle of red sand dotted with ten + or twenty bushes. + </p> + <p> + He felt a soft, cool touch on the back of his neck. He started forward in + nervous fright and, in doing so, tumbled over onto the sand. Looking up + over his shoulder quickly, he was astounded to see a woman standing beside + him. + </p> + <p> + She was clothed in a single flowing, pale green garment, rather + classically draped. According to earth standards she was not beautiful, + for, although her face was otherwise human, she was endowed—or + afflicted—with the additional disfiguring organs that Maskull had + discovered in himself. She also possessed the heart tentacle. But when he + sat up, and their eyes met and remained in sympathetic contact, he seemed + to see right into a soul that was the home of love, warmth, kindness, + tenderness, and intimacy. Such was the noble familiarity of that gaze, + that he thought he knew her. After that, he recognised all the loveliness + of her person. She was tall and slight. All her movements were as graceful + as music. Her skin was not of a dead, opaque colour, like that of an earth + beauty, but was opalescent; its hue was continually changing, with every + thought and emotion, but none of these tints was vivid—all were + delicate, half-toned, and poetic. She had very long, loosely plaited, + flaxen hair. The new organs, as soon as Maskull had familiarised himself + with them, imparted something to her face that was unique and striking. He + could not quite define it to himself, but subtlety and inwardness seemed + added. The organs did not contradict the love of her eyes or the angelic + purity of her features, but nevertheless sounded a deeper note—a + note that saved her from mere girlishness. + </p> + <p> + Her gaze was so friendly and unembarrassed that Maskull felt scarcely any + humiliation at sitting at her feet, naked and helpless. She realised his + plight, and put into his hands a garment that she had been carrying over + her arm. It was similar to the one she was wearing, but of a darker, more + masculine colour. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you can put it on by yourself?” + </p> + <p> + He was distinctly conscious of these words, yet her voice had not sounded. + </p> + <p> + He forced himself up to his feet, and she helped him to master the + complications of the drapery. + </p> + <p> + “Poor man—how you are suffering!” she said, in the same + inaudible language. This time he discovered that the sense of what she + said was received by his brain through the organ on his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Where am I? Is this Tormance?” he asked. As he spoke, he + staggered. + </p> + <p> + She caught him, and helped him to sit down. “Yes. You are with + friends.” + </p> + <p> + Then she regarded him with a smile, and began speaking aloud, in English. + Her voice somehow reminded him of an April day, it was so fresh, nervous, + and girlish. “I can now understand your language. It was strange at + first. In the future I’ll speak to you with my mouth.” + </p> + <p> + “This is extraordinary! What is this organ?” he asked, + touching his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “It is named the ‘breve.’ By means of it we read one + another’s thoughts. Still, speech is better, for then the heart can + be read too.” + </p> + <p> + He smiled. “They say that speech is given us to deceive others.” + </p> + <p> + “One can deceive with thought, too. But I’m thinking of the + best, not the worst.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen my friends?” + </p> + <p> + She scrutinised him quietly, before answering. “Did you not come + alone?” + </p> + <p> + “I came with two other men, in a machine. I must have lost + consciousness on arrival, and I haven’t seen them since.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s very strange! No, I haven’t seen them. They can’t + be here, or we would have known it. My husband and I—” + </p> + <p> + “What is your name, and your husband’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “Mine is Joiwind—my husband’s is Panawe. We live a very + long way from here; still, it came to us both last night that you were + lying here insensible. We almost quarrelled about which of us should come + to you, but in the end I won.” Here she laughed. “I won, + because I am the stronger-hearted of the two; he is the purer in + perception.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, Joiwind!” said Maskull simply. + </p> + <p> + The colors chased each other rapidly beneath her skin. “Oh, why do + you say that? What pleasure is greater than loving-kindness? I rejoiced at + the opportunity.... But now we must exchange blood.” + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” he demanded, rather puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “It must be so. Your blood is far too thick and heavy for our world. + Until you have an infusion of mine, you will never get up.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull flushed. “I feel like a complete ignoramus here.... Won’t + it hurt you?” + </p> + <p> + “If your blood pains you, I suppose it will pain me. But we will + share the pain.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a new kind of hospitality to me,” he muttered. + </p> + <p> + “Wouldn’t you do the same for me?” asked Joiwind, half + smiling, half agitated. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t answer for any of my actions in this world. I + scarcely know where I am.... Why, yes—of course I would, Joiwind.” + </p> + <p> + While they were talking it had become full day. The mists had rolled away + from the ground, and only the upper atmosphere remained fog-charged. The + desert of scarlet sand stretched in all directions, except one, where + there was a sort of little oasis—some low hills, clothed sparsely + with little purple trees from base to summit. It was about a quarter of a + mile distant. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind had brought with her a small flint knife. Without any trace of + nervousness, she made a careful, deep incision on her upper arm. Maskull + expostulated. + </p> + <p> + “Really, this part of it is nothing,” she said, laughing. + “And if it were—a sacrifice that is no sacrifice—what + merit is there in that?... Come now—your arm!” + </p> + <p> + The blood was streaming down her arm. It was not red blood, but a milky, + opalescent fluid. + </p> + <p> + “Not that one!” said Maskull, shrinking. “I have already + been cut there.” He submitted the other, and his blood poured forth. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind delicately and skilfully placed the mouths of the two wounds + together, and then kept her arm pressed tightly against Maskull’s + for a long time. He felt a stream of pleasure entering his body through + the incision. His old lightness and vigour began to return to him. After + about five minutes a duel of kindness started between them; he wanted to + remove his arm, and she to continue. At last he had his way, but it was + none too soon—she stood there pale and dispirited. + </p> + <p> + She looked at him with a more serious expression than before, as if + strange depths had opened up before her eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “Where have you come from, with this awful blood?” + </p> + <p> + “From a world called Earth.... The blood is clearly unsuitable for + this world, Joiwind, but after all, that was only to be expected. I am + sorry I let you have your way.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t say that! There was nothing else to be done. We + must all help one another. Yet, somehow—forgive me—I feel + polluted.” + </p> + <p> + “And well you may, for it’s a fearful thing for a girl to + accept in her own veins the blood of a strange man from a strange planet. + If I had not been so dazed and weak I would never have allowed it.” + </p> + <p> + “But I would have insisted. Are we not all brothers and sisters? Why + did you come here, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + He was conscious of a slight degree of embarrassment. “Will you + think it foolish if I say I hardly know?—I came with those two men. + Perhaps I was attracted by curiosity, or perhaps it was the love of + adventure.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” said Joiwind. “I wonder... These friends of + yours must be terrible men. Why did they come?” + </p> + <p> + “That I can tell you. They came to follow Surtur.” + </p> + <p> + Her face grew troubled. “I don’t understand it. One of them at + least must be a bad man, and yet if he is following Surtur—or + Shaping, as he is called here—he can’t be really bad.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you know of Surtur?” asked Maskull in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind remained silent for a time, studying his face. His brain moved + restlessly, as though it were being probed from outside. “I see.... + and yet I don’t see,” she said at last. “It is very + difficult.... Your God is a dreadful Being—bodyless, unfriendly, + invisible. Here we don’t worship a God like that. Tell me, has any + man set eyes on your God?” + </p> + <p> + “What does all this mean, Joiwind? Why speak of God?” + </p> + <p> + “I want to know.” + </p> + <p> + “In ancient times, when the earth was young and grand, a few holy + men are reputed to have walked and spoken with God, but those days are + past.” + </p> + <p> + “Our world is still young,” said Joiwind. “Shaping goes + among us and converses with us. He is real and active—a friend and + lover. Shaping made us, and he loves his work.” + </p> + <p> + “Have <i>you</i> met him?” demanded Maskull, hardly believing + his ears. + </p> + <p> + “No. I have done nothing to deserve it yet. Some day I may have an + opportunity to sacrifice myself, and then I may be rewarded by meeting and + talking with Shaping.” + </p> + <p> + “I have certainly come to another world. But why do you say he is + the same as Surtur?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is the same. We women call him Shaping, and so do most men, + but a few name him Surtur.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull bit his nail. “Have you ever heard of Crystalman?” + </p> + <p> + “That is Shaping once again. You see, he has many names—which + shows how much he occupies our minds. Crystalman is a name of affection.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s odd,” said Maskull. “I came here with quite + different ideas about Crystalman.” + </p> + <p> + Joiwind shook her hair. “In that grove of trees over there stands a + desert shrine of his. Let us go and pray there, and then we’ll go on + our way to Poolingdred. That is my home. It’s a long way off, and we + must get there before Blodsombre.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, what is Blodsombre?” + </p> + <p> + “For about four hours in the middle of the day Branchspell’s + rays are so hot that no one can endure them. We call it Blodsombre.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Branchspell another name for Arcturus?” + </p> + <p> + Joiwind threw off her seriousness and laughed. “Naturally we don’t + take our names from you, Maskull. I don’t think our names are very + poetic, but they follow nature.” + </p> + <p> + She took his arm affectionately, and directed their walk towards the + tree-covered hills. As they went along, the sun broke through the upper + mists and a terrible gust of scorching heat, like a blast from a furnace, + struck Maskull’s head. He involuntarily looked up, but lowered his + eyes again like lightning. All that he saw in that instant was a glaring + ball of electric white, three times the apparent diameter of the sun. For + a few minutes he was quite blind. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” he exclaimed. “If it’s like this in + early morning you must be right enough about Blodsombre.” When he + had somewhat recovered himself he asked, “How long are the days + here, Joiwind?” + </p> + <p> + Again he felt his brain being probed. + </p> + <p> + “At this time of the year, for every hour’s daylight that you + have in summer, we have two.” + </p> + <p> + “The heat is terrific—and yet somehow I don’t feel so + distressed by it as I would have expected.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel it more than usual. It’s not difficult to account for + it; you have some of my blood, and I have some of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, every time I realise that, I—Tell me, Joiwind, will my + blood alter, if I stay here long enough?—I mean, will it lose its + redness and thickness, and become pure and thin and light-coloured, like + yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? If you live as we live, you will assuredly grow like us.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean food and drink?” + </p> + <p> + “We eat no food, and drink only water.” + </p> + <p> + “And on that you manage to sustain life?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Maskull, our water is good water,” replied Joiwind, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he could see again he stared around at the landscape. The + enormous scarlet desert extended everywhere to the horizon, excepting + where it was broken by the oasis. It was roofed by a cloudless, deep blue, + almost violet, sky. The circle of the horizon was far larger than on + earth. On the skyline, at right angles to the direction in which they were + walking, appeared a chain of mountains, apparently about forty miles + distant. One, which was higher than the rest, was shaped like a cup. + Maskull would have felt inclined to believe he was travelling in + dreamland, but for the intensity of the light, which made everything + vividly real. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind pointed to the cup-shaped mountain. “That’s + Poolingdred.” + </p> + <p> + “You didn’t come from there!” he exclaimed, quite + startled. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I did indeed. And that is where we have to go to now.” + </p> + <p> + “With the single object of finding me?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes.” + </p> + <p> + The colour mounted to his face. “Then you are the bravest and + noblest of all girls,” he said quietly, after a pause. “Without + exception. Why, this is a journey for an athlete!” + </p> + <p> + She pressed his arm, while a score of unpaintable, delicate hues stained + her cheeks in rapid transition. “Please don’t say any more + about it, Maskull. It makes me feel unpleasant.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. But can we possibly get there before midday?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. And you mustn’t be frightened at the distance. We + think nothing of long distances here—we have so much to think about + and feel. Time goes all too quickly.” + </p> + <p> + During their conversation they had drawn near the base of the hills, which + sloped gently, and were not above fifty feet in height. Maskull now began + to see strange specimens of vegetable life. What looked like a small patch + of purple grass, above five feet square, was moving across the sand in + their direction. When it came near enough he perceived that it was not + grass; there were no blades, but only purple roots. The roots were + revolving, for each small plant in the whole patch, like the spokes of a + rimless wheel. They were alternately plunged in the sand, and withdrawn + from it, and by this means the plant proceeded forward. Some uncanny, + semi-intelligent instinct was keeping all the plants together, moving at + one pace, in one direction, like a flock of migrating birds in flight. + </p> + <p> + Another remarkable plant was a large, feathery ball, resembling a + dandelion fruit, which they encountered sailing through the air. Joiwind + caught it with an exceedingly graceful movement of her arm, and showed it + to Maskull. It had roots and presumably lived in the air and fed on the + chemical constituents of the atmosphere. But what was peculiar about it + was its colour. It was an entirely new colour—not a new shade or + combination, but a new primary colour, as vivid as blue, red, or yellow, + but quite different. When he inquired, she told him that it was known as + “ulfire.” Presently he met with a second new colour. This she + designated “jale.” The sense impressions caused in Maskull by + these two additional primary colors can only be vaguely hinted at by + analogy. Just as blue is delicate and mysterious, yellow clear and + unsubtle, and red sanguine and passionate, so he felt ulfire to be wild + and painful, and jale dreamlike, feverish, and voluptuous. + </p> + <p> + The hills were composed of a rich, dark mould. Small trees, of weird + shapes, all differing from each other, but all purple-coloured, covered + the slopes and top. Maskull and Joiwind climbed up and through. Some hard + fruit, bright blue in colour, of the size of a large apple, and shaped + like an egg, was lying in profusion underneath the trees. + </p> + <p> + “Is the fruit here poisonous, or why don’t you eat it?” + asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + She looked at him tranquilly. “We don’t eat living things. The + thought is horrible to us.” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to say against that, theoretically. But do you + really sustain your bodies on water?” + </p> + <p> + “Supposing you could find nothing else to live on, Maskull—would + you eat other men?” + </p> + <p> + “I would not.” + </p> + <p> + “Neither will we eat plants and animals, which are our fellow + creatures. So nothing is left to us but water, and as one can really live + on anything, water does very well.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull picked up one of the fruits and handled it curiously. As he did so + another of his newly acquired sense organs came into action. He found that + the fleshy knobs beneath his ears were in some novel fashion acquainting + him with the inward properties of the fruit. He could not only see, feel, + and smell it, but could detect its intrinsic nature. This nature was hard, + persistent and melancholy. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind answered the questions he had not asked. + </p> + <p> + “Those organs are called ‘poigns.’ Their use is to + enable us to understand and sympathise with all living creatures.” + </p> + <p> + “What advantage do you derive from that, Joiwind?” + </p> + <p> + “The advantage of not being cruel and selfish, dear Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + He threw the fruit away and flushed again. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind looked into his swarthy, bearded face without embarrassment and + slowly smiled. “Have I said too much? Have I been too familiar? Do + you know why you think so? It’s because you are still impure. By and + by you will listen to all language without shame.” + </p> + <p> + Before he realised what she was about to do, she threw her tentacle round + his neck, like another arm. He offered no resistance to its cool pressure. + The contact of her soft flesh with his own was so moist and sensitive that + it resembled another kind of kiss. He saw who it was that embraced him—a + pale, beautiful girl. Yet, oddly enough, he experienced neither + voluptuousness nor sexual pride. The love expressed by the caress was + rich, glowing, and personal, but there was not the least trace of sex in + it—and so he received it. + </p> + <p> + She removed her tentacle, placed her two arms on his shoulders and + penetrated with her eyes right into his very soul. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I wish to be pure,” he muttered. “Without that + what can I ever be but a weak, squirming devil?” + </p> + <p> + Joiwind released him. “This we call the ‘magn,’” + she said, indicating her tentacle. “By means of it what we love + already we love more, and what we don’t love at all we begin to + love.” + </p> + <p> + “A godlike organ!” + </p> + <p> + “It is the one we guard most jealously,” said Joiwind. + </p> + <p> + The shade of the trees afforded a timely screen from the now almost + insufferable rays of Branchspell, which was climbing steadily upward to + the zenith. On descending the other side of the little hills, Maskull + looked anxiously for traces of Nightspore and Krag, but without result. + After staring about him for a few minutes he shrugged his shoulders; but + suspicions had already begun to gather in his mind. + </p> + <p> + A small, natural amphitheatre lay at their feet, completely circled by the + tree-clad heights. The centre was of red sand. In the very middle shot up + a tall, stately tree, with a black trunk and branches, and transparent, + crystal leaves. At the foot of this tree was a natural, circular well, + containing dark green water. + </p> + <p> + When they had reached the bottom, Joiwind took him straight over to the + well. + </p> + <p> + Maskull gazed at it intently. “Is this the shrine you talked about?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. It is called Shaping’s Well. The man or woman who wishes + to invoke Shaping must take up some of the gnawl water, and drink it.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray for me,” said Maskull. “Your unspotted prayer will + carry more weight.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you wish for?” + </p> + <p> + “For purity,” answered Maskull, in a troubled voice. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind made a cup of her hand, and drank a little of the water. She held + it up to Maskull’s mouth. “You must drink too.” He + obeyed. She then stood erect, closed her eyes, and, in a voice like the + soft murmurings of spring, prayed aloud. + </p> + <p> + “Shaping, my father, I am hoping you can hear me. A strange man has + come to us weighed down with heavy blood. He wishes to be pure. Let him + know the meaning of love, let him live for others. Don’t spare him + pain, dear Shaping, but let him seek his own pain. Breathe into him a + noble soul.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull listened with tears in his heart. + </p> + <p> + As Joiwind finished speaking, a blurred mist came over his eyes, and, half + buried in the scarlet sand, appeared a large circle of dazzlingly white + pillars. For some minutes they flickered to and fro between distinctness + and indistinctness, like an object being focused. Then they faded out of + sight again. + </p> + <p> + “Is that a sign from Shaping?” asked Maskull, in a low, awed + tone. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it is. It is a time mirage.” + </p> + <p> + “What can that be, Joiwind?” + </p> + <p> + “You see, dear Maskull, the temple does not yet exist but it will do + so, because it must. What you and I are now doing in simplicity, wise men + will do hereafter in full knowledge.” + </p> + <p> + “It is right for man to pray,” said Maskull. “Good and + evil in the world don’t originate from nothing. God and Devil must + exist. And we should pray to the one, and fight the other.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we must fight Krag.” + </p> + <p> + “What name did you say?” asked Maskull in amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Krag—the author of evil and misery—whom you call Devil.” + </p> + <p> + He immediately concealed his thoughts. To prevent Joiwind from learning + his relationship to this being, he made his mind a blank. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you hide your mind from me?” she demanded, looking at + him strangely and changing colour. + </p> + <p> + “In this bright, pure, radiant world, evil seems so remote, one can + scarcely grasp its meaning.” But he lied. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind continued gazing at him, straight out of her clean soul. “The + world is good and pure, but many men are corrupt. Panawe, my husband, has + travelled, and he has told me things I would almost rather have not heard. + One person he met believed the universe to be, from top to bottom, a + conjurer’s cave.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to meet your husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we are going home now.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull was on the point of inquiring whether she had any children, but + was afraid of offending her, and checked himself. + </p> + <p> + She read the mental question. “What need is there? Is not the whole + world full of lovely children? Why should I want selfish possessions?” + </p> + <p> + An extraordinary creature flew past, uttering a plaintive cry of five + distinct notes. It was not a bird, but had a balloon-shaped body, paddled + by five webbed feet. It disappeared among the trees. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind pointed to it, as it went by. “I love that beast, grotesque + as it is—perhaps all the more for its grotesqueness. But if I had + children of my own, would I still love it? Which is best—to love two + or three, or to love all?” + </p> + <p> + “Every woman can’t be like you, Joiwind, but it is good to + have a few like you. Wouldn’t it be as well,” he went on, + “since we’ve got to walk through that sun-baked wilderness, to + make turbans for our heads out of some of those long leaves?” + </p> + <p> + She smiled rather pathetically. “You will think me foolish, but + every tearing off of a leaf would be a wound in my heart. We have only to + throw our robes over our heads.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt that will answer the same purpose, but tell me—weren’t + these very robes once part of a living creature?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no—no, they are the webs of a certain animal, but they + have never been in themselves alive.” + </p> + <p> + “You reduce life to extreme simplicity,” remarked Maskull + meditatively, “but it is very beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + Climbing back over the hills, they now without further ceremony began + their march across the desert. + </p> + <p> + They walked side by side. Joiwind directed their course straight toward + Poolingdred. From the position of the sun, Maskull judged their way to lie + due north. The sand was soft and powdery, very tiring to his naked feet. + The red glare dazed his eyes, and made him semi-blind. He was hot, + parched, and tormented with the craving to drink; his undertone of pain + emerged into full consciousness. + </p> + <p> + “I see my friends nowhere, and it is very queer.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is queer—if it is accidental,” said Joiwind, + with a peculiar intonation. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly!” agreed Maskull. “If they had met with a + mishap, their bodies would still be there. It begins to look like a piece + of bad work to me. They must have gone on, and left me.... Well, I am + here, and I must make the best of it. I will trouble no more about them.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t wish to speak ill of anyone,” said Joiwind, + “but my instinct tells me that you are better away from those men. + They did not come here for your sake, but for their own.” + </p> + <p> + They walked on for a long time. Maskull was beginning to feel faint. She + twined her magn lovingly around his waist, and a strong current of + confidence and well-being instantly coursed through his veins. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, Joiwind! But am I not weakening <i>you</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she replied, with a quick, thrilling glance. “But + not much—and it gives me great happiness.” + </p> + <p> + Presently they met a fantastic little creature, the size of a new-born + lamb, waltzing along on three legs. Each leg in turn moved to the front, + and so the little monstrosity proceeded by means of a series of complete + rotations. It was vividly coloured, as though it had been dipped into pots + of bright blue and yellow paint. It looked up with small, shining eyes, as + they passed. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind nodded and smiled to it. “That’s a personal friend of + mine, Maskull. Whenever I come this way, I see it. It’s always + waltzing, and always in a hurry, but it never seems to get anywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me that life is so self-sufficient here that there is + no need for anyone to get anywhere. What I don’t quite understand is + how you manage to pass your days without ennui.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a strange word. It means, does it not, craving for + excitement?” + </p> + <p> + “Something of the kind,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “That must be a disease brought on by rich food.” + </p> + <p> + “But are you never dull?” + </p> + <p> + “How could we be? Our blood is quick and light and free, our flesh + is clean and unclogged, inside and out.... Before long I hope you will + understand what sort of question you have asked.” + </p> + <p> + Farther on they encountered a strange phenomenon. In the heart of the + desert a fountain rose perpendicularly fifty feet into the air, with a + cool and pleasant hissing sound. It differed, however, from a fountain in + this respect—that the water of which it was composed did not return + to the ground but was absorbed by the atmosphere at the summit. It was in + fact a tall, graceful column of dark green fluid, with a capital of + coiling and twisting vapours. + </p> + <p> + When they came closer, Maskull perceived that this water column was the + continuation and termination of a flowing brook, which came down from the + direction of the mountains. The explanation of the phenomenon was + evidently that the water at this spot found chemical affinities in the + upper air, and consequently forsook the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Now let us drink,” said Joiwind. + </p> + <p> + She threw herself unaffectedly at full length on the sand, face downward, + by the side of the brook, and Maskull was not long in following her + example. She refused to quench her thirst until she had seen him drink. He + found the water heavy, but bubbling with gas. He drank copiously. It + affected his palate in a new way—with the purity and cleanness of + water was combined the exhilaration of a sparkling wine, raising his + spirits—but somehow the intoxication brought out his better nature, + and not his lower. + </p> + <p> + “We call it ‘gnawl water’,” said Joiwind. “This + is not quite pure, as you can see by the colour. At Poolingdred it is + crystal clear. But we would be ungrateful if we complained. After this you’ll + find we’ll get along much better.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull now began to realise his environment, as it were for the first + time. All his sense organs started to show him beauties and wonders that + he had not hitherto suspected. The uniform glaring scarlet of the sands + became separated into a score of clearly distinguished shades of red. The + sky was similarly split up into different blues. The radiant heat of + Branchspell he found to affect every part of his body with unequal + intensities. His ears awakened; the atmosphere was full of murmurs, the + sands hummed, even the sun’s rays had a sound of their own—a + kind of faint Aeolian harp. Subtle, puzzling perfumes assailed his + nostrils. His palate lingered over the memory of the gnawl water. All the + pores of his skin were tickled and soothed by hitherto unperceived + currents of air. His poigns explored actively the inward nature of + everything in his immediate vicinity. His magn touched Joiwind, and drew + from her person a stream of love and joy. And lastly by means of his breve + he exchanged thoughts with her in silence. This mighty sense symphony + stirred him to the depths, and throughout the walk of that endless morning + he felt no more fatigue. + </p> + <p> + When it was drawing near to Blodsombre, they approached the sedgy margin + of a dark green lake, which lay underneath Poolingdred. + </p> + <p> + Panawe was sitting on a dark rock, waiting for them. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 7. PANAWE + </h2> + <p> + The husband got up to meet his wife and their guest. He was clothed in + white. He had a beardless face, with breve and poigns. His skin, on face + and body alike, was so white, fresh, and soft, that it scarcely looked + skin at all—it rather resembled a new kind of pure, snowy flesh, + extending right down to his bones. It had nothing in common with the + artificially whitened skin of an over-civilised woman. Its whiteness and + delicacy aroused no voluptuous thoughts; it was obviously the + manifestation of a cold and almost cruel chastity of nature. His hair, + which fell to the nape of his neck, also was white; but again, from + vigour, not decay. His eyes were black, quiet and fathomless. He was still + a young man, but so stern were his features that he had the appearance of + a lawgiver, and this in spite of their great beauty and harmony. + </p> + <p> + His magn and Joiwind’s intertwined for a single moment and Maskull + saw his face soften with love, while she looked exultant. She put him in + her husband’s arms with gentle force, and stood back, gazing and + smiling. Maskull felt rather embarrassed at being embraced by a man, but + submitted to it; a sense of cool, pleasant languor passed through him in + the act. + </p> + <p> + “The stranger is red-blooded, then?” + </p> + <p> + He was startled by Panawe’s speaking in English, and the voice too + was extraordinary. It was absolutely tranquil, but its tranquillity seemed + in a curious fashion to be an illusion, proceeding from a rapidity of + thoughts and feelings so great that their motion could not be detected. + How this could be, he did not know. + </p> + <p> + “How do you come to speak in a tongue you have never heard before?” + demanded Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Thought is a rich, complex thing. I can’t say if I am really + speaking your tongue by instinct, or if you yourself are translating my + thoughts into your tongue as I utter them.” + </p> + <p> + “Already you see that Panawe is wiser than I am,” said Joiwind + gaily. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” asked the husband. + </p> + <p> + “Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “That name must have a meaning—but again, thought is a strange + thing. I connect that name with something—but with what?” + </p> + <p> + “Try to discover,” said Joiwind. + </p> + <p> + “Has there been a man in your world who stole something from the + Maker of the universe, in order to ennoble his fellow creatures?” + </p> + <p> + “There is such a myth. The hero’s name was Prometheus.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you seem to be identified in my mind with that action—but + what it all means I can’t say, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “Accept it as a good omen, for Panawe never lies, and never speaks + thoughtlessly.” + </p> + <p> + “There must be some confusion. These are heights beyond me,” + said Maskull calmly, but looking rather contemplative. + </p> + <p> + “Where do you come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From the planet of a distant sun, called Earth.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “I was tired of vulgarity,” returned Maskull laconically. He + intentionally avoided mentioning his fellow voyagers, in order that Krag’s + name should not come to light. + </p> + <p> + “That’s an honourable motive,” said Panawe. “And + what’s more, it may be true, though you spoke it as a prevarication.” + </p> + <p> + “As far as it goes, it’s quite true,” said Maskull, + staring at him with annoyance and surprise. + </p> + <p> + The swampy lake extended for about half a mile from where they were + standing to the lower buttresses of the mountain. Feathery purple reeds + showed themselves here and there through the shallows. The water was dark + green. Maskull did not see how they were going to cross it. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind caught his arm. “Perhaps you don’t know that the lake + will bear us?” + </p> + <p> + Panawe walked onto the water; it was so heavy that it carried his weight. + Joiwind followed with Maskull. He instantly started to slip about—nevertheless + the motion was amusing, and he learned so fast, by watching and imitating + Panawe, that he was soon able to balance himself without assistance. After + that he found the sport excellent. + </p> + <p> + For the same reason that women excel in dancing, Joiwind’s half + falls and recoveries were far more graceful and sure than those of either + of the men. Her slight, draped form—dipping, bending, rising, + swaying, twisting, upon the surface of the dark water—this was a + picture Maskull could not keep his eyes away from. + </p> + <p> + The lake grew deeper. The gnawl water became green-black. The crags, + gullies, and precipices of the shore could now be distinguished in detail. + A waterfall was visible, descending several hundred feet. The surface of + the lake grew disturbed—so much so that Maskull had difficulty in + keeping his balance. He therefore threw himself down and started swimming + on the face of the water. Joiwind turned her head, and laughed so joyously + that all her teeth flashed in the sunlight. + </p> + <p> + They landed in a few more minutes on a promontory of black rock. The water + on Maskull’s garment and body evaporated very quickly. He gazed + upward at the towering mountain, but at that moment some strange movements + on the part of Panawe attracted his attention. His face was working + convulsively, and he began to stagger about. Then he put his hand to his + mouth and took from it what looked like a bright-coloured pebble. He + looked at it carefully for some seconds. Joiwind also looked, over his + shoulder, with quickly changing colors. After this inspection, Panawe let + the object—whatever it was—fall to the ground, and took no + more interest in it. + </p> + <p> + “May I look?” asked Maskull; and, without waiting for + permission, he picked it up. It was a delicately beautiful egg-shaped + crystal of pale green. + </p> + <p> + “Where did this come from?” he asked queerly. + </p> + <p> + Panawe turned away, but Joiwind answered for him. “It came out of my + husband.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s what I thought, but I couldn’t believe it. But + what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know that it has either name or use. It is merely an + overflowing of beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “Beauty?” + </p> + <p> + Joiwind smiled. “If you were to regard nature as the husband, and + Panawe as the wife, Maskull, perhaps everything would be explained.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull reflected. + </p> + <p> + “On Earth,” he said after a minute, “men like Panawe are + called artists, poets, and musicians. Beauty overflows into them too, and + out of them again. The only distinction is that <i>their</i> productions + are more human and intelligible.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing comes from it but vanity,” said Panawe, and, taking + the crystal out of Maskull’s hand, he threw it into the lake. + </p> + <p> + The precipice they now had to climb was several hundred feet in height. + Maskull was more anxious for Joiwind than for himself. She was evidently + tiring, but she refused all help, and was in fact still the nimbler of the + two. She made a mocking face at him. Panawe seemed lost in quiet thoughts. + The rock was sound, and did not crumble under their weight. The heat of + Branchspell, however, was by this time almost killing, the radiance was + shocking in its white intensity, and Maskull’s pain steadily grew + worse. + </p> + <p> + When they got to the top, a plateau of dark rock appeared, bare of + vegetation, stretching in both directions as far as the eye could see. It + was of a nearly uniform width of five hundred yards, from the edge of the + cliffs to the lower slopes of the chain of hills inland. The hills varied + in height. The cup-shaped Poolingdred was approximately a thousand feet + above them. The upper part of it was covered with a kind of glittering + vegetation which he could not comprehend. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind put her hand on Maskull’s shoulder, and pointed upward. + “Here you have the highest peak in the whole land—that is, + until you come to the Ifdawn Marest.” + </p> + <p> + On hearing that strange name, he experienced a momentary unaccountable + sensation of wild vigour and restlessness—but it passed away. + </p> + <p> + Without losing time, Panawe led the way up the mountainside. The lower + half was of bare rock, not difficult to climb. Halfway up, however, it + grew steeper, and they began to meet bushes and small trees. The growth + became thicker as they continued to ascend, and when they neared the + summit, tall forest trees appeared. + </p> + <p> + These bushes and trees had pale, glassy trunks and branches, but the small + twigs and the leaves were translucent and crystal. They cast no shadows + from above, but still the shade was cool. Both leaves and branches were + fantastically shaped. What surprised Maskull the most, however, was the + fact that, as far as he could see, scarcely any two plants belonged to the + same species. + </p> + <p> + “Won’t you help Maskull out of his difficulty?” said + Joiwind, pulling her husband’s arm. + </p> + <p> + He smiled. “If he’ll forgive me for again trespassing in his + brain. But the difficulty is small. Life on a new planet, Maskull, is + necessarily energetic and lawless, and not sedate and imitative. Nature is + still fluid—not yet rigid—and matter is plastic. The will + forks and sports incessantly, and thus no two creatures are alike.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I understand all that,” replied Maskull, after + listening attentively. “But what I don’t grasp is this—if + living creatures here sport so energetically, how does it come about that + human beings wear much the same shape as in my world?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll explain that too,” said Panawe. “All + creatures that resemble Shaping must of necessity resemble one another.” + </p> + <p> + “Then sporting is the blind will to become like Shaping?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly.” + </p> + <p> + “It is most wonderful,” said Maskull. “Then the + brotherhood of man is not a fable invented by idealists, but a solid fact.” + </p> + <p> + Joiwind looked at him, and changed colour. Panawe relapsed into sternness. + </p> + <p> + Maskull became interested in a new phenomenon. The jale-coloured blossoms + of a crystal bush were emitting mental waves, which with his breve he + could clearly distinguish. They cried out silently, “To me! To me!” + While he looked, a flying worm guided itself through the air to one of + these blossoms and began to suck its nectar. The floral cry immediately + ceased. + </p> + <p> + They now gained the crest of the mountain, and looked down beyond. A lake + occupied its crater-like cavity. A fringe of trees partly intercepted the + view, but Maskull was able to perceive that this mountain lake was nearly + circular and perhaps a quarter of a mile across. Its shore stood a hundred + feet below them. + </p> + <p> + Observing that his hosts did not propose to descend, he begged them to + wait for him, and scrambled down to the surface. When he got there, he + found the water perfectly motionless and of a colourless transparency. He + walked onto it, lay down at full length, and peered into the depths. It + was weirdly clear: he could see down for an indefinite distance, without + arriving at any bottom. Some dark, shadowy objects, almost out of reach of + his eyes, were moving about. Then a sound, very faint and mysterious, + seemed to come up through the gnawl water from an immense depth. It was + like the rhythm of a drum. There were four beats of equal length, but the + accent was on the third. It went on for a considerable time, and then + ceased. + </p> + <p> + The sound appeared to him to belong to a different world from that in + which he was travelling. The latter was mystical, dreamlike, and + unbelievable—the drumming was like a very dim undertone of reality. + It resembled the ticking of a clock in a room full of voices, only + occasionally possible to be picked up by the ear. + </p> + <p> + He rejoined Panawe and Joiwind, but said nothing to them about his + experience. They all walked round the rim of the crater, and gazed down on + the opposite side. Precipices similar to those that had overlooked the + desert here formed the boundary of a vast moorland plain, whose dimensions + could not be measured by the eye. It was solid land, yet he could not make + out its prevailing colour. It was as if made of transparent glass, but it + did not glitter in the sunlight. No objects in it could be distinguished, + except a rolling river in the far distance, and, farther off still, on the + horizon, a line of dark mountains, of strange shapes. Instead of being + rounded, conical, or hogbacked, these heights were carved by nature into + the semblance of castle battlements, but with extremely deep indentations. + </p> + <p> + The sky immediately above the mountains was of a vivid, intense blue. It + contrasted in a most marvellous way with the blue of the rest of the + heavens. It seemed more luminous and radiant, and was in fact like the + afterglow of a gorgeous <i>blue</i> sunset. + </p> + <p> + Maskull kept on looking. The more he gazed, the more restless and noble + became his feelings. + </p> + <p> + “What is that light?” + </p> + <p> + Panawe was sterner than usual, while his wife clung to his arm. “It + is Alppain—our second sun,” he replied. “Those hills are + the Ifdawn Marest.... Now let us get to our shelter.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it imagination, or am I really being affected—tormented by + that light?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it’s not imagination—it’s real. How can it be + otherwise when two suns, of different natures, are drawing you at the same + time? Luckily you are not looking at Alppain itself. It’s invisible + here. You would need to go at least as far as Ifdawn, to set eyes on it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you say ‘luckily’?” + </p> + <p> + “Because the agony caused by those opposing forces would perhaps be + more than you could bear.... But I don’t know.” + </p> + <p> + For the short distance that remained of their walk, Maskull was very + thoughtful and uneasy. He understood nothing. Whatever object his eye + chanced to rest on changed immediately into a puzzle. The silence and + stillness of the mountain peak seemed brooding, mysterious, and <i>waiting</i>. + Panawe gave him a friendly, anxious look, and without further delay led + the way down a little track, which traversed the side of the mountain and + terminated in the mouth of a cave. + </p> + <p> + This cave was the home of Panawe and Joiwind. It was dark inside. The host + took a shell and, filling it with liquid from a well, carelessly sprinkled + the sandy floor of the interior. A greenish, phosphorescent light + gradually spread to the furthest limits of the cavern, and continued to + illuminate it for the whole time they were there. There was no furniture. + Some dried, fernlike leaves served for couches. + </p> + <p> + The moment she got in, Joiwind fell down in exhaustion. Her husband tended + her with calm concern. He bathed her face, put drink to her lips, + energised her with his magn, and finally laid her down to sleep. At the + sight of the noble woman thus suffering on his account, Maskull was + distressed. + </p> + <p> + Panawe, however, endeavoured to reassure him. “It’s quite true + this has been a very long, hard double journey, but for the future it will + lighten all her other journeys for her.... Such is the nature of + sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t conceive how I have walked so far in a morning,” + said Maskull, “and she has been twice the distance.” + </p> + <p> + “Love flows in her veins, instead of blood, and that’s why she + is so strong.” + </p> + <p> + “You know she gave me some of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Otherwise you couldn’t even have started.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall never forget that.” + </p> + <p> + The languorous heat of the day outside, the bright mouth of the cavern, + the cool seclusion of the interior, with its pale green glow, invited + Maskull to sleep. But curiosity got the better of his lassitude. + </p> + <p> + “Will it disturb her if we talk?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “But how do you feel?” + </p> + <p> + “I require little sleep. In any case, it’s more important that + you should hear something about your new life. It’s not all as + innocent and idyllic as this. If you intend to go through, you ought to be + instructed about the dangers.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I guessed as much. But how shall we arrange—shall I put + questions, or will you tell me what you think is most essential?” + </p> + <p> + Panawe motioned to Maskull to sit down on a pile of ferns, and at the same + time reclined himself, leaning on one arm, with outstretched legs. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell some incidents of my life. You will begin to learn from + them what sort of place you have come to.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall be grateful,” said Maskull, preparing himself to + listen. + </p> + <p> + Panawe paused for a moment or two, and then started his narrative in + tranquil, measured, yet sympathetic tones. + </p> + <p> + PANAWE’S STORY + </p> + <p> + “My earliest recollection is of being taken, when three years old + (that’s equivalent to fifteen of your years, but we develop more + slowly here), by my father and mother, to see Broodviol, the wisest man in + Tormance. He dwelt in the great Wombflash Forest. We walked through trees + for three days, sleeping at night. The trees grew taller as we went along, + until the tops were out of sight. The trunks were of a dark red colour and + the leaves were of pale ulfire. My father kept stopping to think. If left + uninterrupted, he would remain for half a day in deep abstraction. My + mother came out of Poolingdred, and was of a different stamp. She was + beautiful, generous, and charming—but also active. She kept urging + him on. This led to many disputes between them, which made me miserable. + On the fourth day we passed through a part of the forest which bordered on + the Sinking Sea. This sea is full of pouches of water that will not bear a + man’s weight, and as these light parts don’t differ in + appearance from the rest, it is dangerous to cross. My father pointed out + a dim outline on the horizon, and told me it was Swaylone’s Island. + Men sometimes go there, but none ever return. In the evening of the same + day we found Broodviol standing in a deep, miry pit in the forest, + surrounded on all sides by trees three hundred feet high. He was a big + gnarled, rugged, wrinkled, sturdy old man. His age at that time was a + hundred and twenty of our years, or nearly six hundred of yours. His body + was trilateral: he had three legs, three arms, and six eyes, placed at + equal distances all around his head. This gave him an aspect of great + watchfulness and sagacity. He was standing in a sort of trance. I + afterward heard this saying of his: ‘To lie is to sleep, to sit is + to dream, to stand is to think.’ My father caught the infection, and + fell into meditation, but my mother roused them both thoroughly. Broodviol + scowled at her savagely, and demanded what she required. Then I too + learned for the first time the object of our journey. I was a prodigy—that + is to say, I was without sex. My parents were troubled over this, and + wished to consult the wisest of men. + </p> + <p> + “Old Broodviol smoothed his face, and said, ‘This perhaps will + not be so difficult. I will explain the marvel. Every man and woman among + us is a walking murderer. If a male, he has struggled with and killed the + female who was born in the same body with him—if a female, she has + killed the male. But in this child the struggle is still continuing.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘How shall we end it?’ asked my mother. + </p> + <p> + “‘Let the child direct its will to the scene of the combat, + and it will be of whichever sex it pleases.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘You want, of course, to be a man, don’t you?’ + said my mother to me earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “‘Then I shall be slaying your daughter, and that would be a + crime.’ + </p> + <p> + “Something in my tone attracted Broodviol’s notice. + </p> + <p> + “‘That was spoken, not selfishly, but magnanimously. Therefore + the male must have spoken it, and you need not trouble further. Before you + arrive home, the child will be a boy.’ + </p> + <p> + “My father walked away out of sight. My mother bent very low before + Broodviol for about ten minutes, and he remained all that time looking + kindly at her. + </p> + <p> + “I heard that shortly afterward Alppain came into that land for a + few hours daily. Broodviol grew melancholy, and died. + </p> + <p> + “His prophecy came true—before we reached home, I knew the + meaning of shame. But I have often pondered over his words since, in later + years, when trying to understand my own nature; and I have come to the + conclusion that, wisest of men as he was, he still did not see quite + straight on this occasion. Between me and my twin sister, enclosed in one + body, there never was any struggle, but instinctive reverence for life + withheld both of us from fighting for existence. Hers was the stronger + temperament, and she sacrificed herself—though not consciously—for + me. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as I comprehended this, I made a vow never to eat or + destroy anything that contained life—and I have kept it ever since. + </p> + <p> + “While I was still hardly a grown man, my father died. My mother’s + death followed immediately, and I hated the associations of the land. I + therefore made up my mind to travel into my mother’s country, where, + as she had often told me, nature was most sacred and solitary. + </p> + <p> + “One hot morning I came to Shaping’s Causeway. It is so called + either because Shaping once crossed it, or because of its stupendous + character. It is a natural embankment, twenty miles long, which links the + mountains bordering my homeland with the Ifdawn Marest. The valley lies + below at a depth varying from eight to ten thousand feet—a terrible + precipice on either side. The knife edge of the ridge is generally not + much over a foot wide. The causeway goes due north and south. The valley + on my right hand was plunged in shadow—that on my left was sparkling + with sunlight and dew. I walked fearfully along this precarious path for + some miles. Far to the east the valley was closed by a lofty tableland, + connecting the two chains of mountains, but overtopping even the most + towering pinnacles. This is called the Sant Levels. I was never there, but + I have heard two curious facts concerning the inhabitants. The first is + that they have no women; the second, that though they are addicted to + travelling in other parts they never acquire habits of the peoples with + whom they reside. + </p> + <p> + “Presently I turned giddy, and lay at full length for a great while, + clutching the two edges of the path with both hands, and staring at the + ground I was lying on with wide-open eyes. When that passed I felt like a + different man and grew conceited and gay. About halfway across I saw + someone approaching me a long way off. This put fear into my heart again, + for I did not see how we could very well pass. However, I went slowly on, + and presently we drew near enough together for me to recognise the walker. + It was Slofork, the so-called sorcerer. I had never met him before, but I + knew him by his peculiarities of person. He was of a bright gamboge colour + and possessed a very long, proboscis-like nose, which appeared to be a + useful organ, but did not add to his beauty, as I knew beauty. He was + dubbed ‘sorcerer’ from his wondrous skill in budding limbs and + organs. The tale is told that one evening he slowly sawed his leg off with + a blunt stone and then lay for two days in agony while his new leg was + sprouting. He was not reputed to be a consistently wise man, but he had + periodical flashes of penetration and audacity that none could equal. + </p> + <p> + “We sat down and faced one another, about two yards apart. + </p> + <p> + “‘Which of us walks over the other?’ asked Slofork. His + manner was as calm as the day itself, but, to my young nature, terrible + with hidden terrors. I smiled at him, but did not wish for this + humiliation. We continued sitting thus, in a friendly way, for many + minutes. + </p> + <p> + “‘What is greater than Pleasure?’ he asked suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “I was at an age when one wishes to be thought equal to any + emergency, so, concealing my surprise, I applied myself to the + conversation, as if it were for that purpose we had met. + </p> + <p> + “‘Pain,’ I replied, ‘for pain drives out pleasure.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘What is greater than Pain?’ + </p> + <p> + “I reflected. ‘Love. Because we will accept our loved one’s + share of pain.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘But what is greater than Love?’ he persisted. + </p> + <p> + “‘Nothing, Slofork.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And what is Nothing?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘That you must tell me.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Tell you I will. This is Shaping’s world. He that is a + good child here, knows pleasure, pain, and love, and gets his rewards. But + there’s another world—not Shaping’s—and there all + this is unknown, and another order of things reigns. That world we call + Nothing—but it is not Nothing, but Something.’ + </p> + <p> + “There was a pause. + </p> + <p> + “‘I have heard,’ said I, ‘that you are good at + growing and ungrowing organs?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘That’s not enough for me. Every organ tells me the + same story. I want to hear different stories.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Is it true, what men say, that your wisdom flows and ebbs in + pulses?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Quite true,’ replied Slofork. ‘But those you had + it from did not add that they have always mistaken the flow for the ebb.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘My experience is,’ said I sententiously, ‘that + wisdom is misery.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Perhaps it is, young man, but you have never learned that, + and never will. For you the world will continue to wear a noble, awful + face. You will never rise above mysticism.... But be happy in your own + way.’ + </p> + <p> + “Before I realised what he was doing, he jumped tranquilly from the + path, down into the empty void. He crashed with ever-increasing momentum + toward the valley below. I screeched, flung myself down on the ground, and + shut my eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Often have I wondered which of my ill-considered, juvenile remarks + it was that caused this sudden resolution on his part to commit suicide. + Whichever it might be, since then I have made it a rigid law never to + speak for my own pleasure, but only to help others. + </p> + <p> + “I came eventually to the Marest. I threaded its mazes in terror for + four days. I was frightened of death, but still more terrified at the + possibility of losing my sacred attitude toward life. When I was nearly + through, and was beginning to congratulate myself, I stumbled across the + third extraordinary personage of my experience—the grim Muremaker. + It was under horrible circumstances. On an afternoon, cloudy and stormy, I + saw, suspended in the air without visible support, a living man. He was + hanging in an upright position in front of a cliff—a yawning gulf, a + thousand feet deep, lay beneath his feet. I climbed as near as I could, + and looked on. He saw me, and made a wry grimace, like one who wishes to + turn his humiliation into humour. The spectacle so astounded me that I + could not even grasp what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “‘I am Muremaker,’ he cried in a scraping voice which + shocked my ears. ‘All my life I have sorbed others—now I am + sorbed. Nuclamp and I fell out over a woman. Now Nuclamp holds me up like + this. While the strength of his will lasts I shall remain suspended; but + when he gets tired—and it can’t be long now—I drop into + those depths.’ + </p> + <p> + “Had it been another man, I would have tried to save him, but this + ogre-like being was too well known to me as one who passed his whole + existence in tormenting, murdering, and absorbing others, for the sake of + his own delight. I hurried away, and did not pause again that day. + </p> + <p> + “In Poolingdred I met Joiwind. We walked and talked together for a + month, and by that time we found that we loved each other too well to + part.” + </p> + <p> + Panawe stopped speaking. + </p> + <p> + “That is a fascinating story,” remarked Maskull. “Now I + begin to know my way around better. But one thing puzzles me.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s that?” + </p> + <p> + “How it happens that men here are ignorant of tools and arts, and + have no civilisation, and yet contrive to be social in their habits and + wise in their thoughts.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you imagine, then, that love and wisdom spring from tools? But I + see how it arises. In your world you have fewer sense organs, and to make + up for the deficiency you have been obliged to call in the assistance of + stones and metals. That’s by no means a sign of superiority.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I suppose not,” said Maskull, “but I see I have a + great deal to unlearn.” + </p> + <p> + They talked together a little longer, and then gradually fell asleep. + Joiwind opened her eyes, smiled, and slumbered again. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 8. THE LUSION PLAIN + </h2> + <p> + Maskull awoke before the others. He got up, stretched himself, and walked + out into the sunlight. Branchspell was already declining. He climbed to + the top of the crater edge and looked away toward Ifdawn. The afterglow of + Alppain had by now completely disappeared. The mountains stood up wild and + grand. + </p> + <p> + They impressed him like a simple musical theme, the notes of which are + widely separated in the scale; a spirit of rashness, daring, and adventure + seemed to call to him from them. It was at that moment that the + determination flashed into his heart to walk to the Marest and explore its + dangers. + </p> + <p> + He returned to the cavern to say good-by to his hosts. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind looked at him with her brave and honest eyes. “Is this + selfishness, Maskull?” she asked, “or are you drawn by + something stronger than yourself?” + </p> + <p> + “We must be reasonable,” he answered, smiling. “I can’t + settle down in Poolingdred before I have found out something about this + surprising new planet of yours. Remember what a long way I have come.... + But very likely I shall come back here.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you make me a promise?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull hesitated. “Ask nothing difficult, for I hardly know my + powers yet.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not hard, and I wish it. Promise this—never to raise + your hand against a living creature, either to strike, pluck, or eat, + without first recollecting its mother, who suffered for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I won’t promise that,” said Maskull slowly, + “but I’ll undertake something more tangible. I will never lift + my hand against a living creature without first recollecting you, Joiwind.” + </p> + <p> + She turned a little pale. “Now if Panawe knew that Panawe existed, + he might be jealous.” + </p> + <p> + Panawe put his hand on her gently. “You would not talk like that in + Shaping’s presence,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “No. Forgive me! I’m not quite myself. Perhaps it is Maskull’s + blood in my veins.... Now let us bid him adieu. Let us pray that he will + do only honourable deeds, wherever he may be.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll set Maskull on his way,” said Panawe. + </p> + <p> + “There’s no need,” replied Maskull. “The way is + plain.” + </p> + <p> + “But talking shortens the road.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull turned to go. + </p> + <p> + Joiwind pulled him around toward her softly. “You won’t think + badly of other women on my account?” + </p> + <p> + “You are a blessed spirit,” answered he. + </p> + <p> + She trod quietly to the inner extremity of the cave and stood there + thinking. Panawe and Maskull emerged into the open air. Halfway down the + cliff face a little spring was encountered. Its water was colourless, + transparent, but gaseous. As soon as Maskull had satisfied his thirst he + felt himself different. His surroundings were so real to him in their + vividness and colour, so unreal in their phantom-like mystery, that he + scrambled downhill like one in a winter’s dream. + </p> + <p> + When they reached the plain he saw in front of them an interminable forest + of tall trees, the shapes of which were extraordinarily foreign looking. + The leaves were crystalline and, looking upward, it was as if he were + gazing through a roof of glass. The moment they got underneath the trees + the light rays of the sun continued to come through—white, savage, + and blazing—but they were gelded of heat. Then it was not hard to + imagine that they were wandering through cool, bright elfin glades. + </p> + <p> + Through the forest, beginning at their very feet an avenue, perfectly + straight and not very wide, went forward as far as the eye could see. + </p> + <p> + Maskull wanted to talk to his travelling companion, but was somehow unable + to find words. Panawe glanced at him with an inscrutable smile—stern, + yet enchanting and half feminine. He then broke the silence, but, + strangely enough, Maskull could not make out whether he was singing or + speaking. From his lips issued a slow musical recitative, exactly like a + bewitching adagio from a low toned stringed instrument—but there was + a difference. Instead of the repetition and variation of one or two short + themes, as in music, Panawe’s theme was prolonged—it never + came to an end, but rather resembled a conversation in rhythm and melody. + And, at the same time, it was no recitative, for it was not declamatory. + It was a long, quiet stream of lovely emotion. + </p> + <p> + Maskull listened entranced, yet agitated. The song, if it might be termed + song, seemed to be always just on the point of becoming clear and + intelligible—not with the intelligibility of words, but in the way + one sympathises with another’s moods and feelings; and Maskull felt + that something important was about to be uttered, which would explain all + that had gone before. But it was invariably postponed, he never understood—and + yet somehow he did understand. + </p> + <p> + Late in the afternoon they came to a clearing, and there Panawe ceased his + recitative. He slowed his pace and stopped, in the fashion of a man who + wishes to convey that he intends to go no farther. + </p> + <p> + “What is the name of this country?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “It is the Lusion Plain.” + </p> + <p> + “Was that music in the nature of a temptation—do you wish me + not to go on?” + </p> + <p> + “Your work lies before you, and not behind you.” + </p> + <p> + “What was it, then? What work do you allude to?” + </p> + <p> + “It must have seemed like something to you, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “It seemed like Shaping music to me.” + </p> + <p> + The instant he had absently uttered these words, Maskull wondered why he + had done so, as they now appeared meaningless to him. + </p> + <p> + Panawe, however, showed no surprise. “Shaping you will find + everywhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I dreaming, or awake?” + </p> + <p> + “You are awake.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull fell into deep thought. “So be it,” he said, rousing + himself. “Now I will go on. But where must I sleep tonight?” + </p> + <p> + “You will reach a broad river. On that you can travel to the foot of + the Marest tomorrow; but tonight you had better sleep where the forest and + river meet.” + </p> + <p> + “Adieu, then, Panawe! But do you wish to say anything more to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Only this, Maskull—wherever you go, help to make the world + beautiful, and not ugly.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s more than any of us can undertake. I am a simple man, + and have no ambitions in the way of beautifying life—But tell + Joiwind I will try to keep myself pure.” + </p> + <p> + They parted rather coldly. Maskull stood erect where they had stopped, and + watched Panawe out of sight. He sighed more than once. + </p> + <p> + He became aware that something was about to happen. The air was + breathless. The late-afternoon sunshine, unobstructed, wrapped his frame + in voluptuous heat. A solitary cloud, immensely high, raced through the + sky overhead. + </p> + <p> + A single trumpet note sounded in the far distance from somewhere behind + him. It gave him an impression of being several miles away at first; but + then it slowly swelled, and came nearer and nearer at the same time that + it increased in volume. Still the same note sounded, but now it was as if + blown by a giant trumpeter immediately over his head. Then it gradually + diminished in force, and travelled away in front of him. It ended very + faintly and distantly. + </p> + <p> + He felt himself alone with Nature. A sacred stillness came over his heart. + Past and future were forgotten. The forest, the sun, the day did not exist + for him. He was unconscious of himself—he had no thoughts and no + feelings. Yet never had Life had such an altitude for him. + </p> + <p> + A man stood, with crossed arms, right in his path. He was so clothed that + his limbs were exposed, while his body was covered. He was young rather + than old. Maskull observed that his countenance possessed none of the + special organs of Tormance, to which he had not even yet become + reconciled. He was smooth-faced. His whole person seemed to radiate an + excess of life, like the trembling of air on a hot day. His eyes had such + force that Maskull could not meet them. + </p> + <p> + He addressed Maskull by name, in an extraordinary voice. It had a double + tone. The primary one sounded far away; the second was an undertone, like + a sympathetic tanging string. + </p> + <p> + Maskull felt a rising joy, as he continued standing in the presence of + this individual. He believed that something good was happening to him. He + found it physically difficult to bring any words out. “Why do you + stop me?” + </p> + <p> + “Maskull, look well at me. Who am I?” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are Shaping.” + </p> + <p> + “I am Surtur.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull again attempted to meet his eyes, but felt as if he were being + stabbed. + </p> + <p> + “You know that this is my world. Why do you think I have brought you + here? I wish you to serve me.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull could no longer speak. + </p> + <p> + “Those who joke at my world,” continued the vision, “those + who make a mock of its stern, eternal rhythm, its beauty and sublimity, + which are not skin-deep, but proceed from fathomless roots—they + shall not escape.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not mock it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask me your questions, and I will answer them.” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “It is necessary for you to serve me, Maskull. Do you not + understand? You are my servant and helper.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not fail.” + </p> + <p> + “This is for my sake, and not for yours.” + </p> + <p> + These last words had no sooner left Surtur’s mouth than Maskull saw + him spring suddenly upward and outward. Looking up at the vault of the + sky, he saw the whole expanse of vision filled by Surtur’s form—not + as a concrete man, but as a vast, concave cloud image, looking down and + frowning at him. Then the spectacle vanished, as a light goes out. + </p> + <p> + Maskull stood inactive, with a thumping heart. Now he again heard the + solitary trumpet note. The sound began this time faintly in the far + distance in front of him, travelled slowly toward him with regularly + increasing intensity, passed overhead at its loudest, and then grew more + and more quiet, wonderful, and solemn, as it fell away in the rear, until + the note was merged in the deathlike silence of the forest. It appeared to + Maskull like the closing of a marvellous and important chapter. + </p> + <p> + Simultaneously with the fading away of the sound, the heavens seemed to + open up with the rapidity of lightning into a blue vault of immeasurable + height. He breathed a great breath, stretched all his limbs, and looked + around him with a slow smile. + </p> + <p> + After a while he resumed his journey. His brain was all dark and confused, + but one idea was already beginning to stand out from the rest—huge, + shapeless, and grand, like the growing image in the soul of a creative + artist: the staggering thought that he was a man of destiny. + </p> + <p> + The more he reflected upon all that had occurred since his arrival in this + new world—and even before leaving Earth—the clearer and more + indisputable it became, that he could not be here for his own purposes, + but must be here for an end. But what that end was, he could not imagine. + </p> + <p> + Through the forest he saw Branchspell at last sinking in the west. It + looked a stupendous ball of red fire—now he could realise at his + ease what a sun it was! The avenue took an abrupt turn to the left and + began to descend steeply. + </p> + <p> + A wide, rolling river of clear and dark water was visible in front of him, + no great way off. It flowed from north to south. The forest path led him + straight to its banks. Maskull stood there, and regarded the lapping, + gurgling waters pensively. On the opposite bank, the forest continued. + Miles to the south, Poolingdred could just be distinguished. On the + northern skyline the Ifdawn Mountains loomed up—high, wild, + beautiful, and dangerous. They were not a dozen miles away. + </p> + <p> + Like the first mutterings of a thunderstorm, the first faint breaths of + cool wind, Maskull felt the stirrings of passion in his heart. In spite of + his bodily fatigue, he wished to test his strength against something. This + craving he identified with the crags of the Marest. They seemed to have + the same magical attraction for his will as the lodestone for iron. He + kept biting his nails, as he turned his eyes in that direction—wondering + if it would not be possible to conquer the heights that evening. But when + he glanced back again at Poolingdred, he remembered Joiwind and Panawe, + and grew more tranquil. He decided to make his bed at this spot, and to + set off as soon after daybreak as he should awake. + </p> + <p> + He drank at the river, washed himself, and lay down on the bank to sleep. + By this time, so far had his idea progressed, that he cared nothing for + the possible dangers of the night—he confided in his star. + </p> + <p> + Branchspell set, the day faded, night with its terrible weight came on, + and through it all Maskull slept. Long before midnight, however, he was + awakened by a crimson glow in the sky. He opened his eyes, and wondered + where he was. He felt heaviness and pain. The red glow was a terrestrial + phenomenon; it came from among the trees. He got up and went toward the + source of the light. + </p> + <p> + Away from the river, not a hundred feet off, he nearly stumbled across the + form of a sleeping woman. The object which emitted the crimson rays was + lying on the ground, several yards away from her. It was like a small + jewel, throwing off sparks of red light. He barely threw a glance at that, + however. + </p> + <p> + The woman was clothed in the large skin of an animal. She had big, smooth, + shapely limbs, rather muscular than fat. Her magn was not a thin tentacle, + but a third arm, terminating in a hand. Her face, which was upturned, was + wild, powerful, and exceedingly handsome. But he saw with surprise that in + place of a breve on her forehead, she possessed another eye. All three + were closed. The colour of her skin in the crimson glow he could not + distinguish. + </p> + <p> + He touched her gently with his hand. She awoke calmly and looked up at him + without stirring a muscle. All three eyes stared at him; but the two lower + ones were dull and vacant—mere carriers of vision. The middle, upper + one alone expressed her inner nature. Its haughty, unflinching glare had + yet something seductive and alluring in it. Maskull felt a challenge in + that look of lordly, feminine will, and his manner instinctively + stiffened. + </p> + <p> + She sat up. + </p> + <p> + “Can you speak my language?” he asked. “I wouldn’t + put such a question, but others have been able to.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should you imagine that I can’t read your mind? Is it so + extremely complex?” + </p> + <p> + She spoke in a rich, lingering, musical voice, which delighted him to + listen to. + </p> + <p> + “No, but you have no breve.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but haven’t I a sorb, which is better?” And she + pointed to the eye on her brow. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Oceaxe.” + </p> + <p> + “And where do you come from?” + </p> + <p> + “Ifdawn.” + </p> + <p> + These contemptuous replies began to irritate him, and yet the mere sound + of her voice was fascinating. + </p> + <p> + “I am going there tomorrow,” he remarked. + </p> + <p> + She laughed, as if against her will, but made no comment. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Maskull,” he went on. “I am a stranger—from + another world.” + </p> + <p> + “So I should judge, from your absurd appearance.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it would be as well to say at once,” said Maskull + bluntly, “are we, or are we not, to be friends?” + </p> + <p> + She yawned and stretched her arms, without rising. “Why should we be + friends? If I thought you were a man, I might accept you as a lover.” + </p> + <p> + “You must look elsewhere for that.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it, Maskull! Now go away, and leave me in peace.” + </p> + <p> + She dropped her head again to the ground, but did not at once close her + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What are you doing here?” he interrogated. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we Ifdawn folk occasionally come here to sleep, for <i>there</i> + often enough it is a night for us which has no next morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Being such a terrible place, and seeing that I am a total stranger, + it would be merely courteous if you were to warn me what I have to expect + in the way of dangers.” + </p> + <p> + “I am perfectly and utterly indifferent to what becomes of you,” + retorted Oceaxe. + </p> + <p> + “Are you returning in the morning?” persisted Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “If I wish.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we will go together.” + </p> + <p> + She got up again on her elbow. “Instead of making plans for other + people, I would do a very necessary thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray, tell me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there’s no reason why I should, but I will. I would try + to convert my women’s organs into men’s organs. It is a man’s + country.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak more plainly.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it’s plain enough. If you attempt to pass through Ifdawn + without a sorb, you are simply committing suicide. And that magn too is + worse than useless.” + </p> + <p> + “You probably know what you are talking about, Oceaxe. But what do + you advise me to do?” + </p> + <p> + She negligently pointed to the light-emitting stone lying on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “There is the solution. If you hold that drude to your organs for a + good while, perhaps it will start the change, and perhaps nature will do + the rest during the night. I promise nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe now really turned her back on Maskull. + </p> + <p> + He considered for a few minutes, and then walked over to where the stone + was lying, and took it in his hand. It was a pebble the size of a hen’s + egg, radiant with crimson light, as though red-hot, and throwing out a + continuous shower of small, blood-red sparks. + </p> + <p> + Finally deciding that Oceaxe’s advice was good, he applied the drude + first to his magn, and then to his breve. He experienced a cauterising + sensation—a feeling of healing pain. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 9. OCEAXE + </h2> + <p> + Maskull’s second day on Tormance dawned. Branchspell was already + above the horizon when he awoke. He was instantly aware that his organs + had changed during the night. His fleshy breve was altered into an eyelike + sorb; his magn had swelled and developed into a third arm, springing from + the breast. The arm gave him at once a sense of greater physical security, + but with the sorb he was obliged to experiment, before he could grasp its + function. + </p> + <p> + As he lay there in the white sunlight, opening and shutting each of his + three eyes in turn, he found that the two lower ones served his + understanding, the upper one his will. That is to say, with the lower eyes + he saw things in clear detail, but without personal interest; with the + sorb he saw nothing as self-existent—everything appeared as an + object of importance or non-importance to his own needs. + </p> + <p> + Rather puzzled as to how this would turn out, he got up and looked about + him. He had slept out of sight of Oceaxe. He was anxious to learn if she + were still on the spot, but before going to ascertain he made up his mind + to bathe in the river. + </p> + <p> + It was a glorious morning. The hot white sun already began to glare, but + its heat was tempered by a strong wind, which whistled through the trees. + A host of fantastic clouds filled the sky. They looked like animals, and + were always changing shape. The ground, as well as the leaves and branches + of the forest trees, still held traces of heavy dew or rain during the + night. A poignantly sweet smell of nature entered his nostrils. His pain + was quiescent, and his spirits were high. + </p> + <p> + Before he bathed, he viewed the mountains of the Ifdawn Marest. In the + morning sunlight they stood out pictorially. He guessed that they were + from five to six thousand feet high. The lofty, irregular, castellated + line seemed like the walls of a magic city. The cliffs fronting him were + composed of gaudy rocks—vermilion, emerald, yellow, ulfire, and + black. As he gazed at them, his heart began to beat like a slow, heavy + drum, and he thrilled all over—indescribable hopes, aspirations, and + emotions came over him. It was more than the conquest of a new world which + he felt—it was something different.... + </p> + <p> + He bathed and drank, and as he was reclothing himself, Oceaxe strolled + indolently up. + </p> + <p> + He could now perceive the colour of her skin—it was a vivid, yet + delicate mixture of carmine, white, and jale. The effect was startlingly + unearthly. With these new colors she looked like a genuine representative + of a strange planet. Her frame also had something curious about it. The + curves were womanly, the bones were characteristically female—yet + all seemed somehow to express a daring, masculine underlying will. The + commanding eye on her forehead set the same puzzle in plainer language. + Its bold, domineering egotism was shot with undergleams of sex and + softness. + </p> + <p> + She came to the river’s edge and reviewed him from top to toe. + “Now you are built more like a man,” she said, in her lovely, + lingering voice. + </p> + <p> + “You see, the experiment was successful,” he answered, smiling + gaily. + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe continued looking him over. “Did some woman give you that + ridiculous robe?” + </p> + <p> + “A woman did give it to me”—dropping his smile—“but + I saw nothing ridiculous in the gift at the time, and I don’t now.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I’d look better in it.” + </p> + <p> + As she drawled the words, she began stripping off the skin, which suited + her form so well, and motioned to him to exchange garments. He obeyed, + rather shamefacedly, for he realised that the proposed exchange was in + fact more appropriate to his sex. He found the skin a freer dress. Oceaxe + in her drapery appeared more dangerously feminine to him. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t want you to receive gifts at all from other women,” + she remarked slowly. + </p> + <p> + “Why not? What can I be to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I have been thinking about you during the night.” Her voice + was retarded, scornful, viola-like. She sat down on the trunk of a fallen + tree, and looked away. + </p> + <p> + “In what way?” + </p> + <p> + She returned no answer to his question, but began to pull off pieces of + the bark. + </p> + <p> + “Last night you were so contemptuous.” + </p> + <p> + “Last night is not today. Do you always walk through the world with + your head over your shoulder?” + </p> + <p> + It was now Maskull’s turn to be silent. + </p> + <p> + “Still, if you have male instincts, as I suppose you have, you can’t + go on resisting me forever.” + </p> + <p> + “But this is preposterous,” said Maskull, opening his eyes + wide. “Granted that you are a beautiful woman—we can’t + be quite so primeval.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe sighed, and rose to her feet. “It doesn’t matter. I can + wait.” + </p> + <p> + “From that I gather that you intend to make the journey in my + society. I have no objection—in fact I shall be glad—but only + on condition that you drop this language.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you do think me beautiful?” + </p> + <p> + “Why shouldn’t I think so, if it is the fact? I fail to see + what that has to do with my feelings. Bring it to an end, Oceaxe. You will + find plenty of men to admire—and love you.” + </p> + <p> + At that she blazed up. “Does love pick and choose, you fool? Do you + imagine I am so hard put to it that I have to hunt for lovers? Is not + Crimtyphon waiting for me at this very moment?” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. I am sorry to have hurt your feelings. Now carry the + temptation no farther—for it <i>is</i> a temptation, where a lovely + woman is concerned. I am not my own master.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not proposing anything so very hateful, am I? Why do you + humiliate me so?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull put his hands behind his back. “I repeat, I am not my own + master.” + </p> + <p> + “Then who is your master?” + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday I saw Surtur, and from today I am serving <i>him</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you speak with him?” she asked curiously. + </p> + <p> + “I did.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what he said.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I can’t—I won’t. But whatever he said, his + beauty was more tormenting than yours, Oceaxe, and that’s why I can + look at you in cold blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Did Surtur forbid you to be a man?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull frowned. “Is love such a manly sport, then? I should have + thought it effeminate.” + </p> + <p> + “It doesn’t matter. You won’t always be so boyish. But + don’t try my patience too far.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us talk about something else—and, above all, let us get + on our road.” + </p> + <p> + She suddenly broke into a laugh, so rich, sweet, and enchanting, that he + grew half inflamed, and half wished to catch her body in his arms. “Oh, + Maskull, Maskull—what a fool you are!” + </p> + <p> + “In what way am I a fool?” he demanded, scowling—not at + her words, but at his own weakness. + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t the whole world the handiwork of innumerable pairs of + lovers? And yet you think yourself above all that. You try to fly away + from nature, but where will you find a hole to hide yourself in?” + </p> + <p> + “Besides beauty, I now credit you with a second quality: + persistence.” + </p> + <p> + “Read me well, and then it is natural law that you’ll think + twice and three times before throwing me away.... And now, before we go, + we had better eat.” + </p> + <p> + “Eat?” said Maskull thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you eat? Is food in the same category as love?” + </p> + <p> + “What food is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Fish from the river.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull recollected his promise to Joiwind. At the same time, he felt + hungry. + </p> + <p> + “Is there nothing milder?” + </p> + <p> + She pulled her mouth scornfully. “You came through Poolingdred, didn’t + you? All the people there are the same. They think life is to be looked + at, and not lived. Now that you are visiting Ifdawn, you will have to + change your notions.” + </p> + <p> + “Go catch your fish,” he returned, pulling down his brows. + </p> + <p> + The broad, clear waters flowed past them with swelling undulations, from + the direction of the mountains. Oceaxe knelt down on the bank, and peered + into the depths. Presently her look became tense and concentrated; she + dipped her hand in and pulled out some sort of little monster. It was more + like a reptile than a fish, with its scaly plates and teeth. She threw it + on the ground, and it started crawling about. Suddenly she darted all her + will into her sorb. The creature leaped into the air, and fell down dead. + </p> + <p> + She picked up a sharp-edged slate, and with it removed the scales and + entrails. During this operation, her hands and garment became stained with + the light scarlet blood. + </p> + <p> + “Find the drude, Maskull,” she said, with a lazy smile. + “You had it last night.” + </p> + <p> + He searched for it. It was hard to locate, for its rays had grown dull and + feeble in the sunlight, but at last he found it. Oceaxe placed it in the + interior of the monster, and left the body lying on the ground. + </p> + <p> + “While it’s cooking, I’ll wash some of this blood away, + which frightens you so much. Have you never seen blood before?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull gazed at her in perplexity. The old paradox came back—the + contrasting sexual characteristics in her person. Her bold, masterful, + masculine egotism of manner seemed quite incongruous with the fascinating + and disturbing femininity of her voice. A startling idea flashed into his + mind. + </p> + <p> + “In your country I’m told there is an act of will called + ‘absorbing.’ What is that?” + </p> + <p> + She held her red, dripping hands away from her draperies, and uttered a + delicious, clashing laugh. “You think I am half a man?” + </p> + <p> + “Answer my question.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m a woman through and through, Maskull—to the + marrowbone. But that’s not to say I have never absorbed males.” + </p> + <p> + “And that means...” + </p> + <p> + “New strings for my harp, Maskull. A wider range of passions, a + stormier heart...” + </p> + <p> + “For you, yes—But for them?...” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. The victims don’t describe their + experiences. Probably unhappiness of some sort—if they still know + anything.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a fearful business!” he exclaimed, regarding her + gloomily. “One would think Ifdawn a land of devils.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe gave a beautiful sneer as she took a step toward the river. “Better + men than you—better in every sense of the word—are walking + about with foreign wills inside them. You may be as moral as you like, + Maskull, but the fact remains, animals were made to be eaten, and simple + natures were made to be absorbed.” + </p> + <p> + “And human rights count for nothing!” + </p> + <p> + She had bent over the river’s edge, to wash her arms and hands, but + glanced up over her shoulder to answer his remark. “They do count. + But we only regard a man as human for just as long as he’s able to + hold his own with others.” + </p> + <p> + The flesh was soon cooked, and they breakfasted in silence. Maskull cast + heavy, doubtful glances from time to time toward his companion. Whether it + was due to the strange quality of the food, or to his long abstention, he + did not know, but the meal tasted nauseous, and even cannibalistic. He ate + little, and the moment he got up he felt defiled. + </p> + <p> + “Let me bury this drude, where I can find it some other time,” + said Oceaxe. “On the next occasion, though, I shall have no Maskull + with me, to shock.... Now we have to take to the river.” + </p> + <p> + They stepped off the land onto the water. It flowed against them with a + sluggish current, but the opposition, instead of hindering them, had the + contrary effect—it caused them to exert themselves, and they moved + faster. They climbed the river in this way for several miles. The exercise + gradually improved the circulation of Maskull’s blood, and he began + to look at things in a far more cheerful way. The hot sunshine, the + diminished wind, the marvellous cloud scenery, the quiet, crystal forests—all + was soothing and delightful. They approached nearer and nearer to the + gaily painted heights of Ifdawn. + </p> + <p> + There was something enigmatic to him in those bright walls. He was + attracted by them, yet felt a sort of awe. They looked real, but at the + same time very supernatural. If one could see the portrait of a ghost, + painted with a hard, firm outline, in substantial colors, the feelings + produced by such a sight would be exactly similar to Maskull’s + impressions as he studied the Ifdawn precipices. + </p> + <p> + He broke the long silence. “Those mountains have most extraordinary + shapes. All the lines are straight and perpendicular—no slopes or + curves.” + </p> + <p> + She walked backward on the water, in order to face him. “That’s + typical of Ifdawn. Nature is all hammer blows with us. Nothing soft and + gradual.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear you, but I don’t understand you.” + </p> + <p> + “All over the Marest you’ll find patches of ground plunging + down or rushing up. Trees grow fast. Women and men don’t think twice + before acting. One may call Ifdawn a place of quick decisions.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull was impressed. “A fresh, wild, primitive land.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it where you come from?” asked Oceaxe. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mine is a decrepit world, where nature takes a hundred years to + move a foot of solid land. Men and animals go about in flocks. Originality + is a lost habit.” + </p> + <p> + “Are there women there?” + </p> + <p> + “As with you, and not very differently formed.” + </p> + <p> + “Do they love?” + </p> + <p> + He laughed. “So much so that it has changed the dress, speech, and + thoughts of the whole sex.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably they are more beautiful than I?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I think not,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + There was another rather long silence, as they travelled unsteadily + onward. + </p> + <p> + “What is your business in Ifdawn?” demanded Oceaxe suddenly. + </p> + <p> + He hesitated over his answer. “Can you grasp that it’s + possible to have an aim right in front of one, so big that one can’t + see it as a whole?” + </p> + <p> + She stole a long, inquisitive look at him, “What sort of aim?” + </p> + <p> + “A moral aim.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you proposing to set the world right?” + </p> + <p> + “I propose nothing—I am waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t wait too long, for time doesn’t wait—especially + in Ifdawn.” + </p> + <p> + “Something will happen,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe threw a subtle smile. “So you have no special destination in + the Marest?” + </p> + <p> + “No, and if you’ll permit me, I will come home with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Singular man!” she said, with a short, thrilling laugh. + “That’s what I have been offering all the time. Of course you + will come home with me. As for Crimtyphon...” + </p> + <p> + “You mentioned that name before. Who is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! My lover, or, as you would say, my husband.” + </p> + <p> + “This doesn’t improve matters,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “It leaves them exactly where they were. We merely have to remove + him.” + </p> + <p> + “We are certainly misunderstanding each other,” said Maskull, + quite startled. “Do you by any chance imagine that I am making a + compact with you?” + </p> + <p> + “You will do nothing against your will. But you have promised to + come home with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, how do you remove husbands in Ifdawn?” + </p> + <p> + “Either you or I must kill him.” + </p> + <p> + He eyed her for a full minute. “Now we are passing from folly to + insanity.” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” replied Oceaxe. “It is the too-sad truth. + And when you have seen Crimtyphon, you will realise it.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m aware I am on a strange planet,” said Maskull + slowly, “where all sorts of unheard of things may happen, and where + the very laws of morality may be different. Still as far as I am + concerned, murder is murder, and I’ll have no more to do with a + woman who wants to make use of me, to get rid of her husband.” + </p> + <p> + “You think me wicked?” demanded Oceaxe steadily. + </p> + <p> + “Or mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you had better leave me, Maskull—only—” + </p> + <p> + “Only what?” + </p> + <p> + “You wish to be consistent, don’t you? Leave all other mad and + wicked people as well. Then you’ll find it easier to reform the + rest.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull frowned, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” demanded Oceaxe, with a half smile. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll come with you, and I’ll see Crimtyphon—if + only to warn him.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe broke into a cascade of rich, feminine laughter, but whether at the + image conjured up by Maskull’s last words, or from some other cause, + he did not know. The conversation dropped. + </p> + <p> + At a distance of a couple of miles from the now towering cliffs, the river + made a sharp, right-angled turn to the west, and was no longer of use to + them on their journey. Maskull stared up doubtfully. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a stiff climb for a hot morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Let’s rest here a little,” said she, indicating a + smooth flat island of black rock, standing up just out of the water in the + middle of the river. + </p> + <p> + They accordingly went to it, and Maskull sat down. Oceaxe, however, + standing graceful and erect, turned her face toward the cliffs opposite, + and uttered a piercing and peculiar call. + </p> + <p> + “What is that for?” She did not answer. After waiting a + minute, she repeated the call. Maskull now saw a large bird detach itself + from the top of one of the precipices, and sail slowly down toward them. + It was followed by two others. The flight of these birds was exceedingly + slow and clumsy. + </p> + <p> + “What are they?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + She still returned no answer, but smiled rather peculiarly and sat down + beside him. Before many minutes he was able to distinguish the shapes and + colors of the flying monsters. They were not birds, but creatures with + long, snakelike bodies, and ten reptilian legs apiece, terminating in fins + which acted as wings. The bodies were of bright blue, the legs and fins + were yellow. They were flying, without haste, but in a somewhat ominous + fashion, straight toward them. He could make out a long, thin spike + projecting from each of the heads. + </p> + <p> + “They are shrowks,” explained Oceaxe at last. “If you + want to know their intention, I’ll tell you. To make a meal of us. + First of all their spikes will pierce us, and then their mouths, which are + really suckers, will drain us dry of blood—pretty thoroughly too; + there are no half measures with shrowks. They are toothless beasts, so don’t + eat flesh.” + </p> + <p> + “As you show such admirable sangfroid,” said Maskull dryly, + “I take it there’s no particular danger.” + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless he instinctively tried to get on to his feet and failed. A + new form of paralysis was chaining him to the ground. + </p> + <p> + “Are you trying to get up?” asked Oceaxe smoothly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, yes, but those cursed reptiles seem to be nailing me down to + the rock with their wills. May I ask if you had any special object in view + in waking them up?” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you the danger is quite real, Maskull. Instead of talking + and asking questions, you had much better see what you can do with <i>your</i> + will.” + </p> + <p> + “I seem to have no will, unfortunately.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe was seized with a paroxysm of laughter, but it was still rich and + beautiful. “It’s obvious you aren’t a very heroic + protector, Maskull. It seems I must play the man, and you the woman. I + expected better things of your big body. Why, my husband would send those + creatures dancing all around the sky, by way of a joke, before disposing + of them. Now watch me. Two of the three I’ll kill; the third we will + ride home on. Which one shall we keep?” + </p> + <p> + The shrowks continued their slow, wobbling flight toward them. Their + bodies were of huge size. They produced in Maskull the same sensation of + loathing as insects did. He instinctively understood that as they hunted + with their wills, there was no necessity for them to possess a swift + motion. + </p> + <p> + “Choose which you please,” he said shortly. “They are + equally objectionable to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I’ll choose the leader, as it is presumably the most + energetic animal. Watch now.” + </p> + <p> + She stood upright, and her sorb suddenly blazed with fire. Maskull felt + something snap inside his brain. His limbs were free once more. The two + monsters in the rear staggered and darted head foremost toward the earth, + one after the other. He watched them crash on the ground, and then lie + motionless. The leader still came toward them, but he fancied that its + flight was altered in character; it was no longer menacing, but tame and + unwilling. + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe guided it with her will to the mainland shore opposite their island + rock. Its vast bulk lay there extended, awaiting her pleasure. They + immediately crossed the water. + </p> + <p> + Maskull viewed the shrowk at close quarters. It was about thirty feet + long. Its bright-coloured skin was shining, slippery, and leathery; a mane + of black hair covered its long neck. Its face was awesome and unnatural, + with its carnivorous eyes, frightful stiletto, and blood-sucking cavity. + There were true fins on its back and tail. + </p> + <p> + “Have you a good seat?” asked Oceaxe, patting the creature’s + flank. “As I have to steer, let me jump on first.” + </p> + <p> + She pulled up her gown, then climbed up and sat astride the animal’s + back, just behind the mane, which she clutched. Between her and the fin + there was just room for Maskull. He grasped the two flanks with his outer + hands; his third, new arm pressed against Oceaxe’s back, and for + additional security he was compelled to encircle her waist with it. + </p> + <p> + Directly he did so, he realised that he had been tricked, and that this + ride had been planned for one purpose only—to inflame his desires. + </p> + <p> + The third arm possessed a function of its own, of which hitherto he had + been ignorant. It was a developed magn. But the stream of love which was + communicated to it was no longer pure and noble—it was boiling, + passionate, and torturing. He gritted his teeth, and kept quiet, but + Oceaxe had not plotted the adventure to remain unconscious of his + feelings. She looked around, with a golden, triumphant smile. “The + ride will last some time, so hold on well!” Her voice was soft like + a flute, but rather malicious. + </p> + <p> + Maskull grinned, and said nothing. He dared not remove his arm. + </p> + <p> + The shrowk straddled on to its legs. It jerked itself forward, and rose + slowly and uncouthly in the air. They began to paddle upward toward the + painted cliffs. The motion was swaying, rocking, and sickening; the + contact of the brute’s slimy skin was disgusting. All this, however, + was merely background to Maskull, as he sat there with closed eyes, + holding on to Oceaxe. In the front and centre of his consciousness was the + knowledge that he was gripping a fair woman, and that her flesh was + responding to his touch like a lovely harp. + </p> + <p> + They climbed up and up. He opened his eyes, and ventured to look around + him. By this time they were already level with the top of the outer + rampart of precipices. There now came in sight a wild archipelago of + islands, with jagged outlines, emerging from a sea of air. The islands + were mountain summits; or, more accurately speaking, the country was a + high tableland, fissured everywhere by narrow and apparently bottomless + cracks. These cracks were in some cases like canals, in others like lakes, + in others merely holes in the ground, closed in all round. The + perpendicular sides of the islands—that is, the upper, visible parts + of the innumerable cliff faces—were of bare rock, gaudily coloured; + but the level surfaces were a tangle of wild plant life. The taller trees + alone were distinguishable from the shrowk’s back. They were of + different shapes, and did not look ancient; they were slender and swaying + but did not appear very graceful; they looked tough, wiry, and savage. + </p> + <p> + As Maskull continued to explore the landscape, he forgot Oceaxe and his + passion. Other strange feelings came to the front. The morning was gay and + bright. The sun scorched down, quickly-changing clouds sailed across the + sky, the earth was vivid, wild, and lonely. Yet he experienced no + aesthetic sensations—he felt nothing but an intense longing for + action and possession. When he looked at anything, he immediately wanted + to deal with it. The atmosphere of the land seemed not free, but sticky; + attraction and repulsion were its constituents. Apart from this wish to + play a personal part in what was going on around and beneath him, the + scenery had no significance for him. + </p> + <p> + So preoccupied was he, that his arm partly released its clasp. Oceaxe + turned around to gaze at him. Whether or not she was satisfied with what + she saw, she uttered a low laugh, like a peculiar chord. + </p> + <p> + “Cold again so quickly, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want?” he asked absently, still looking over the + side. “It’s extraordinary how drawn I feel to all this.” + </p> + <p> + “You wish to take a hand?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish to get down.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we have a good way to go yet.... So you really feel different?” + </p> + <p> + “Different from what? What are you talking about?” said + Maskull, still lost in abstraction. + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe laughed again. “It would be strange if we couldn’t make + a man of you, for the material is excellent.” + </p> + <p> + After that, she turned her back once more. + </p> + <p> + The air islands differed from water islands in another way. They were not + on a plane surface, but sloped upward, like a succession of broken + terraces, as the journey progressed. The shrowk had hitherto been flying + well above the ground; but now, when a new line of towering cliffs + confronted them, Oceaxe did not urge the beast upward, but caused it to + enter a narrow canyon, which intersected the mountains like a channel. + They were instantly plunged into deep shade. The canal was not above + thirty feet wide; the walls stretched upward on both sides for many + hundred feet. It was as cool as an ice chamber. When Maskull attempted to + plumb the chasm with his eyes, he saw nothing but black obscurity. + </p> + <p> + “What is at the bottom?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Death for you, if you go to look for it.” + </p> + <p> + “We know that. I mean, is there any kind of life down there?” + </p> + <p> + “Not that I have ever heard of,” said Oceaxe, “but of + course all things are possible.” + </p> + <p> + “I think very likely there is life,” he returned thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + Her ironical laugh sounded out of the gloom. “Shall we go down and + see?” + </p> + <p> + “You find that amusing?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not that. What I do find amusing is the big stranger with the + beard, who is so keenly interested in everything except himself.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull then laughed too. “I happen to be the only thing in Tormance + which is not a novelty for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I am a novelty for you.” + </p> + <p> + The channel went zigzagging its way through the belly of the mountain, and + all the time they were gradually rising. + </p> + <p> + “At least I have heard nothing like your voice before,” said + Maskull, who, since he had no longer anything to look at, was at last + ready for conversation. + </p> + <p> + “What’s the matter with my voice?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s all that I can distinguish of you now; that’s why + I mentioned it.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t it clear—don’t I speak distinctly?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it’s clear enough, but—it’s inappropriate.” + </p> + <p> + “Inappropriate?” + </p> + <p> + “I won’t explain further,” said Maskull, “but + whether you are speaking or laughing, your voice is by far the loveliest + and strangest instrument I have ever listened to. And yet I repeat, it is + inappropriate.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean that my nature doesn’t correspond?” + </p> + <p> + He was just considering his reply, when their talk was abruptly broken off + by a huge and terrifying, but not very loud sound rising up from the gulf + directly underneath them. It was a low, grinding, roaring thunder. + </p> + <p> + “The ground is rising under us!” cried Oceaxe. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we escape?” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer, but urged the shrowk’s flight upward, at such a + steep gradient that they retained their seats with difficulty. The floor + of the canyon, upheaved by some mighty subterranean force, could be heard, + and almost felt, coming up after them, like a gigantic landslip in the + wrong direction. The cliffs cracked, and fragments began to fall. A + hundred awful noises filled the air, growing louder and louder each second—splitting, + hissing, cracking, grinding, booming, exploding, roaring. When they had + still fifty feet or so to go, to reach the top, a sort of dark, indefinite + sea of broken rocks and soil appeared under their feet, ascending rapidly, + with irresistible might, accompanied by the most horrible noises. The + canal was filled up for two hundred yards, before and behind them. + Millions of tons of solid matter seemed to be raised. The shrowk in its + ascent was caught by the uplifted debris. Beast and riders experienced in + that moment all the horrors of an earthquake—they were rolled + violently over, and thrown among the rocks and dirt. All was thunder, + instability, motion, confusion. + </p> + <p> + Before they had time to realise their position, they were in the sunlight. + The upheaval still continued. In another minute or two the valley floor + had formed a new mountain, a hundred feet or more higher than the old. + Then its movement ceased suddenly. Every noise stopped, as if by magic; + not a rock moved. Oceaxe and Maskull picked themselves up and examined + themselves for cuts and bruises. The shrowk lay on its side, panting + violently, and sweating with fright. + </p> + <p> + “That was a nasty affair,” said Maskull, flicking the dirt off + his person. + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe staunched a cut on her chin with a corner of her robe. + </p> + <p> + “It might have been far worse.... I mean, it’s bad enough to + come up, but it’s death to go down, and that happens just as often.” + </p> + <p> + “Whatever induces you to live in such a country?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know, Maskull. Habit, I suppose. I have often thought + of moving out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “A good deal must be forgiven you for having to spend your life in a + place like this, where one is obviously never safe from one minute to + another.” + </p> + <p> + “You will learn by degrees,” she answered, smiling. + </p> + <p> + She looked hard at the monster, and it got heavily to its feet. + </p> + <p> + “Get on again, Maskull!” she directed, climbing back to her + perch. “We haven’t too much time to waste.” + </p> + <p> + He obeyed. They resumed their interrupted flight, this time over the + mountains, and in full sunlight. Maskull settled down again to his + thoughts. The peculiar atmosphere of the country continued to soak into + his brain. His will became so restless and uneasy that merely to sit there + in inactivity was a torture. He could scarcely endure not to be doing + something. + </p> + <p> + “How secretive you are, Maskull!” said Oceaxe quietly, without + turning her head. + </p> + <p> + “What secrets—what do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I know perfectly well what’s passing inside you. Now I + think it wouldn’t be amiss to ask you—is friendship still + enough?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t ask me anything,” growled Maskull. “I’ve + far too many problems in my head already. I only wish I could answer some + of them.” + </p> + <p> + He stared stonily at the landscape. The beast was winging its way toward a + distant mountain, of singular shape. It was an enormous natural + quadrilateral pyramid, rising in great terraces and terminating in a + broad, flat top, on which what looked like green snow still lingered. + </p> + <p> + “What mountain is that?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Disscourn. The highest point in Ifdawn.” + </p> + <p> + “Are we going there?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should we go there? But if you were going on farther, it might + be worth your while to pay a visit to the top. It commands the whole land + as far as the Sinking Sea and Swaylone’s Island—and beyond. + You can also see Alppain from it.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a sight I mean to see before I have finished.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you, Maskull?” She turned around and put her hand on his + wrist. “Stay with me, and one day we’ll go to Disscourn + together.” + </p> + <p> + He grunted unintelligibly. + </p> + <p> + There were no signs of human existence in the country under their feet. + While Maskull was still grimly regarding it, a large tract of forest not + far ahead, bearing many trees and rocks, suddenly subsided with an awful + roar and crashed down into an invisible gulf. What was solid land one + minute became a clean-cut chasm the next. He jumped violently up with the + shock. “This is frightful.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe remained unmoved. + </p> + <p> + “Why, life here must be absolutely impossible,” he went on, + when he had somewhat recovered himself. “A man would need nerves of + steel.... Is there no means at all of foreseeing a catastrophe like this?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I suppose we wouldn’t be alive if there weren’t,” + replied Oceaxe, with composure. “We are more or less clever at it—but + that doesn’t prevent our often getting caught.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better teach me the signs.” + </p> + <p> + “We’ll have many things to go over together. And among them, I + expect, will be whether we are to stay in the land at all.... But first + let us get home.” + </p> + <p> + “How far is it now?” + </p> + <p> + “It is right in front of you,” said Oceaxe, pointing with her + forefinger. “You can see it.” + </p> + <p> + He followed the direction of the finger and, after a few questions, made + out the spot she was indicating. It was a broad peninsula, about two miles + distant. Three of its sides rose sheer out of a lake of air, the bottom of + which was invisible; its fourth was a bottleneck, joining it to the + mainland. It was overgrown with bright vegetation, distinct in the + brilliant atmosphere. A single tall tree, shooting up in the middle of the + peninsula, dwarfed everything else; it was wide and shady with sea-green + leaves. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if Crimtyphon is there,” remarked Oceaxe. “Can + I see two figures, or am I mistaken?” + </p> + <p> + “I also see something,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + In twenty minutes they were directly above the peninsula, at a height of + about fifty feet. The shrowk slackened speed, and came to earth on the + mainland, exactly at the gateway of the isthmus. They both descended—Maskull + with aching thighs. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do with the monster?” asked Oceaxe. Without + waiting for a suggestion, she patted its hideous face with her hand. + “Fly away home! I may want you some other time.” + </p> + <p> + It gave a stupid grunt, elevated itself on its legs again, and, after half + running, half flying for a few yards, rose awkwardly into the air, and + paddled away in the same direction from which they had come. They watched + it out of sight, and then Oceaxe started to cross the neck of land, + followed by Maskull. + </p> + <p> + Branchspell’s white rays beat down on them with pitiless force. The + sky had by degrees become cloudless, and the wind had dropped entirely. + The ground was a rich riot of vividly coloured ferns, shrubs, and grasses. + Through these could be seen here and there the golden chalky soil—and + occasionally a glittering, white metallic boulder. Everything looked + extraordinary and barbaric. Maskull was at last walking in the weird + Ifdawn Marest which had created such strange feelings in him when seen + from a distance.... And now he felt no wonder or curiosity at all, but + only desired to meet human beings—so intense had grown his will. He + longed to test his powers on his fellow creatures, and nothing else seemed + of the least importance to him. + </p> + <p> + On the peninsula all was coolness and delicate shade. It resembled a large + copse, about two acres in extent. In the heart of the tangle of small + trees and undergrowth was a partially cleared space—perhaps the + roots of the giant tree growing in the centre had killed off the smaller + fry all around it. By the side of the tree sparkled a little, bubbling + fountain, whose water was iron-red. The precipices on all sides, overhung + with thorns, flowers, and creepers, invested the enclosure with an air of + wild and charming seclusion—a mythological mountain god might have + dwelt here. + </p> + <p> + Maskull’s restless eye left everything, to fall on the two men who + formed the centre of the picture. + </p> + <p> + One was reclining, in the ancient Grecian fashion of banqueters on a tall + couch of mosses, sprinkled with flowers; he rested on one arm, and was + eating a kind of plum, with calm enjoyment. A pile of these plums lay on + the couch beside him. The over-spreading branches of the tree completely + sheltered him from the sun. His small, boyish form was clad in a rough + skin, leaving his limbs naked. Maskull could not tell from his face + whether he were a young boy or a grown man. The features were smooth, + soft, and childish, their expression was seraphically tranquil; but his + violet upper eye was sinister and adult. His skin was of the colour of + yellow ivory. His long, curling hair matched his sorb—it was violet. + The second man was standing erect before the other, a few feet away from + him. He was short and muscular, his face was broad, bearded, and rather + commonplace, but there was something terrible about his appearance. The + features were distorted by a deep-seated look of pain, despair, and + horror. + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe, without pausing, strolled lightly and lazily up to the outermost + shadows of the tree, some distance from the couch. + </p> + <p> + “We have met with an uplift,” she remarked carelessly, looking + toward the youth. + </p> + <p> + He eyed her, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “How is your plant man getting on?” Her tone was artificial + but extremely beautiful. While waiting for an answer, she sat down on the + ground, her legs gracefully thrust under her body, and pulled down the + skirt of her robe. Maskull remained standing just behind her, with crossed + arms. + </p> + <p> + There was silence for a minute. + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you answer your mistress, Sature?” said the + boy on the couch, in a calm, treble voice. + </p> + <p> + The man addressed did not alter his expression, but replied in a strangled + tone, “I am getting on very well, Oceaxe. There are already buds on + my feet. Tomorrow I hope to take root.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull felt a rising storm inside him. He was perfectly aware that + although these words were uttered by Sature, they were being dictated by + the boy. + </p> + <p> + “What he says is quite true,” remarked the latter. “Tomorrow + roots will reach the ground, and in a few days they ought to be well + established. Then I shall set to work to convert his arms into branches, + and his fingers into leaves. It will take longer to transform his head + into a crown, but still I hope—in fact I can almost promise that + within a month you and I, Oceaxe, will be plucking and enjoying fruit from + this new and remarkable tree.” + </p> + <p> + “I love these natural experiments,” he concluded, putting out + his hand for another plum. “They thrill me.” + </p> + <p> + “This must be a joke,” said Maskull, taking a step forward. + </p> + <p> + The youth looked at him serenely. He made no reply, but Maskull felt as if + he were being thrust backward by an iron hand on his throat. + </p> + <p> + “The morning’s work is now concluded, Sature. Come here again + after Blodsombre. After tonight you will remain here permanently, I + expect, so you had better set to work to clear a patch of ground for your + roots. Never forget—however fresh and charming these plants appear + to you now, in the future they will be your deadliest rivals and enemies. + Now you may go.” + </p> + <p> + The man limped painfully away, across the isthmus, out of sight. Oceaxe + yawned. + </p> + <p> + Maskull pushed his way forward, as if against a wall. “Are you + joking, or are you a devil?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Crimtyphon. I never joke. For that epithet of yours, I will + devise a new punishment for you.” + </p> + <p> + The duel of wills commenced without ceremony. Oceaxe got up, stretched her + beautiful limbs, smiled, and prepared herself to witness the struggle + between her old lover and her new. Crimtyphon smiled too; he reached out + his hand for more fruit, but did not eat it. Maskull’s self-control + broke down and he dashed at the boy, choking with red fury—his beard + wagged and his face was crimson. When he realised with whom he had to + deal, Crimtyphon left off smiling, slipped off the couch, and threw a + terrible and malignant glare into his sorb. Maskull staggered. He gathered + together all the brute force of his will, and by sheer weight continued + his advance. The boy shrieked and ran behind the couch, trying to get + away.... His opposition suddenly collapsed. Maskull stumbled forward, + recovered himself, and then vaulted clear over the high pile of mosses, to + get at his antagonist. He fell on top of him with all his bulk. Grasping + his throat, he pulled his little head completely around, so that the neck + was broken. Crimtyphon immediately died. + </p> + <p> + The corpse lay underneath the tree with its face upturned. Maskull viewed + it attentively, and as he did so an expression of awe and wonder came into + his own countenance. In the moment of death Crimtyphon’s face had + undergone a startling and even shocking alteration. Its personal character + had wholly vanished, giving place to a vulgar, grinning mask which + expressed nothing. + </p> + <p> + He did not have to search his mind long, to remember where he had seen the + brother of that expression. It was identical with that on the face of the + apparition at the séance, after Krag had dealt with it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 10. TYDOMIN + </h2> + <p> + Oceaxe sat down carelessly on the couch of mosses, and began eating the + plums. + </p> + <p> + “You see, you had to kill him, Maskull,” she said, in a rather + quizzical voice. + </p> + <p> + He came away from the corpse and regarded her—still red, and still + breathing hard. “It’s no joking matter. You especially ought + to keep quiet.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he was your husband.” + </p> + <p> + “You think I ought to show grief—when I feel none?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t pretend, woman!” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe smiled. “From your manner one would think you were accusing + me of some crime.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull literally snorted at her words. “What, you live with filth—you + live in the arms of a morbid monstrosity and then—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, now I grasp it,” she said, in a tone of perfect + detachment. + </p> + <p> + “I’m glad.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Maskull,” she proceeded, after a pause, “and who + gave you the right to rule my conduct? Am I not mistress of my own person?” + </p> + <p> + He looked at her with disgust, but said nothing. There was another long + interval of silence. + </p> + <p> + “I never loved him,” said Oceaxe at last, looking at the + ground. + </p> + <p> + “That makes it all the worse.” + </p> + <p> + “What does all this mean—what do you want?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing from you—absolutely nothing—thank heaven!” + </p> + <p> + She gave a hard laugh. “You come here with your foreign + preconceptions and expect us all to bow down to them.” + </p> + <p> + “What preconceptions?” + </p> + <p> + “Just because Crimtyphon’s sports are strange to you, you + murder him—and you would like to murder me.” + </p> + <p> + “Sports! That diabolical cruelty.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you’re sentimental!” said Oceaxe contemptuously. + “Why do you need to make such a fuss over that man? Life is life, + all the world over, and one form is as good as another. He was only to be + made a tree, like a million other trees. If they can endure the life, why + can’t he?” + </p> + <p> + “And this is Ifdawn morality!” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe began to grow angry. “It’s you who have peculiar ideas. + You rave about the beauty of flowers and trees—you think them + divine. But when it’s a question of taking on this divine, fresh, + pure, enchanting loveliness yourself, in your own person, it immediately + becomes a cruel and wicked degradation. Here we have a strange riddle, in + my opinion.” + </p> + <p> + “Oceaxe, you’re a beautiful, heartless wild beast—nothing + more. If you weren’t a woman—” + </p> + <p> + “Well”—curling her lip—“let us hear what + would happen if I weren’t a woman?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull bit his nails. + </p> + <p> + “It doesn’t matter. I can’t touch you—though there’s + certainly not the difference of a hair between you and your boy-husband. + For this you may thank my ‘foreign preconceptions.’... + Farewell!” + </p> + <p> + He turned to go. Oceaxe’s eyes slanted at him through their long + lashes. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you off to, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a matter of no importance, for wherever I go it must + be a change for the better. You walking whirlpools of crime!” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute. I only want to say this. Blodsombre is just + starting, and you had better stay here till the afternoon. We can quickly + put that body out of sight, and, as you seem to detest me so much, the + place is big enough—we needn’t talk, or even see each other.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t wish to breathe the same air.” + </p> + <p> + “Singular man!” She was sitting erect and motionless, like a + beautiful statue. “And what of your wonderful interview with Surtur, + and all the undone things which you set out to do?” + </p> + <p> + “You aren’t the one I shall speak to about that. But”—he + eyed her meditatively—“while I’m still here you can tell + me this. What’s the meaning of the expression on that corpse’s + face?” + </p> + <p> + “Is that another crime, Maskull? All dead people look like that. + Ought they not to?” + </p> + <p> + “I once heard it called ‘Crystalman’s face.’” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? We are all daughters and sons of Crystalman. It is + doubtless the family resemblance.” + </p> + <p> + “It has also been told me that Surtur and Crystalman are one and the + same.” + </p> + <p> + “You have wise and truthful acquaintances.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how could it have been Surtur whom I saw?” said Maskull, + more to himself than to her. “That apparition was something quite + different.” + </p> + <p> + She dropped her mocking manner and, sliding imperceptibly toward him, + gently pulled his arm. + </p> + <p> + “You see—we have to talk. Sit down beside me, and ask me your + questions. I’m not excessively smart, but I’ll try to be of + assistance.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull permitted himself to be dragged down with soft violence. She bent + toward him, as if confidentially, and contrived that her sweet, cool, + feminine breath should fan his cheek. + </p> + <p> + “Aren’t you here to alter the evil to the good, Maskull? Then + what does it matter who sent you?” + </p> + <p> + “What can you possibly know of good and evil?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you only instructing the initiated?” + </p> + <p> + “Who am I, to instruct anybody? However, you’re quite right. I + wish to do what I can—not because I am qualified, but because I am + here.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe’s voice dropped to a whisper. “You’re a giant, + both in body and soul. What you want to do, you <i>can</i> do.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that your honest opinion, or are you flattering me for your own + ends?” + </p> + <p> + She sighed. “Don’t you see how difficult you are making the + conversation? Let’s talk about your work, not about ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull suddenly noticed a strange blue light glowing in the northern sky. + It was from Alppain, but Alppain itself was behind the hills. While he was + observing it, a peculiar wave of self-denial, of a disquieting nature, + passed through him. He looked at Oceaxe, and it struck him for the first + time that he was being unnecessarily brutal to her. He had forgotten that + she was a woman, and defenceless. + </p> + <p> + “Won’t you stay?” she asked all of a sudden, quite + openly and frankly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I think I’ll stay,” he replied slowly. “And + another thing, Oceaxe—if I’ve misjudged your character, pray + forgive me. I’m a hasty, passionate man.” + </p> + <p> + “There are enough easygoing men. Hard knocks are a good medicine for + vicious hearts. And you didn’t misjudge my character, as far as you + went—only, every woman has more than one character. Don’t you + know that?” + </p> + <p> + During the pause that followed, a snapping of twigs was heard, and both + looked around, startled. They saw a woman stepping slowly across the neck + that separated them from the mainland. + </p> + <p> + “Tydomin,” muttered Oceaxe, in a vexed, frightened voice. She + immediately moved away from Maskull and stood up. + </p> + <p> + The newcomer was of middle height, very slight and graceful. She was no + longer quite young. Her face wore the composure of a woman who knows her + way about the world. It was intensely pale, and under its quiescence there + just was a glimpse of something strange and dangerous. It was curiously + alluring, though not exactly beautiful. Her hair was clustering and + boyish, reaching only to the neck. It was of a strange indigo colour. She + was quaintly attired in a tunic and breeches, pieced together from the + square, blue-green plates of some reptile. Her small, ivory-white breasts + were exposed. Her sorb was black and sad—rather contemplative. + </p> + <p> + Without once glancing up at Oceaxe and Maskull, she quietly glided + straight toward Crimtyphon’s corpse. When she arrived within a few + feet of it, she stopped and looked down, with arms folded. + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe drew Maskull a little away, and whispered, “It’s + Crimtyphon’s other wife, who lives under Disscourn. She’s a + most dangerous woman. Be careful what you say. If she asks you to do + anything, refuse it outright.” + </p> + <p> + “The poor soul looks harmless enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, she does—but the poor soul is quite capable of + swallowing up Krag himself.... Now, play the man.” + </p> + <p> + The murmur of their voices seemed to attract Tydomin’s notice, for + she now slowly turned her eyes toward them. + </p> + <p> + “Who killed him?” she demanded. + </p> + <p> + Her voice was so soft, low, and refined, that Maskull hardly was able to + catch the words. The sounds, however, lingered in his ears, and curiously + enough seemed to grow stronger, instead of fainter. + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe whispered, “Don’t say a word, leave it all to me.” + Then she swung her body around to face Tydomin squarely, and said aloud, + “I killed him.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin’s words by this time were ringing in Maskull’s head + like an actual physical sound. There was no question of being able to + ignore them; he had to make an open confession of his act, whatever the + consequences might be. Quietly taking Oceaxe by the shoulder and putting + her behind him, he said in a low, but perfectly distinct voice, “It + was I that killed Crimtyphon.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe looked both haughty and frightened. “Maskull says that so as + to shield me, as he thinks. I require no shield, Maskull. I killed him, + Tydomin.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you, Oceaxe. You did murder him. Not with your own + strength, for you brought this man along for the purpose.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull took a couple of steps toward Tydomin. “It’s of little + consequence who killed him, for he’s better dead than alive, in my + opinion. Still, I did it. Oceaxe had no hand in the affair.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin appeared not to hear him—she looked beyond him at Oceaxe + musingly. “When you murdered him, didn’t it occur to you that + I would come here, to find out?” + </p> + <p> + “I never once thought of you,” replied Oceaxe, with an angry + laugh. “Do you really imagine that I carry your image with me + wherever I go?” + </p> + <p> + “If someone were to murder your lover here, what would you do?” + </p> + <p> + “Lying hypocrite!” Oceaxe spat out. “You never were in + love with Crimtyphon. You always hated me, and now you think it an + excellent opportunity to make it good... now that Crimtyphon’s + gone.... For we both know he would have made a footstool of you, if I had + asked him. He worshiped me, but he laughed at you. He thought you ugly.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin flashed a quick, gentle smile at Maskull. “Is it necessary + for you to listen to all this?” + </p> + <p> + Without question, and feeling it the right thing to do, he walked away out + of earshot. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin approached Oceaxe. “Perhaps because my beauty fades and I’m + no longer young, I needed <i>him</i> all the more.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe gave a kind of snarl. “Well, he’s dead, and that’s + the end of it. What are you going to do now, Tydomin?” + </p> + <p> + The other woman smiled faintly and rather pathetically. “There’s + nothing left to do, except mourn the dead. You won’t grudge me that + last office?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want to stay here?” demanded Oceaxe suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Oceaxe dear, I wish to be alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what is to become of us?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought that you and your lover—what is his name?” + </p> + <p> + “Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought that perhaps you two would go to Disscourn, and spend + Blodsombre at my home.” + </p> + <p> + Oceaxe called out aloud to Maskull, “Will you come with me now to + Disscourn?” + </p> + <p> + “If you wish,” returned Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Go first, Oceaxe. I must question your friend about Crimtyphon’s + death. I won’t keep him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you question me, rather?” demanded Oceaxe, + looking up sharply. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin gave the shadow of a smile. “We know each other too well.” + </p> + <p> + “Play no tricks!” said Oceaxe, and she turned to go. + </p> + <p> + “Surely you must be dreaming,” said Tydomin. “That’s + the way—unless you want to walk over the cliffside.” + </p> + <p> + The path Oceaxe had chosen led across the isthmus. The direction which + Tydomin proposed for her was over the edge of the precipice, into empty + space. + </p> + <p> + “Shaping! I must be mad,” cried Oceaxe, with a laugh. And she + obediently followed the other’s finger. + </p> + <p> + She walked straight on toward the edge of the abyss, twenty paces away. + Maskull pulled his beard around, and wondered what she was doing. Tydomin + remained standing with outstretched finger, watching her. Without + hesitation, without slackening her step once, Oceaxe strolled on—and + when she had reached the extreme end of the land she still took one more + step. + </p> + <p> + Maskull saw her limbs wrench as she stumbled over the edge. Her body + disappeared, and as it did so an awful shriek sounded. + </p> + <p> + Disillusionment had come to her an instant too late. He tore himself out + of his stupor, rushed to the edge of the cliff, threw himself on the + ground recklessly, and looked over.... Oceaxe had vanished. + </p> + <p> + He continued staring wildly down for several minutes, and then began to + sob. Tydomin came up to him, and he got to his feet. + </p> + <p> + The blood kept rushing to his face and leaving it again. It was some time + before he could speak at all. Then he brought out the words with + difficulty. “You shall pay for this, Tydomin. But first I want to + hear why you did it.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadn’t I cause?” she asked, standing with downcast + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Was it pure fiendishness?” + </p> + <p> + “It was for Crimtyphon’s sake.” + </p> + <p> + “She had nothing to do with that death. I told you so.” + </p> + <p> + “You are loyal to her, and I’m loyal to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Loyal? You’ve made a terrible blunder. She wasn’t my + mistress. I killed Crimtyphon for quite another reason. She had absolutely + no part in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Wasn’t she your lover?” asked Tydomin slowly. + </p> + <p> + “You’ve made a terrible mistake,” repeated Maskull. + “I killed him because he was a wild beast. She was as innocent of + his death as you are.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin’s face took on a hard look. “So you are guilty of two + deaths.” + </p> + <p> + There was a dreadful silence. + </p> + <p> + “Why couldn’t you believe me?” asked Maskull, who was + pale and sweating painfully. + </p> + <p> + “Who gave you the right to kill him?” demanded Tydomin + sternly. + </p> + <p> + He said nothing, and perhaps did not hear her question. + </p> + <p> + She sighed two or three times and began to stir restlessly. “Since + you murdered him, you must help me bury him.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s to be done? This is a most fearful crime.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a most fearful man. Why did you come here, to do all this? + What are we to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately you are right.” + </p> + <p> + Another pause ensued. + </p> + <p> + “It’s no use standing here,” said Tydomin. “Nothing + can be done. You must come with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Come with you? Where to?” + </p> + <p> + “To Disscourn. There’s a burning lake on the far side of it. + He always wished to be cast there after death. We can do that after + Blodsombre—in the meantime we must take him home.” + </p> + <p> + “You’re a callous, heartless woman. Why should he be buried + when that poor girl must remain unburied?” + </p> + <p> + “You know that’s out of the question,” replied Tydomin + quietly. + </p> + <p> + Maskull’s eyes roamed about agitatedly, apparently seeing nothing. + </p> + <p> + “We must do something,” she continued. “I shall go. You + can’t wish to stay here alone?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I couldn’t stay here—and why should I want to? You + want me to carry the corpse?” + </p> + <p> + “He can’t carry himself, and you murdered him. Perhaps it will + ease your mind to carry it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ease my mind?” said Maskull, rather stupidly. + </p> + <p> + “There’s only one relief for remorse, and that’s + voluntary pain.” + </p> + <p> + “And have you no remorse?” he asked, fixing her with a heavy + eye. + </p> + <p> + “These crimes are yours, Maskull,” she said in a low but + incisive voice. + </p> + <p> + They walked over to Crimtyphon’s body, and Maskull hoisted it on to + his shoulders. It weighed heavier than he had thought. Tydomin did not + offer to assist him to adjust the ghastly burden. + </p> + <p> + She crossed the isthmus, followed by Maskull. Their path lay through + sunshine and shadow. Branchspell was blazing in a cloudless sky, the heat + was insufferable—streams of sweat coursed down his face, and the + corpse seemed to grow heavier and heavier. Tydomin always walked in front + of him. His eyes were fastened in an unseeing stare on her white, womanish + calves; he looked neither to right nor left. His features grew sullen. At + the end of ten minutes he suddenly allowed his burden to slip off his + shoulders on to the ground, where it lay sprawled every which way. He + called out to Tydomin. + </p> + <p> + She quickly looked around. + </p> + <p> + “Come here. It has just occurred to me”—he laughed—“why + should I be carrying this corpse—and why should I be following you + at all? What surprises me is, why this has never struck me before.” + </p> + <p> + She at once came back to him. “I suppose you’re tired, + Maskull. Let us sit down. Perhaps you have come a long way this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it’s not tiredness, but a sudden gleam of sense. Do you + know of any reason why I should be acting as your porter?” He + laughed again, but nevertheless sat down on the ground beside her. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin neither looked at him nor answered. Her head was half bent, so as + to face the northern sky, where the Alppain light was still glowing. + Maskull followed her gaze, and also watched the glow for a moment or two + in silence. + </p> + <p> + “Why don’t you speak?” he asked at last. + </p> + <p> + “What does that light suggest to you, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not speaking of that light.” + </p> + <p> + “Doesn’t it suggest anything at all?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it doesn’t. What does it matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Not sacrifice?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull grew sullen again. “Sacrifice of what? What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Hasn’t it entered your head yet,” said Tydomin, looking + straight in front of her, and speaking in her delicate, hard manner, + “that this adventure of yours will scarcely come to an end until you + have made some sort of sacrifice?” + </p> + <p> + He returned no answer, and she said nothing more. In a few minutes’ + time Maskull got up of his own accord, and irreverently, and almost + angrily, threw Crimtyphon’s corpse over his shoulder again. + </p> + <p> + “How far do we have to go?” he asked in a surly tone. + </p> + <p> + “An hour’s walk.” + </p> + <p> + “Lead on.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, this isn’t the sacrifice I mean,” said Tydomin + quietly, as she went on in front. + </p> + <p> + Almost immediately they reached more difficult ground. They had to pass + from peak to peak, as from island to island. In some cases they were able + to stride or jump across, but in others they had to make use of rude + bridges of fallen timber. It appeared to be a frequented path. Underneath + were the black, impenetrable abysses—on the surface were the glaring + sunshine, the gay, painted rocks, the chaotic tangle of strange plants. + There were countless reptiles and insects. The latter were thicker built + than those of Earth—consequently still more disgusting, and some of + them were of enormous size. One monstrous insect, as large as a horse, + stood right in the centre of their path without budging. It was + armour-plated, had jaws like scimitars, and underneath its body was a + forest of legs. Tydomin gave one malignant look at it, and sent it + crashing into the gulf. + </p> + <p> + “What have I to offer, except my life?” Maskull suddenly broke + out. “And what good is that? It won’t bring that poor girl + back into the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Sacrifice is not for utility. It’s a penalty which we pay.” + </p> + <p> + “I know that.” + </p> + <p> + “The point is whether you can go on enjoying life, after what has + happened.” + </p> + <p> + She waited for Maskull to come even with her. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you imagine I’m not man enough—you imagine that + because I allowed poor Oceaxe to die for me—” + </p> + <p> + “She did die for you,” said Tydomin, in a quiet, emphatic + voice. + </p> + <p> + “That would be a second blunder of yours,” returned Maskull, + just as firmly. “I was not in love with Oceaxe, and I’m not in + love with life.” + </p> + <p> + “Your life is not required.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I don’t understand what you want, or what you are + speaking about.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s not for me to ask a sacrifice from you, Maskull. That + would be compliance on your part, but not sacrifice. You must wait until + you feel there’s nothing else for you to do.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s all very mysterious.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation was abruptly cut short by a prolonged and frightful + crashing, roaring sound, coming from a short distance ahead. It was + accompanied by a violent oscillation of the ground on which they stood. + They looked up, startled, just in time to witness the final disappearance + of a huge mass of forest land, not two hundred yards in front of them. + Several acres of trees, plants, rocks, and soil, with all its teeming + animal life, vanished before their eyes, like a magic story. The new chasm + was cut, as if by a knife. Beyond its farther edge the Alppain glow burned + blue just over the horizon. + </p> + <p> + “Now we shall have to make a detour,” said Tydomin, halting. + </p> + <p> + Maskull caught hold of her with his third hand. “Listen to me, while + I try to describe what I’m feeling. When I saw that landslip, + everything I have heard about the last destruction of the world came into + my mind. It seemed to me as if I were actually witnessing it, and that the + world were really falling to pieces. Then, where the land was, we now have + this empty, awful gulf—that’s to say, <i>nothing</i>—and + it seems to me as if our life will come to the same condition, where there + was something there will be nothing. But that terrible blue glare on the + opposite side is exactly like the eye of fate. It accuses us, and demands + what we have made of our life, which is no more. At the same time, it is + grand and joyful. The joy consists in this—that it is in our power + to give freely what will later on be taken from us by force.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin watched him attentively. “Then your feeling is that your + life is worthless, and you make a present of it to the first one who asks?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it goes beyond that. I feel that the only thing worth living + for is to be so magnanimous that fate itself will be astonished at us. + Understand me. It isn’t cynicism, or bitterness, or despair, but + heroism.... It’s hard to explain.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you shall hear what sacrifice I offer you, Maskull. It’s + a heavy one, but that’s what you seem to wish.” + </p> + <p> + “That is so. In my present mood it can’t be too heavy.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, if you are in earnest, resign your body to me. Now that + Crimtyphon’s dead, I’m tired of being a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “I fail to comprehend.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen, then. I wish to start a new existence in your body. I wish + to be a male. I see it isn’t worth while being a woman. I mean to + dedicate my own body to Crimtyphon. I shall tie his body and mine + together, and give them a common funeral in the burning lake. That’s + the sacrifice I offer you. As I said, it’s a hard one.” + </p> + <p> + “So you do ask me to die. Though how you can make use of my body is + difficult to understand.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don’t ask you to die. You will go on living.” + </p> + <p> + “How is it possible without a body?” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin gazed at him earnestly. “There are many such beings, even in + your world. There you call them spirits, apparitions, phantoms. They are + in reality living wills, deprived of material bodies, always longing to + act and enjoy, but quite unable to do so. Are you noble-minded enough to + accept such a state, do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “If it’s possible, I accept it,” replied Maskull + quietly. “Not in spite of its heaviness, but because of it. But how + is it possible?” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly there are very many things possible in our world of + which you have no conception. Now let us wait till we get home. I don’t + hold you to your word, for unless it’s a free sacrifice I will have + nothing to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not a man who speaks lightly. If you can perform this miracle, + you have my consent, once for all.” + </p> + <p> + “Then we’ll leave it like that for the present,” said + Tydomin sadly. + </p> + <p> + They proceeded on their way. Owing to the subsidence, Tydomin seemed + rather doubtful at first as to the right road, but by making a long + divergence they eventually got around to the other side of the newly + formed chasm. A little later on, in a narrow copse crowning a miniature, + insulated peak, they fell in with a man. He was resting himself against a + tree, and looked tired, overheated, and despondent. He was young. His + beardless expression bore an expression of unusual sincerity, and in other + respects he seemed a hardy, hardworking youth, of an intellectual type. + His hair was thick, short, and flaxen. He possessed neither a sorb nor a + third arm—so presumably he was not a native of Ifdawn. His forehead, + however, was disfigured by what looked like a haphazard assortment of + eyes, eight in number, of different sizes and shapes. They went in pairs, + and whenever two were in use, it was indicated by a peculiar shining—the + rest remained dull, until their turn came. In addition to the upper eyes + he had the two lower ones, but they were vacant and lifeless. This + extraordinary battery of eyes, alternatively alive and dead, gave the + young man an appearance of almost alarming mental activity. He was wearing + nothing but a sort of skin kilt. Maskull seemed somehow to recognise the + face, though he had certainly never set eyes on it before. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin suggested to him to set down the corpse, and both sat down to rest + in the shade. + </p> + <p> + “Question him, Maskull,” she said, rather carelessly, jerking + her head toward the stranger. + </p> + <p> + Maskull sighed and asked aloud, from his seat on the ground, “What’s + your name, and where do you come from?” + </p> + <p> + The man studied him for a few moments, first with one pair of eyes, then + with another, then with a third. He next turned his attention to Tydomin, + who occupied him a still longer time. He replied at last, in a dry, manly, + nervous voice. “I am Digrung. I have arrived here from Matterplay.” + His colour kept changing, and Maskull suddenly realised of whom he + reminded him. It was of Joiwind. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you’re going to Poolingdred, Digrung?” he + inquired, interested. + </p> + <p> + “As a matter of fact I am—if I can find my way out of this + accursed country.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly you are acquainted with Joiwind there?” + </p> + <p> + “She’s my sister. I’m on my way to see her now. Why, do + you know her?” + </p> + <p> + “I met her yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your name, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall tell her I met you. This will be our first meeting for four + years. Is she well, and happy?” + </p> + <p> + “Both, as far as I could judge. You know Panawe?” + </p> + <p> + “Her husband—yes. But where do you come from? I’ve seen + nothing like you before.” + </p> + <p> + “From another world. Where is Matterplay?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s the first country one comes to beyond the Sinking Sea.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it like there—how do you amuse yourselves? The same + old murders and sudden deaths?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you ill?” asked Digrung. “Who is this woman, why + are you following at her heels like a slave? She looks insane to me. What’s + that corpse—why are you dragging it around the country with you?” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin smiled. “I’ve already heard it said about Matterplay, + that if one sows an answer there, a rich crop of questions immediately + springs up. But why do you make this unprovoked attack on me, Digrung?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t attack you, woman, but I know you. I see into you, + and I see insanity. That wouldn’t matter, but I don’t like to + see a man of intelligence like Maskull caught in your filthy meshes.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose even you clever Matterplay people sometimes misjudge + character. However, I don’t mind. Your opinion’s nothing to + me, Digrung. You’d better answer his questions, Maskull. Not for his + own sake—but your feminine friend is sure to be curious about your + having been seen carrying a dead man.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull’s underlip shot out. “Tell your sister nothing, + Digrung. Don’t mention my name at all. I don’t want her to + know about this meeting of ours.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t wish it—isn’t that enough?” + </p> + <p> + Digrung looked impassive. + </p> + <p> + “Thoughts and words,” he said, “which don’t + correspond with the real events of the world are considered most shameful + in Matterplay.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m not asking you to lie, only to keep silent.” + </p> + <p> + “To hide the truth is a special branch of lying. I can’t + accede to your wish. I must tell Joiwind everything, as far as I know it.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull got up, and Tydomin followed his example. + </p> + <p> + She touched Digrung on the arm and gave him a strange look. “The + dead man is my husband, and Maskull murdered him. Now you’ll + understand why he wishes you to hold your tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “I guessed there was some foul play,” said Digrung. “It + doesn’t matter—I can’t falsify facts. Joiwind must know.” + </p> + <p> + “You refuse to consider her feelings?” said Maskull, turning + pale. + </p> + <p> + “Feelings which flourish on illusions, and sicken and die on + realities, aren’t worth considering. But Joiwind’s are not of + that kind.” + </p> + <p> + “If you decline to do what I ask, at least return home without + seeing her; your sister will get very little pleasure out of the meeting + when she hears your news.” + </p> + <p> + “What are these strange relations between you?” demanded + Digrung, eying him with suddenly aroused suspicion. + </p> + <p> + Maskull stared back in a sort of bewilderment. “Good God! You don’t + doubt your own sister. That pure angel!” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin caught hold of him delicately. “I don’t know Joiwind, + but, whoever she is and whatever she’s like, I know this—she’s + more fortunate in her friend than in her brother. Now, if you really value + her happiness, Maskull, you will have to take some firm step or other.” + </p> + <p> + “I mean to. Digrung, I shall stop your journey.” + </p> + <p> + “If you intend a second murder, no doubt you are big enough.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull turned around to Tydomin and laughed. “I seem to be leaving + a wake of corpses behind me on this journey.” + </p> + <p> + “Why a corpse? There’s no need to kill him.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks for that!” said Digrung dryly. “All the same, + some crime is about to burst. I feel it.” + </p> + <p> + “What must I do, then?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “It is not my business, and to tell the truth I am not very + interested.... If I were in your place, Maskull, I would not hesitate + long. Don’t you understand how to absorb these creatures, who set + their feeble, obstinate wills against yours?” + </p> + <p> + “That is a worse crime,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Who knows? He will live, but he will tell no tales.” + </p> + <p> + Digrung laughed, but changed colour. “I was right then. The monster + has sprung into the light of day.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull laid a hand on his shoulder. “You have the choice, and we + are not joking. Do as I ask.” + </p> + <p> + “You have fallen low, Maskull. But you are walking in a dream, and I + can’t talk to you. As for you, woman—sin must be like a + pleasant bath to you....” + </p> + <p> + “There are strange ties between Maskull and myself; but you are a + passer-by, a foreigner. I care nothing for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nevertheless, I shall not be frightened out of my plans, which are + legitimate and right.” + </p> + <p> + “Do as you please,” said Tydomin. “If you come to grief, + your thoughts will hardly have corresponded with the real events of the + world, which is what you boast about. It is no affair of mine.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall go on, and not back!” exclaimed Digrung, with angry + emphasis. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin threw a swift, evil smile at Maskull. “Bear witness that I + have tried to persuade this young man. Now you must come to a quick + decision in your own mind as to which is of the greatest importance, + Digrung’s happiness or Joiwind’s. Digrung won’t allow + you to preserve them both.” + </p> + <p> + “It won’t take me long to decide, Digrung, I gave you a last + chance to change your mind.” + </p> + <p> + “As long as it’s in my power I shall go on, and warn my sister + against her criminal friends.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull again clutched at him, but this time with violence. Instructed in + his actions by some new and horrible instinct, he pressed the young man + tightly to his body with all three arms. A feeling of wild, sweet delight + immediately passed through him. Then for the first time he comprehended + the triumphant joys of “absorbing.” It satisfied the hunger of + the will, exactly as food satisfies the hunger of the body. Digrung proved + feeble—he made little opposition. His personality passed slowly and + evenly into Maskull’s. The latter became strong and gorged. The + victim gradually became paler and limper, until Maskull held a corpse in + his arms. He dropped the body, and stood trembling. He had committed his + second crime. He felt no immediate difference in his soul, but... + </p> + <p> + Tydomin shed a sad smile on him, like winter sunshine. He half expected + her to speak, but she said nothing. Instead, she made a sign to him to + pick up Crimtyphon’s corpse. As he obeyed, he wondered why Digrung’s + dead face did not wear the frightful Crystalman mask. + </p> + <p> + “Why hasn’t he altered?” he muttered to himself. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin heard him. She kicked Digrung lightly with her little foot. + “He isn’t dead—that’s why. The expression you mean + is waiting for your death.” + </p> + <p> + “Then is that my real character?” + </p> + <p> + She laughed softly. “You came here to carve a strange world, and now + it appears you are carved yourself. Oh, there’s no doubt about it, + Maskull. You needn’t stand there gaping. You belong to Shaping, like + the rest of us. You are not a king, or a god.” + </p> + <p> + “Since when have I belonged to him?” + </p> + <p> + “What does that matter? Perhaps since you first breathed the air of + Tormance, or perhaps since five minutes ago.” + </p> + <p> + Without waiting for his response, she set off through the copse, and + strode on to the next island. Maskull followed, physically distressed and + looking very grave. + </p> + <p> + The journey continued for half an hour longer, without incident. The + character of the scenery slowly changed. The mountaintops became loftier + and more widely separated from one another. The gaps were filled with + rolling, white clouds, which bathed the shores of the peaks like a + mysterious sea. To pass from island to island was hard work, the + intervening spaces were so wide—Tydomin, however, knew the way. The + intense light, the violet-blue sky, the patches of vivid landscape, + emerging from the white vapour-ocean, made a profound impression on + Maskull’s mind. The glow of Alppain was hidden by the huge mass of + Disscourn, which loomed up straight in front of them. + </p> + <p> + The green snow on the top of the gigantic pyramid had by now completely + melted away. The black, gold, and crimson of its mighty cliffs stood out + with terrific brilliance. They were directly beneath the bulk of the + mountain, which was not a mile away. It did not appear dangerous to climb, + but he was unaware on which side of it their destination lay. + </p> + <p> + It was split from top to bottom by numerous straight fissures. A few + pale-green waterfalls descended here and there, like narrow, motionless + threads. The face of the mountain was rugged and bare. It was strewn with + detached boulders, and great, jagged rocks projected everywhere like iron + teeth. Tydomin pointed to a small black hole near the base, which might be + a cave. “That is where I live.” + </p> + <p> + “You live here alone?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s an odd choice for a woman—and you are not + unbeautiful, either.” + </p> + <p> + “A woman’s life is over at twenty-five,” she replied, + sighing. “And I am far older than that. Ten years ago it would have + been I who lived yonder, and not Oceaxe. Then all this wouldn’t have + happened.” + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + A quarter of an hour later they stood within the mouth of the cave. It was + ten feet high, and its interior was impenetrably black. + </p> + <p> + “Put down the body in the entrance, out of the sun,” directed + Tydomin. He did so. + </p> + <p> + She cast a keenly scrutinising glance at him. “Does your resolution + still hold, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “Why shouldn’t it hold? My brains are not feathers.” + </p> + <p> + “Follow me, then.” + </p> + <p> + They both stepped into the cave. At that very moment a sickening crash, + like heavy thunder just over their heads, set Maskull’s weakened + heart thumping violently. An avalanche of boulders, stones, and dust, + swept past the cave entrance from above. If their going in had been + delayed by a single minute, they would have been killed. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin did not even look up. She took his hand in hers, and started + walking with him into the darkness. The temperature became as cold as ice. + At the first bend the light from the outer world disappeared, leaving them + in absolute blackness. Maskull kept stumbling over the uneven ground, but + she kept tight hold of him, and hurried him along. + </p> + <p> + The tunnel seemed of interminable length. Presently, however, the + atmosphere changed—or such was his impression. He was somehow led to + imagine that they had come to a larger chamber. Here Tydomin stopped, and + then forced him down with quiet pressure. His groping hand encountered + stone and, by feeling it all over, he discovered that it was a sort of + stone slab, or couch, raised a foot or eighteen inches from the ground. + She told him to lie down. + </p> + <p> + “Has the time come?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + He lay there waiting in the darkness, ignorant of what was going to + happen. He felt her hand clasping his. Without perceiving any gradation, + he lost all consciousness of his body; he was no longer able to feel his + limbs or internal organs. His mind remained active and alert. Nothing + particular appeared to be taking place. + </p> + <p> + Then the chamber began to grow light, like very early morning. He could + see nothing, but the retina of his eyes was affected. He fancied that he + heard music, but while he was listening for it, it stopped. The light grew + stronger, the air grew warmer; he heard the confused sound of distant + voices. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Tydomin gave his hand a powerful squeeze. He heard someone scream + faintly, and then the light leaped up, and he saw everything clearly. + </p> + <p> + He was lying on a wooden couch, in a strangely decorated room, lighted by + electricity. His hand was being squeezed, not by Tydomin, but by a man + dressed in the garments of civilisation, with whose face he was certainly + familiar, but under what circumstances he could not recall. Other people + stood in the background—they too were vaguely known to him. He sat + up and began to smile, without any especial reason; and then stood + upright. + </p> + <p> + Everybody seemed to be watching him with anxiety and emotion—he + wondered why. Yet he felt that they were all acquaintances. Two in + particular he knew—the man at the farther end of the room, who paced + restlessly backward and forward, his face transfigured by stern, holy + grandeur; and that other big, bearded man—who was <i>himself</i>. + Yes—he was looking at his own double. But it was just as if a + crime-riddled man of middle age were suddenly confronted with his own + photograph as an earnest, idealistic youth. + </p> + <p> + His other self spoke to him. He heard the sounds, but did not comprehend + the sense. Then the door was abruptly flung open, and a short, + brutish-looking individual leaped in. He began to behave in an + extraordinary manner to everyone around him; and after that came straight + up to him—Maskull. He spoke some words, but they were + incomprehensible. A terrible expression came over the newcomer’s + face, and he grasped his neck with a pair of hairy hands. Maskull felt his + bones bending and breaking, excruciating pains passed through all the + nerves of his body, and he experienced a sense of impending death. He + cried out, and sank helplessly on the floor, in a heap. The chamber and + the company vanished—the light went out. + </p> + <p> + Once more he found himself in the blackness of the cave. He was this time + lying on the ground, but Tydomin was still with him, holding his hand. He + was in horrible bodily agony, but this was only a setting for the + despairing anguish that filled his mind. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin addressed him in tones of gentle reproach. “Why are you back + so soon? I’ve not had time yet. You must return.” + </p> + <p> + He caught hold of her, and pulled himself up to his feet. She gave a low + scream, as though in pain. “What does this mean—what are you + doing, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “Krag—” began Maskull, but the effort to produce his + words choked him, so that he was obliged to stop. + </p> + <p> + “Krag—what of Krag? Tell me quickly what has happened. Free my + arm.” + </p> + <p> + He gripped her arm tighter. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I’ve seen Krag. I’m awake.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! You are awake, awake.” + </p> + <p> + “And you must die,” said Maskull, in an awful voice. + </p> + <p> + “But why? What has happened?...” + </p> + <p> + “You must die, and I must kill you. Because I am awake, and for no + other reason. You blood-stained dancing mistress!” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin breathed hard for a little time. Then she seemed suddenly to + regain her self-possession. + </p> + <p> + “You won’t offer me violence, surely, in this black cave?” + </p> + <p> + “No, the sun shall look on, for it is not a murder. But rest assured + that you must die—you must expiate your fearful crimes.” + </p> + <p> + “You have already said so, and I see you have the power. You have + escaped me. It is very curious. Well, then, Maskull, let us come outside. + I am not afraid. But kill me courteously, for I have also been courteous + to you. I make no other supplication.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 11. ON DISSCOURN + </h2> + <p> + BY THE TIME that they regained the mouth of the cavern, Blodsombre was at + its height. In front of them the scenery sloped downward—a long + succession of mountain islands in a sea of clouds. Behind them the bright, + stupendous crags of Disscourn loomed up for a thousand feet or more. + Maskull’s eyes were red, and his face looked stupid; he was still + holding the woman by the arm. She made no attempt to speak, or to get + away. She seemed perfectly gentle and composed. + </p> + <p> + After gazing at the country for a long time in silence, he turned toward + her. “Whereabouts is the fiery lake you spoke of?” + </p> + <p> + “It lies on the other side of the mountain. But why do you ask?” + </p> + <p> + “It is just as well if we have some way to walk. I shall grow + calmer, and that’s what I want. I wish you to understand that what + is going to happen is not a murder, but an execution.” + </p> + <p> + “It will taste the same,” said Tydomin. + </p> + <p> + “When I have gone out of this country, I don’t wish to feel + that I have left a demon behind me, wandering at large. That would not be + fair to others. So we will go to the lake, which promises an easy death + for you.” + </p> + <p> + She shrugged her shoulders. “We must wait till Blodsombre is over.” + </p> + <p> + “Is this a time for luxurious feelings? However hot it is now, we + will both be cool by evening. We must start at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Without doubt, you are the master, Maskull.... May I not carry + Crimtyphon?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked at her strangely. + </p> + <p> + “I grudge no man his funeral.” + </p> + <p> + She painfully hoisted the body on her narrow shoulders, and they stepped + out into the sunlight. The heat struck them like a blow on the head. + Maskull moved aside, to allow her to precede him, but no compassion + entered his heart. He brooded over the wrongs the woman had done him. + </p> + <p> + The way went along the south side of the great pyramid, near its base. It + was a rough road, clogged with boulders and crossed by cracks and water + gullies; they could see the water, but could not get at it. There was no + shade. Blisters formed on their skin, while all the water in their blood + seemed to dry up. + </p> + <p> + Maskull forgot his own tortures in his devil’s delight at Tydomin’s. + “Sing me a song!” he called out presently. “A + characteristic one.” + </p> + <p> + She turned her head and gave him a long, peculiar look; then, without any + sort of expostulation, started singing. Her voice was low and weird. The + song was so extraordinary that he had to rub his eyes to ascertain whether + he was awake or dreaming. The slow surprises of the grotesque melody began + to agitate him in a horrible fashion; the words were pure nonsense—or + else their significance was too deep for him. + </p> + <p> + “Where, in the name of all unholy things, did you acquire that + stuff, woman?” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin shed a sickly smile, while the corpse swayed about with ghastly + jerks over her left shoulder. She held it in position with her two left + arms. “It’s a pity we could not have met as friends, Maskull. + I could have shown you a side of Tormance which now perhaps you will never + see. The wild, mad side. But now it’s too late, and it doesn’t + matter.” + </p> + <p> + They turned the angle of the mountain, and started to traverse the western + base. + </p> + <p> + “Which is the quickest way out of this miserable land?” asked + Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “It is easiest to go to Sant.” + </p> + <p> + “Will we see it from anywhere?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, though it is a long way off.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you been there?” + </p> + <p> + “I am a woman, and interdicted.” + </p> + <p> + “True. I have heard something of the sort.” + </p> + <p> + “But don’t ask me any more questions,” said Tydomin, who + was becoming faint. + </p> + <p> + Maskull stopped at a little spring. He himself drank, and then made a cup + of his hand for the woman, so that she might not have to lay down her + burden. The gnawl water acted like magic—it seemed to replenish all + the cells of his body as though they had been thirsty sponge pores, + sucking up liquid. Tydomin recovered her self-possession. + </p> + <p> + About three-quarters of an hour later they worked around the second + corner, and entered into full view of the north aspect of Disscourn. + </p> + <p> + A hundred yards lower down the slope on which they were walking, the + mountain ended abruptly in a chasm. The air above it was filled with a + sort of green haze, which trembled violently like the atmosphere + immediately over a furnace. + </p> + <p> + “The lake is underneath,” said Tydomin. + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked curiously about him. Beyond the crater the country sloped + away in a continuous descent to the skyline. Behind them, a narrow path + channelled its way up through the rocks toward the towering summit of the + pyramid. Miles away, in the north-east quarter, a long, flat-topped + plateau raised its head far above all the surrounding country. It was Sant—and + there and then he made up his mind that that should be his destination + that day. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin meanwhile had walked straight to the gulf, and set down Crimtyphon’s + body on the edge. In a minute or two, Maskull joined her; arrived at the + brink, he immediately flung himself at full length on his chest, to see + what could be seen of the lake of fire. A gust of hot, asphyxiating air + smote his face and set him coughing, but he did not get up until he had + stared his fill at the huge sea of green, molten lava, tossing and + swirling at no great distance below, like a living will. + </p> + <p> + A faint sound of drumming came up. He listened intently, and as he did so + his heart quickened and the black cares rolled away from his soul. All the + world and its accidents seemed at that moment false, and without + meaning.... + </p> + <p> + He climbed abstractedly to his feet. Tydomin was talking to her dead + husband. She was peering into the hideous face of ivory, and fondling his + violet hair. When she perceived Maskull, she hastily kissed the withered + lips, and got up from her knees. Lifting the corpse with all three arms, + she staggered with it to the extreme edge of the gulf and, after an + instant’s hesitation, allowed it to drop into the lava. It + disappeared immediately without sound; a metallic splash came up. That was + Crimtyphon’s funeral. + </p> + <p> + “Now I am ready, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + He did not answer, but stared past her. Another figure was standing, erect + and mournful, not far behind her. It was Joiwind. Her face was wan, and + there was an accusing look in her eyes. Maskull knew that it was a + phantasm, and that the real Joiwind was miles away, at Poolingdred. + </p> + <p> + “Turn around, Tydomin,” he said oddly, “and tell me what + you see behind you.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t see anything,” she answered, looking around. + </p> + <p> + “But I see Joiwind.” + </p> + <p> + Just as he was speaking, the apparition vanished. + </p> + <p> + “Now I present you with your life, Tydomin. <i>She</i> wishes it.” + </p> + <p> + The woman fingered her chin thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “I little expected I should ever be beholden for my life to one of + my own sex—but so be it. What really happened to you in my cavern?” + </p> + <p> + “I really saw Krag.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, some miracle must have taken place.” She suddenly + shivered. “Come, let us leave this horrible spot. I shall never come + here again.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Maskull, “it stinks of death and dying. But + where are we to go—what are we to do? Take me to Sant. I must get + away from this hellish land.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin remained standing, dull and hollow-eyed. Then she gave an abrupt, + bitter little laugh. “We make our journey together in singular + stages. Rather than be alone, I’ll come with you—but you know + that if I set foot in Sant they will kill me.” + </p> + <p> + “At least set me on the way. I wish to get there before night. Is it + possible?” + </p> + <p> + “If you are willing to take risks with nature. And why should you + not take risks today? Your luck holds. But someday or other it won’t + hold—your luck.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us start,” said Maskull. “The luck I’ve had + so far is nothing to brag about.” + </p> + <p> + Blodsombre was over when they set off; it was early afternoon, but the + heat seemed more stifling than ever. They made no more pretence at + conversation; both were buried in their own painful thoughts. The land + fell away from Disscourn in all other directions, but toward Sant there + was a gentle, persistent rise. Its dark, distant plateau continued to + dominate the landscape, and after walking for an hour they seemed none the + nearer to it. The air was stale and stagnant. + </p> + <p> + By and by, an upright object, apparently the work of man, attracted + Maskull’s notice. It was a slender tree stem, with the bark still + on, imbedded in the stony ground. From the upper end three branches sprang + out, pointing aloft at a sharp angle. They were stripped to twigs and + leaves and, getting closer, he saw that they had been artificially + fastened on, at equal distances from each other. + </p> + <p> + As he stared at the object, a strange, sudden flush of confident vanity + and self-sufficiency seemed to pass through him, but it was so momentary + that he could be sure of nothing. + </p> + <p> + “What may that be, Tydomin?” + </p> + <p> + “It is Hator’s Trifork.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is its purpose?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a guide to Sant.” + </p> + <p> + “But who or what is Hator?” + </p> + <p> + “Hator was the founder of Sant—many thousands of years ago. He + laid down the principles they all live by, and that trifork is his symbol. + When I was a little child my father told me the legends, but I’ve + forgotten most of them.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull regarded it attentively. + </p> + <p> + “Does it affect you in any way?” + </p> + <p> + “And why should it do that?” she said, dropping her lip + scornfully. “I am only a woman, and these are masculine mysteries.” + </p> + <p> + “A sort of gladness came over me,” said Maskull, “but + perhaps I am mistaken.” + </p> + <p> + They passed on. The scenery gradually changed in character. The solid + parts of the land grew more continuous, the fissures became narrower and + more infrequent. There were now no more subsidences or upheavals. The + peculiar nature of the Ifdawn Marest appeared to be giving place to a + different order of things. + </p> + <p> + Later on, they encountered a flock of pale blue jellies floating in the + air. They were miniature animals. Tydomin caught one in her hand and began + to eat it, just as one eats a luscious pear plucked from a tree. Maskull, + who had fasted since early morning, was not slow in following her example. + A sort of electric vigour at once entered his limbs and body, his muscles + regained their elasticity, his heart began to beat with hard, slow, strong + throbs. + </p> + <p> + “Food and body seem to agree well in this world,” he remarked + smiling. + </p> + <p> + She glanced toward him. “Perhaps the explanation is not in the food, + but in your body.” + </p> + <p> + “I brought my body with me.” + </p> + <p> + “You brought your soul with you, but that’s altering fast, + too.” + </p> + <p> + In a copse they came across a short, wide tree, without leaves, but + possessing a multitude of thin, flexible branches, like the tentacles of a + cuttlefish. Some of these branches were moving rapidly. A furry animal, + somewhat resembling a wildcat, leaped about among them in the most + extraordinary way. But the next minute Maskull was shocked to realise that + the beast was not leaping at all, but was being thrown from branch to + branch by the volition of the tree, exactly as an imprisoned mouse is + thrown by a cat from paw to paw. + </p> + <p> + He watched the spectacle a while with morbid interest. + </p> + <p> + “That’s a gruesome reversal of rôles, Tydomin.” + </p> + <p> + “One can see you’re disgusted,” she replied, stifling a + yawn. “But that is because you are a slave to words. If you called + that plant an animal, you would find its occupation perfectly natural and + pleasing. And why should you not call it an animal?” + </p> + <p> + “I am quite aware that, as long as I remain in the Ifdawn Marest, I + shall go on listening to this sort of language.” + </p> + <p> + They trudged along for an hour or more without talking. The day became + overcast. A thin mist began to shroud the landscape, and the sun changed + into an immense ruddy disk which could be stared at without flinching. A + chill, damp wind blew against them. Presently it grew still darker, the + sun disappeared and, glancing first at his companion and then at himself, + Maskull noticed that their skin and clothing were coated by a kind of + green hoarfrost. + </p> + <p> + The land was now completely solid. About half a mile, in front of them, + against a background of dark fog, a moving forest of tall waterspouts + gyrated slowly and gracefully hither and thither. They were green and + self-luminous, and looked terrifying. Tydomin explained that they were not + waterspouts at all, but mobile columns of lightning. + </p> + <p> + “Then they are dangerous?” + </p> + <p> + “So we think,” she answered, watching them closely. + </p> + <p> + “Someone is wandering there who appears to have a different opinion.” + </p> + <p> + Among the spouts, and entirely encompassed by them, a man was walking with + a slow, calm, composed gait, his back turned toward Maskull and Tydomin. + There was something unusual in his appearance—his form looked + extraordinarily distinct, solid, and real. + </p> + <p> + “If there’s danger, he ought to be warned,” said + Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “He who is always anxious to teach will learn nothing,” + returned the woman coolly. She restrained Maskull by a pressure of the + arm, and continued to watch. + </p> + <p> + The base of one of the columns touched the man. He remained unharmed, but + turned sharply around, as if for the first time made aware of the + proximity of these deadly waltzers. Then he raised himself to his full + height, and stretched both arms aloft above his head, like a diver. He + seemed to be addressing the columns. + </p> + <p> + While they looked on, the electric spouts discharged themselves, with a + series of loud explosions. The stranger stood alone, uninjured. He dropped + his arms. The next moment he caught sight of the two, and stood still, + waiting for them to come up. The pictorial clarity of his person grew more + and more noticeable as they approached; his body seemed to be composed of + some substance heavier and denser than solid matter. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin looked perplexed. + </p> + <p> + “He must be a Sant man. I have seen no one quite like him before. + This is a day of days for me.” + </p> + <p> + “He must be an individual of great importance,” murmured + Maskull. + </p> + <p> + They now came up to him. He was tall, strong, and bearded, and was clothed + in a shirt and breeches of skin. Since turning his back to the wind, the + green deposit on his face and limbs had changed to streaming moisture, + through which his natural colour was visible; it was that of pale iron. + There was no third arm. His face was harsh and frowning, and a projecting + chin pushed the beard forward. On his forehead there were two flat + membranes, like rudimentary eyes, but no sorb. These membranes were + expressionless, but in some strange way seemed to add vigour to the stern + eyes underneath. When his glance rested on Maskull, the latter felt as + though his brain were being thoroughly travelled through. The man was + middle-aged. + </p> + <p> + His physical distinctness transcended nature. By contrast with him, every + object in the neighbourhood looked vague and blurred. Tydomin’s + person suddenly appeared faint, sketch-like, without significance, and + Maskull realised that it was no better with himself. A queer, quickening + fire began running through his veins. + </p> + <p> + He turned to the woman. “If this man is going to Sant, I shall bear + him company. We can now part. No doubt you will think it high time.” + </p> + <p> + “Let Tydomin come too.” + </p> + <p> + The words were delivered in a rough, foreign tongue, but were as + intelligible to Maskull as if spoken in English. + </p> + <p> + “You who know my name, also know my sex,” said Tydomin + quietly. “It is death for me to enter Sant.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the old law. I am the bearer of the new law.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it so—and will it be accepted?” + </p> + <p> + “The old skin is cracking, the new skin has been silently forming + underneath, the moment of sloughing has arrived.” + </p> + <p> + The storm gathered. The green snow drove against them, as they stood + talking, and it grew intensely cold. None noticed it. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” asked Maskull, with a beating heart. + </p> + <p> + “My name, Maskull, is Spadevil. You, a voyager across the dark ocean + of space, shall be my first witness and follower. You, Tydomin, a daughter + of the despised sex, shall be my second.” + </p> + <p> + “The new law? But what is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Until eye sees, of what use it is for ear to hear?.... Come, both + of you, to me!” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin went to him unhesitatingly. Spadevil pressed his hand on her sorb + and kept it there for a few minutes, while he closed his own eyes. When he + removed it, Maskull observed that the sorb was transformed into twin + membranes like Spadevil’s own. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin looked dazed. She glanced quietly about for a little while, + apparently testing her new faculty. Then the tears started to her eyes + and, snatching up Spadevil’s hand, she bent over and kissed it + hurriedly many times. + </p> + <p> + “My past has been bad,” she said. “Numbers have received + harm from me, and none good. I have killed—and worse. But now I can + throw all that away, and laugh. Nothing can now injure me. Oh, Maskull, + you and I have been fools together!” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you repent your crimes?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Leave the past alone,” said Spadevil, “it cannot be + reshaped. The future alone is ours. It starts fresh and clean from this + very minute. Why do you hesitate, Maskull? Are you afraid?” + </p> + <p> + “What is the name of those organs, and what is their function?” + </p> + <p> + “They are <i>probes</i>, and they are the gates opening into a new + world.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull lingered no longer, but permitted Spadevil to cover his sorb. + </p> + <p> + While the iron hand was still pressing his forehead, the new law quietly + flowed into his consciousness, like a smooth-running stream of clean water + which had hitherto been dammed by his obstructive will. The law was <i>duty</i>. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 12. SPADEVIL + </h2> + <p> + Maskull found that his new organs had no independent function of their + own, but only intensified and altered his other senses. When he used his + eyes, ears, or nostrils, the same objects presented themselves to him, but + his judgment concerning them was different. Previously all external things + had existed for him; now he existed for them. According to whether they + served his purpose or were in harmony with his nature, or otherwise, they + had been pleasant or painful. Now these words “pleasure” and + “pain” simply had no meaning. + </p> + <p> + The other two watched him, while he was making himself acquainted with his + new mental outlook. He smiled at them. + </p> + <p> + “You were quite right, Tydomin,” he said, in a bold, cheerful + voice. “We have been fools. So near the light all the time, and we + never guessed it. Always buried in the past or future—systematically + ignoring the present—and now it turns out that apart from the + present we have no life at all.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank Spadevil for it,” she answered, more loudly than usual. + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked at the man’s dark, concrete form. “Spadevil, + now I mean to follow you to the end. I can do nothing less.” + </p> + <p> + The severe face showed no sign of gratification—not a muscle + relaxed. + </p> + <p> + “Watch that you don’t lose your gift,” he said gruffly. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin spoke. “You promised that I should enter Sant with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Attach yourself to the truth, not to me. For I may die before you, + but the truth will accompany you to <i>your</i> death. However, now let us + journey together, all three of us.” + </p> + <p> + The words had not left his mouth before he put his face against the fine, + driving snow, and pressed onward toward his destination. He walked with a + long stride; Tydomin was obliged to half run in order to keep up with him. + The three travelled abreast; Spadevil in the middle. The fog was so dense + that it was impossible to see a hundred yards ahead. The ground was + covered by the green snow. The wind blew in gusts from the Sant highlands + and was piercingly cold. + </p> + <p> + “Spadevil, are you a man, or more than a man?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “He that is not more than a man is nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Where have you now come from?” + </p> + <p> + “From brooding, Maskull. Out of no other mother can truth be born. I + have brooded, and rejected; and I have brooded again. Now, after many + months’ absence from Sant, the truth at last shines forth for me in + its simple splendour, like an upturned diamond.” + </p> + <p> + “I see its shining,” said Maskull. “But how much does it + owe to ancient Hator?” + </p> + <p> + “Knowledge has its seasons. The blossom was to Hator, the fruit is + to me. Hator also was a brooder—but now his followers do not brood. + In Sant all is icy selfishness, a living death. They hate pleasure, and + this hatred is the greatest pleasure to them.” + </p> + <p> + “But in what way have they fallen off from Hator’s doctrines?” + </p> + <p> + “For him, in his sullen purity of nature, all the world was a snare, + a limed twig. Knowing that pleasure was everywhere, a fierce, mocking + enemy, crouching and waiting at every corner of the road of life, in order + to kill with its sweet sting the naked grandeur of the soul, he shielded + himself behind <i>pain</i>. This also his followers do, but they do not do + it for the sake of the soul, but for the sake of vanity and pride.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the Trifork?” + </p> + <p> + “The stem, Maskull, is hatred of pleasure. The first fork is + disentanglement from the sweetness of the world. The second fork is power + over those who still writhe in the nets of illusion. The third fork is the + healthy glow of one who steps into ice-cold water.” + </p> + <p> + “From what land did Hator come?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not said. He lived in Ifdawn for a while. There are many + legends told of him while there.” + </p> + <p> + “We have a long way to go,” said Tydomin. “Relate some + of these legends, Spadevil.” + </p> + <p> + The snow had ceased, the day brightened, Branchspell reappeared like a + phantom sun, but bitter blasts of wind still swept over the plain. + </p> + <p> + “In those days,” said Spadevil, “there existed in Ifdawn + a mountain island separated by wide spaces from the land around it. A + handsome girl, who knew sorcery, caused a bridge to be constructed across + which men and women might pass to it. Having by a false tale drawn Hator + on to this rock, she pushed at the bridge with her foot until it tumbled + into the depths below. ‘You and I, Hator, are now together, and + there is no means of separating. I wish to see how long the famous frost + man can withstand the breath, smiles and perfume of a girl.’ Hator + said no word, either then or all that day. He stood till sunset like a + tree trunk, and thought of other things. Then the girl grew passionate, + and shook her curls. She rose from where she was sitting she looked at + him, and touched his arm; but he did not see her. She looked at him, so + that all the soul was in her eyes; and then she fell down dead. Hator + awoke from his thoughts, and saw her lying, still warm, at his feet, a + corpse. He passed to the mainland; but how, it is not related.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin shuddered. “You too have met your wicked woman, Spadevil; + but your method is a nobler one.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t pity other women,” said Spadevil, “but love + the <i>right</i>. Hator also once conversed with Shaping.” + </p> + <p> + “With the Maker of the World?” said Maskull thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “With the Maker of Pleasure. It is told how Shaping defended his + world, and tried to force Hator to acknowledge loveliness and joy. But + Hator, answering all his marvellous speeches in a few concise, iron words, + showed how this joy and beauty was but another name for the bestiality of + souls wallowing in luxury and sloth. Shaping smiled, and said, ‘How + comes it that your wisdom is greater than that of the Master of wisdom?’ + Hator said, ‘My wisdom does not come from you, nor from your world, + but from that other world, which you, Shaping, have vainly tried to + imitate.’ Shaping replied, ‘What, then, do you do in my world?’ + Hator said, ‘I am here falsely, and therefore I am subject to your + false pleasures. But I wrap myself in <i>pain</i>—not because it is + good, but because I wish to keep myself as far from you as possible. For + pain is not yours, neither does it belong to the other world, but it is + the shadow cast by your false pleasures.’ Shaping then said, ‘What + is this faraway other world of which you say “This is so—this + is not so?” How happens it that you alone of all my creatures have + knowledge of it?’ But Hator spat at his feet, and said, ‘You + lie, Shaping. All have knowledge of it. You, with your pretty toys, alone + obscure it from our view.’ Shaping asked, ‘What, then, am I?’ + Hator answered, ‘You are the dreamer of impossible dreams.’ + And then the story goes that Shaping departed, ill pleased with what had + been said.” + </p> + <p> + “What other world did Hator refer to?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “One where grandeur reigns, Maskull, just as pleasure reigns here.” + </p> + <p> + “Whether grandeur or pleasure, it makes no difference,” said + Maskull. “The individual spirit that lives and wishes to live is + mean and corrupt-natured.” + </p> + <p> + “Guard you your pride!” returned Spadevil. “Do not make + law for the universe and for all time, but for yourself and for this + small, false life of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “In what shape did death come to that hard, unconquerable man?” + asked Tydomin. + </p> + <p> + “He lived to be old, but went upright and free-limbed to his last + hour. When he saw that death could not be staved off longer he determined + to destroy himself. He gathered his friends around him; not from vanity, + but that they might see to what lengths the human soul can go in its + perpetual warfare with the voluptuous body. Standing erect, without + support, he died by withholding his breath.” + </p> + <p> + A silence followed, which lasted for perhaps an hour. Their minds refused + to acknowledge the icy winds, but the current of their thoughts became + frozen. + </p> + <p> + When Branchspell, however, shone out again, though with subdued power, + Maskull’s curiosity rose once more. “Your fellow countrymen, + then, Spadevil, are sick with self-love?” + </p> + <p> + “The men of other countries,” said Spadevil, “are the + slaves of pleasure and desire, knowing it. But the men of my country are + the slaves of pleasure and desire, not knowing it.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet that proud pleasure, which rejoices in self-torture, has + something noble in it.” + </p> + <p> + “He who studies himself at all is ignoble. Only by despising soul as + well as body can a man enter into true life.” + </p> + <p> + “On what grounds do they reject women?” + </p> + <p> + “Inasmuch as a woman has ideal love, and cannot live for herself. + Love for another is pleasure for the loved one, and therefore injurious to + him.” + </p> + <p> + “A forest of false ideas is waiting for your axe,” said + Maskull. “But will they allow it?” + </p> + <p> + “Spadevil knows, Maskull,” said Tydomin, “that be it + today or be it tomorrow, love can’t be kept out of a land, even by + the disciples of Hator.” + </p> + <p> + “Beware of love—beware of emotion!” exclaimed Spadevil. + “Love is but pleasure once removed. Think not of pleasing others, + but of serving them.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, Spadevil, if I am still feminine.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Right</i> has no sex. So long, Tydomin, as you remember that you + are a woman, so long you will not enter into divine apathy of soul.” + </p> + <p> + “But where there are no women, there are no children,” said + Maskull. “How came there to be all these generations of Hator men?” + </p> + <p> + “Life breeds passion, passion breeds suffering, suffering breeds the + yearning for relief from suffering. Men throng to Sant from all parts, in + order to have the scars of their souls healed.” + </p> + <p> + “In place of hatred of pleasure, which all can understand, what + simple formula do you offer?” + </p> + <p> + “Iron obedience to duty,” answered Spadevil. + </p> + <p> + “And if they ask ‘How far is this consistent with hatred of + pleasure?’ what will your pronouncement be?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not answer them, but I answer you, Maskull, who ask the + question. Hatred is passion, and all passion springs from the dark fires + of self. Do not hate pleasure at all, but pass it by on one side, calm and + undisturbed.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the criterion of pleasure? How can we always recognise it, + in order to avoid it?” + </p> + <p> + “Rigidly follow duty, and such questions will not arise.” + </p> + <p> + Later in the afternoon, Tydomin timidly placed her fingers on Spadevil’s + arm. + </p> + <p> + “Fearful doubts are in my mind,” she said. “This + expedition to Sant may turn out badly. I have seen a vision of you, + Spadevil, and myself lying dead and covered in blood, but Maskull was not + there.” + </p> + <p> + “We may drop the torch, but it will not be extinguished, and others + will raise it.” + </p> + <p> + “Show me a sign that you are not as other men—so that I may + know that our blood will not be wasted.” + </p> + <p> + Spadevil regarded her sternly. “I am not a magician. I don’t + persuade the senses, but the soul. Does your duty call you to Sant, + Tydomin? Then go there. Does it not call you to Sant? Then go no farther. + Is not this simple? What signs are necessary?” + </p> + <p> + “Did I not see you dispel those spouts of lightning? No common man + could have done that.” + </p> + <p> + “Who knows what any man can do? This man can do one thing, that man + can do another. But what all men can do is their duty; and to open their + eyes to this, I must go to Sant, and if necessary lay down my life. Will + you not still accompany me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Tydomin, “I will follow you to the end. It + is all the more essential, because I keep on displeasing you with my + remarks, and that means I have not yet learned my lesson properly.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not be humble, for humility is only self-judgment, and while we + are thinking of self, we must be neglecting some action we could be + planning or shaping in our mind.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin continued to be uneasy and preoccupied. + </p> + <p> + “Why was Maskull not in the picture?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “You dwell on this foreboding because you imagine it is tragical. + There is nothing tragical in death, Tydomin, nor in life. There is only + right and wrong. What arises from right or wrong action does not matter. + We are not gods, constructing a world, but simple men and women, doing our + immediate duty. We may die in Sant—so you have seen it; but the + truth will go on living.” + </p> + <p> + “Spadevil, why do you choose Sant to start your work in?” + asked Maskull. “These men with fixed ideas seem to me the least + likely of any to follow a new light.” + </p> + <p> + “Where a bad tree thrives, a good tree will flourish. But where no + tree at all can be found, nothing will grow.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you,” said Maskull. “Here perhaps we are + going to martyrdom, but elsewhere we should resemble men preaching to + cattle.” + </p> + <p> + Shortly before sunset they arrived at the extremity of the upland plain, + above which towered the black cliffs of the Sant Levels. A dizzy, + artificially constructed staircase, of more than a thousand steps of + varying depth, twisting and forking in order to conform to the angles of + the precipices, led to the world overhead. In the place where they stood + they were sheltered from the cutting winds. Branchspell, radiantly shining + at last, but on the point of sinking, filled the cloudy sky with violent, + lurid colors, some of the combinations of which were new to Maskull. The + circle of the horizon was so gigantic, that had he been suddenly carried + back to Earth, he would by comparison have fancied himself to be moving + beneath the dome of some little, closed-in cathedral. He realised that he + was on a foreign planet. But he was not stirred or uplifted by the + knowledge; he was conscious only of moral ideas. Looking backward, he saw + the plain, which for several miles past had been without vegetation, + stretching back away to Disscourn. So regular had been the ascent, and so + great was the distance, that the huge pyramid looked nothing more than a + slight swelling on the face of the earth. + </p> + <p> + Spadevil stopped, and gazed over the landscape in silence. In the evening + sunlight his form looked more dense, dark, and real than ever before. His + features were set hard in grimness. + </p> + <p> + He turned around to his companions. “What is the greatest wonder, in + all this wonderful scene?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Acquaint us,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “All that you see is born from pleasure, and moves on, from pleasure + to pleasure. Nowhere is <i>right</i> to be found. It is Shaping’s + world.” + </p> + <p> + “There is another wonder,” said Tydomin, and she pointed her + finger toward the sky overhead. + </p> + <p> + A small cloud, so low down that it was perhaps not more than five hundred + feet above them, was sailing along in front of the dark wall of cliff. It + was in the exact shape of an open human hand, with downward-pointing + fingers. It was stained crimson by the sun; and one or two tiny cloudlets + beneath the fingers looked like falling drops of blood. + </p> + <p> + “Who can doubt now that our death is close at hand?” said + Tydomin. “I have been close to death twice today. The first time I + was ready, but now I am more ready, for I shall die side by side with the + man who has given me my first happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not think of death, but of right persistence,” replied + Spadevil. “I am not here to tremble before Shaping’s portents; + but to snatch men from him.” + </p> + <p> + He at once proceeded to lead the way up the staircase. Tydomin gazed + upward after him for a moment, with an odd, worshiping light in her eyes. + Then she followed him, the second of the party. Maskull climbed last. He + was travel stained, unkempt, and very tired; but his soul was at peace. As + they steadily ascended the almost perpendicular stairs, the sun got higher + in the sky. Its light dyed their bodies a ruddy gold. + </p> + <p> + They gained the top. There they found rolling in front of them, as far as + the eye could see, a barren desert of white sand, broken here and there by + large, jagged masses of black rock. Tracts of the sand were reddened by + the sinking sun. The vast expanse of sky was filled by evil-shaped clouds + and wild colors. The freezing wind, flurrying across the desert, drove the + fine particles of sand painfully against their faces. + </p> + <p> + “Where now do you take us?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “He who guards the old wisdom of Sant must give up that wisdom to + me, that I may change it. What he says, others will say. I go to find + Maulger.” + </p> + <p> + “And where will you seek him, in this bare country?” + </p> + <p> + Spadevil struck off toward the north unhesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + “It is not so far,” he said. “It is his custom to be in + that part where Sant overhangs the Wombflash Forest. Perhaps he will be + there, but I cannot say.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull glanced toward Tydomin. Her sunken cheeks, and the dark circles + beneath her eyes told of her extreme weariness. + </p> + <p> + “The woman is tired, Spadevil,” he said. + </p> + <p> + She smiled. “It’s but another step into the land of death. I + can manage it. Give me your arm, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + He put his arm around her waist, and supported her along that way. + </p> + <p> + “The sun is now sinking,” said Maskull. “Will we get + there before dark?” + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing, Maskull and Tydomin; this pain is eating up the evil + in your nature. The road you are walking cannot remain unwalked. We shall + arrive before dark.” + </p> + <p> + The sun then disappeared behind the far-distant ridges that formed the + western boundary of the Ifdawn Marest. The sky blazed up into more vivid + colors. The wind grew colder. + </p> + <p> + They passed some pools of colourless gnawl water, round the banks of which + were planted fruit trees. Maskull ate some of the fruit. It was hard, + bitter, and astringent; he could not get rid of the taste, but he felt + braced and invigorated by the downward-flowing juices. No other trees or + shrubs were to be seen anywhere. No animals appeared, no birds or insects. + It was a desolate land. + </p> + <p> + A mile or two passed, when they again approached the edge of the plateau. + Far down, beneath their feet, the great Wombflash Forest began. But + daylight had vanished there; Maskull’s eyes rested only on a vague + darkness. He faintly heard what sounded like the distant sighing of + innumerable treetops. + </p> + <p> + In the rapidly darkening twilight, they came abruptly on a man. He was + standing in a pool, on one leg. A pile of boulders had hidden him from + their view. The water came as far up as his calf. A trifork, similar to + the one Maskull had seen on Disscourn, but smaller, had been stuck in the + mud close by his hand. + </p> + <p> + They stopped by the side of the pond, and waited. Immediately he became + aware of their presence, the man set down his other leg, and waded out of + the water toward them, picking up his trifork in doing so. + </p> + <p> + “This is not Maulger, but Catice,” said Spadevil. + </p> + <p> + “Maulger is dead,” said Catice, speaking the same tongue as + Spadevil, but with an even harsher accent, so that the tympanum of Maskull’s + ear was affected painfully. + </p> + <p> + The latter saw before him a bowed, powerful individual, advanced in years. + He wore nothing but a scanty loincloth. His trunk was long and heavy, but + his legs were rather short. His face was beardless, lemon-coloured, and + anxious-looking. It was disfigured by a number of longitudinal ruts, a + quarter of an inch deep, the cavities of which seemed clogged with ancient + dirt. The hair of his head was black and sparse. Instead of the twin + membranous organs of Spadevil, he possessed but one; and this was in the + centre of his brow. + </p> + <p> + Spadevil’s dark, solid person stood out from the rest like a reality + among dreams. + </p> + <p> + “Has the trifork passed to you?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. Why have you brought this woman to Sant?” + </p> + <p> + “I have brought another thing to Sant. I have brought the new faith.” + </p> + <p> + Catice stood motionless, and looked troubled. “State it.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I speak with many words, or few words?” + </p> + <p> + “If you wish to say what is <i>not</i>, many words will not suffice. + If you wish to say what is, a few words will be enough.” + </p> + <p> + Spadevil frowned. + </p> + <p> + “To hate pleasure brings pride with it. Pride is a pleasure. To kill + pleasure, we must attach ourselves to <i>duty</i>. While the mind is + planning right action, it has no time to think of pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that the whole?” asked Catice. + </p> + <p> + “The truth is simple, even for the simplest man.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you destroy Hator, and all his generations, with a single word?” + </p> + <p> + “I destroy nature, and set up law.” + </p> + <p> + A long silence followed. + </p> + <p> + “My probe is double,” said Spadevil. “Suffer me to + double yours, and you will see as I see.” + </p> + <p> + “Come you here, you big man!” said Catice to Maskull. Maskull + advanced a step closer. + </p> + <p> + “Do you follow Spadevil in his new faith?” + </p> + <p> + “As far as death,” exclaimed Maskull. + </p> + <p> + Catice picked up a flint. “With this stone I strike out one of your + two probes. When you have but one, you will see with me, and you will + recollect with Spadevil. Choose you then the superior faith, and I shall + obey your choice.” + </p> + <p> + “Endure this little pain, Maskull, for the sake of future men,” + said Spadevil. + </p> + <p> + “The pain is nothing,” replied Maskull, “but I fear the + result.” + </p> + <p> + “Permit me, although I am only a woman, to take his place, Catice,” + said Tydomin, stretching out her hand. + </p> + <p> + He struck at it violently with the flint, and gashed it from wrist to + thumb; the pale carmine blood spouted up. “What brings this + kiss-lover to Sant?” he said. “How does she presume to make + the rules of life for the sons of Hator?” + </p> + <p> + She bit her lip, and stepped back. “Well then, Maskull, accept! I + certainly should not have played false to Spadevil; but you hardly can.” + </p> + <p> + “If he bids me, I must do it,” said Maskull. “But who + knows what will come of it?” + </p> + <p> + Spadevil spoke. “Of all the descendants of Hator, Catice is the most + wholehearted and sincere. He will trample my truth underfoot, thinking me + a demon sent by Shaping, to destroy the work of this land. But a seed will + escape, and my blood and yours, Tydomin, will wash it. Then men will know + that my destroying evil is their greatest good. But none here will live to + see that.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull now went quite close to Catice, and offered his head. Catice + raised his hand, and after holding the flint poised for a moment, brought + it down with adroitness and force upon the left-hand probe. Maskull cried + out with the pain. The blood streamed down, and the function of the organ + was destroyed. + </p> + <p> + There was a pause, while he walked to and fro, trying to staunch the + blood. + </p> + <p> + “What now do you feel, Maskull? What do you see?” inquired + Tydomin anxiously. + </p> + <p> + He stopped, and stared hard at her. “I now see straight,” he + said slowly. + </p> + <p> + “What does that mean?” + </p> + <p> + He continued to wipe the blood from his forehead. He looked troubled. + “Henceforward, as long as I live, I shall fight with my nature, and + refuse to feel pleasure. And I advise you to do the same.” + </p> + <p> + Spadevil gazed at him sternly. “Do you renounce my teaching?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull, however, returned the gaze without dismay. Spadevil’s + image-like clearness of form had departed for him; his frowning face he + knew to be the deceptive portico of a weak and confused intellect. + </p> + <p> + “It is false.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it false to sacrifice oneself for another?” demanded + Tydomin. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t argue as yet,” said Maskull. “At this + moment the world with its sweetness seems to me a sort of charnel house. I + feel a loathing for everything in it, including myself. I know no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there no duty?” asked Spadevil, in a harsh tone. + </p> + <p> + “It appears to me but a cloak under which we share the pleasure of + other people.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin pulled at Spadevil’s arm. “Maskull has betrayed you, + as he has so many others. Let us go.” + </p> + <p> + He stood fast. “You have changed quickly, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull, without answering him, turned to Catice. “Why do men go on + living in this soft, shameful world, when they can kill themselves?” + </p> + <p> + “Pain is the native air of Surtur’s children. To what other + air do you wish to escape?” + </p> + <p> + “Surtur’s children? Is not Surtur Shaping?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the greatest of lies. It is Shaping’s masterpiece.” + </p> + <p> + “Answer, Maskull!” said Spadevil. “Do you repudiate + right action?” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me alone. Go back! I am not thinking of you, and your ideas. + I wish you no harm.” + </p> + <p> + The darkness came on fast. There was another prolonged silence. + </p> + <p> + Catice threw away the flint, and picked up his staff. “The woman + must return home,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “She was persuaded here, and did not come freely. You, Spadevil, + must die—backslider as you are!” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin said quietly, “He has no power to enforce this. Are you + going to allow the truth to fall to the ground, Spadevil?” + </p> + <p> + “It will not perish by my death, but by my efforts to escape from + death. Catice, I accept your judgment.” + </p> + <p> + Tydomin smiled. “For my part, I am too tired to walk farther today, + so I shall die with him.” + </p> + <p> + Catice said to Maskull, “Prove your sincerity. Kill this man and his + mistress, according to the laws of Hator.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t do that. I have travelled in friendship with them.” + </p> + <p> + “You denied duty; and now you must do your duty,” said + Spadevil, calmly stroking his beard. “Whatever law you accept, you + must obey, without turning to right or left. Your law commands that we + must be stoned; and it will soon be dark.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you not even this amount of manhood?” exclaimed Tydomin. + </p> + <p> + Maskull moved heavily. “Be my witness, Catice, that the thing was + forced on me.” + </p> + <p> + “Hator is looking on, and approving,” replied Catice. + </p> + <p> + Maskull then went apart to the pile of boulders scattered by the side of + the pool. He glanced about him, and selected two large fragments of rock, + the heaviest that he thought he could carry. With these in his arms, he + staggered back. + </p> + <p> + He dropped them on the ground, and stood, recovering his breath. When he + could speak again, he said, “I have a bad heart for the business. Is + there no alternative? Sleep here tonight, Spadevil, and in the morning go + back to where you have come from. No one shall harm you.” + </p> + <p> + Spadevil’s ironic smile was lost in the gloom. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I brood again, Maskull, for still another year, and after + that come back to Sant with other truths? Come, waste no time, but choose + the heavier stone for me, for I am stronger than Tydomin.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull lifted one of the rocks, and stepped out four full paces. Spadevil + confronted him, erect, and waited tranquilly. + </p> + <p> + The huge stone hurtled through the air. Its flight looked like a dark + shadow. It struck Spadevil full in the face, crushing his features, and + breaking his neck. He died instantaneously. + </p> + <p> + Tydomin looked away from the fallen man. + </p> + <p> + “Be very quick, Maskull, and don’t let me keep him waiting.” + </p> + <p> + He panted, and raised the second stone. She placed herself in front of + Spadevil’s body, and stood there, unsmiling and cold. + </p> + <p> + The blow caught her between breast and chin, and she fell. Maskull went to + her, and, kneeling on the ground, half-raised her in his arms. There she + breathed out her last sighs. + </p> + <p> + After that, he laid her down again, and rested heavily on his hands, while + he peered into the dead face. The transition from its heroic, spiritual + expression to the vulgar and grinning mask of Crystalman came like a + flash; but he saw it. + </p> + <p> + He stood up in the darkness, and pulled Catice toward him. + </p> + <p> + “Is that the true likeness of Shaping?” + </p> + <p> + “It is Shaping stripped of illusion.” + </p> + <p> + “How comes this horrible world to exist?” + </p> + <p> + Catice did not answer. + </p> + <p> + “Who is Surtur?” + </p> + <p> + “You will get nearer to him tomorrow; but not here.” + </p> + <p> + “I am wading through too much blood,” said Maskull. “Nothing + good can come of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not fear change and destruction; but laughter and joy.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull meditated. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, Catice. If I had elected to follow Spadevil, would you + really have accepted his faith?” + </p> + <p> + “He was a great-souled man,” replied Catice. “I see that + the pride of our men is only another sprouting-out of pleasure. Tomorrow I + too shall leave Sant, to reflect on all this.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull shuddered. “Then these two deaths were not a necessity, but + a crime!” + </p> + <p> + “His part was played and henceforward the woman would have dragged + down his ideas, with her soft love and loyalty. Regret nothing, stranger, + but go away at once out of the land.” + </p> + <p> + “Tonight? Where shall I go?” + </p> + <p> + “To Wombflash, where you will meet the deepest minds. I will put you + on the way.” + </p> + <p> + He linked his arm in Maskull’s, and they walked away into the night. + For a mile or more they skirted the edge of the precipice. The wind was + searching, and drove grit into their faces. Through the rifts of the + clouds, stars, faint and brilliant, appeared. Maskull saw no familiar + constellations. He wondered if the sun of earth was visible, and if so + which one it was. + </p> + <p> + They came to the head of a rough staircase, leading down the cliffside. It + resembled the one by which he had come up; but this descended to the + Wombflash Forest. + </p> + <p> + “That is your path,” said Catice, “and I shall not come + any farther.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull detained him. “Say just this, before we part company—why + does pleasure appear so shameful to us?” + </p> + <p> + “Because in feeling pleasure, we forget our <i>home</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “And that is—” + </p> + <p> + “Muspel,” answered Catice. + </p> + <p> + Having made this reply, he disengaged himself, and, turning his back, + disappeared into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Maskull stumbled down the staircase as best he could. He was tired, but + contemptuous of his pains. His uninjured probe began to discharge matter. + He lowered himself from step to step during what seemed an interminable + time. The rustling and sighing of the trees grew louder as he approached + the bottom; the air became still and warm. Inky blackness was all around + him. + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + He at last reached level ground. Still attempting to proceed, he began to + trip over roots, and to collide with tree trunks. After this had happened + a few times, he determined to go no farther that night. He heaped together + some dry leaves for a pillow, and immediately flung himself down to sleep. + Deep and heavy unconsciousness seized him almost instantly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 13. THE WOMBFLASH FOREST + </h2> + <p> + He awoke to his third day on Tormance. His limbs ached. He lay on his + side, looking stupidly at his surroundings. The forest was like night, but + that period of the night when the grey dawn is about to break and objects + begin to be guessed at, rather than seen. Two or three amazing shadowy + shapes, as broad as houses, loomed up out of the twilight. He did not + realise that they were trees, until he turned over on his back and + followed their course upward. Far overhead, so high up that he dared not + calculate the height, he saw their tops glittering in the sunlight, + against a tiny patch of blue sky. + </p> + <p> + Clouds of mist, rolling over the floor of the forest, kept interrupting + his view. In their silent passage they were like phantoms flitting among + the trees. The leaves underneath him were sodden, and heavy drops of + moisture splashed onto his head from time to time. + </p> + <p> + He continued lying there, trying to reconstruct the events of the + preceding day. His brain was lethargic and confused. Something terrible + had happened, but what it was he could not for a long time recollect. Then + suddenly there came before his eyes that ghastly closing scene at dusk on + the Sant plateau—Spadevil’s crushed and bloody features and + Tydomin’s dying sighs.... He shuddered convulsively, and felt sick. + </p> + <p> + The peculiar moral outlook that had dictated these brutal murders had + departed from him during the night, and now he recognised what he had + done! During the whole of the previous day he seemed to have been + labouring under a series of heavy enchantments. First Oceaxe had enslaved + him, then Tydomin, then Spadevil, and lastly Catice. They had forced him + to murder and violate; he had guessed nothing, but had imagined that he + was travelling as a free and enlightened stranger. What was this nightmare + journey for—and would it continue, in the same way?... + </p> + <p> + The silence of the forest was so intense that he heard no sound except the + pumping of blood through his arteries. + </p> + <p> + Putting his hand to his face, he found that his remaining probe had + disappeared and that he was in possession of three eyes. The third eye was + on his forehead, where the old sorb had been. He could not guess its use. + He still had his third arm, but it was nerveless. + </p> + <p> + Now he puzzled his head for a long time, trying unsuccessfully to recall + that name which had been the last word spoken by Catice. + </p> + <p> + He got up, with the intention of resuming his journey. He had no toilet to + make, and no meal to prepare. The forest was tremendous. The nearest tree + appeared to him to have a circumference of at least a hundred feet. Other + dim boles looked equally large. But what gave the scene its aspect of + immensity was the vast spaces separating tree from tree. It was like some + gigantic, supernatural hall in a life after death. The lowest branches + were fifty yards or more from the ground. There was no underbrush; the + soil was carpeted only by the dead, wet leaves. He looked all around him, + to find his direction, but the cliffs of Sant, which he had descended, + were invisible—every way was like every other way, he had no idea + which quarter to attack. He grew frightened, and muttered to himself. + Craning his neck back, he stared upward and tried to discover the points + of the compass from the direction of the sunlight, but it was impossible. + </p> + <p> + While he was standing there, anxious and hesitating, he heard the drum + taps. The rhythmical beats proceeded from some distance off. The unseen + drummer seemed to be marching through the forest, away from him. + </p> + <p> + “Surtur!” he said, under his breath. The next moment he + marvelled at himself for uttering the name. That mysterious being had not + been in his thoughts, nor was there any ostensible connection between him + and the drumming. + </p> + <p> + He began to reflect—but in the meantime the sounds were travelling + away. Automatically he started walking in the same direction. The drum + beats had this peculiarity—though odd and mystical, there was + nothing awe-inspiring in them, but on the contrary they reminded him of + some place and some life with which he was perfectly familiar. Once again + they caused all his other sense impressions to appear false. + </p> + <p> + The sounds were intermittent. They would go on for a minute, or for five + minutes, and then cease for perhaps a quarter of an hour. Maskull followed + them as well as he could. He walked hard among the huge, indistinct trees, + in the attempt to come up with the origin of the noise, but the same + distance always seemed to separate them. The forest from now onward + descended. The gradient was mostly gentle—about one foot in ten—but + in some places it was much steeper, and in other parts again it was + practically level ground for quite long stretches. There were great swampy + marshes, through which Maskull was obliged to splash. It was a matter of + indifference to him how wet he became—if only he could catch sight + of that individual with the drum. Mile after mile was covered, and still + he was no nearer to doing so. + </p> + <p> + The gloom of the forest settled down upon his spirits. He felt despondent, + tired, and savage. He had not heard the drum beats for some while, and was + half inclined to discontinue the pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Passing around a great, columnar tree trunk, he almost stumbled against a + man who was standing on the farther side. He was leaning against the trunk + with one hand, in an attitude of repose. His other hand was resting on a + staff. Maskull stopped short and stared at him. + </p> + <p> + He was nearly naked, and of gigantic build. He over-topped Maskull by a + head. His face and body were faintly phosphorescent. His eyes—three + in number—were pale green and luminous, shining like lamps. His skin + was hairless, but the hair of his head was piled up in thick, black coils, + and fastened like a woman’s. His features were absolutely tranquil, + but a terrible, quiet energy seemed to lie just underneath the surface. + </p> + <p> + Maskull addressed him. “Did the drumming come from you?” + </p> + <p> + The man shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + He replied in a strange, strained, twisted voice. Maskull gathered that + the name he gave was “Dreamsinter.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that drumming?” + </p> + <p> + “Surtur,” said Dreamsinter. + </p> + <p> + “Is it advisable for me to follow it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he intends me to. He brought me here from Earth.” + </p> + <p> + Dreamsinter caught hold of him, bent down, and peered into his face. + “Not you, but Nightspore.” + </p> + <p> + This was the first time that Maskull had heard Nightspore’s name + since his arrival on the planet. He was so astonished that he could frame + no more questions. + </p> + <p> + “Eat this,” said Dreamsinter. “Then we will chase the + sound together.” He picked something up from the ground and handed + it to Maskull. He could not see distinctly, but it felt like a hard, round + nut, of the size of a fist. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t crack it.” + </p> + <p> + Dreamsinter took it between his hands, and broke it into pieces. Maskull + then ate some of the pulpy interior, which was intensely disagreeable. + </p> + <p> + “What am I doing in Tormance, then?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “You came to steal Muspel-fire, to give a deeper life to men—never + doubting if your soul could endure that burning.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull could hardly decipher the strangled words. + </p> + <p> + “Muspel.... That’s the name I’ve been trying to remember + ever since I awoke.” + </p> + <p> + Dreamsinter suddenly turned his head sideways, and appeared to listen for + something. He motioned with his hand to Maskull to keep quiet. + </p> + <p> + “Is it the drumming?” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! They come.” + </p> + <p> + He was looking toward the upper forest. The now familiar drum rhythm was + heard—this time accompanied by the tramp of marching feet. + </p> + <p> + Maskull saw, marching through the trees and heading toward them, three men + in single file separated from one another by only a yard or so. They were + travelling down hill at a swift pace, and looked neither to left nor + right. They were naked. Their figures were shining against the black + background of the forest with a pale, supernatural light—green and + ghostly. When they were abreast of him, about twenty feet off, he + perceived who they were. The first man was himself—Maskull. The + second was Krag. The third man was Nightspore. Their faces were grim and + set. + </p> + <p> + The source of the drumming was out of sight. The sound appeared to come + from some point in front of them. Maskull and Dreamsinter put themselves + in motion, to keep up with the swiftly moving marchers. At the same time a + low, faint music began. + </p> + <p> + Its rhythm stepped with the drum beats, but, unlike the latter, it did not + seem to proceed from any particular quarter of the forest. It resembled + the subjective music heard in dreams, which accompanies the dreamer + everywhere, as a sort of natural atmosphere, rendering all his experiences + emotional. It seemed to issue from an unearthly orchestra, and was + strongly troubled, pathetic and tragic. Maskull marched, and listened; and + as he listened, it grew louder and stormier. But the pulse of the drum + interpenetrated all the other sounds, like the quiet beating of reality. + </p> + <p> + His emotion deepened. He could not have said if minutes or hours were + passing. The spectral procession marched on, a little way ahead, on a path + parallel with his own and Dreamsinter’s. The music pulsated + violently. Krag lifted his arm, and displayed a long, murderous-looking + knife. He sprang forward and, raising it over the phantom Maskull’s + back, stabbed him twice, leaving the knife in the wound the second time. + Maskull threw up his arms, and fell down dead. Krag leaped into the forest + and vanished from sight. Nightspore marched on alone, stern and unmoved. + </p> + <p> + The music rose to crescendo. The whole dim, gigantic forest was roaring + with sound. The tones came from all sides, from above, from the ground + under their feet. It was so grandly passionate that Maskull felt his soul + loosening from its bodily envelope. + </p> + <p> + He continued to follow Nightspore. A strange brightness began to glow in + front of them. It was not daylight, but a radiance such as he had never + seen before, and such as he could not have imagined to be possible. + Nightspore moved straight toward it. Maskull felt his chest bursting. The + light flashed higher. The awful harmonies of the music followed hard one + upon another, like the waves of a wild, magic ocean.... His body was + incapable of enduring such shocks, and all of a sudden he tumbled over in + a faint that resembled death. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 14. POLECRAB + </h2> + <p> + The morning slowly passed. Maskull made some convulsive movements, and + opened his eyes. He sat up, blinking. All was night-like and silent in the + forest. The strange light had gone, the music had ceased, Dreamsinter had + vanished. He fingered his beard, clotted with Tydomin’s blood, and + fell into a deep muse. + </p> + <p> + “According to Panawe and Catice, this forest contains wise men. + Perhaps Dreamsinter was one. Perhaps that vision I have just seen was a + specimen of his wisdom. It looked almost like an answer to my question.... + I ought not to have asked about myself, but about Surtur. Then I would + have got a different answer. I might have learned something... I might + have seen <i>him</i>.” + </p> + <p> + He remained quiet and apathetic for a bit. + </p> + <p> + “But I couldn’t face that awful glare,” he proceeded. + “It was bursting my body. He warned me, too. And so Surtur does + really exist, and my journey stands for something. But why am I here, and + what can I do? Who <i>is</i> Surtur? Where is he to be found?” + </p> + <p> + Something wild came into his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What did Dreamsinter mean by his ‘Not you, but Nightspore’? + Am I a secondary character—is he regarded as important; and I as + unimportant? Where is Nightspore, and what is he doing? Am I to wait for + his time and pleasure—can I originate nothing?” + </p> + <p> + He continued sitting up, with straight-extended legs. + </p> + <p> + “I must make up my mind that this is a strange journey, and that the + strangest things will happen in it. It’s no use making plans, for I + can’t see two steps ahead—everything is unknown. But one thing’s + evident: nothing but the wildest audacity will carry me through, and I + must sacrifice everything else to that. And therefore if Surtur shows + himself again, I shall go forward to meet him, even if it means death.” + </p> + <p> + Through the black, quiet aisles of the forest the drum beats came again. + The sound was a long way off and very faint. It was like the last + mutterings of thunder after a heavy storm. Maskull listened, without + getting up. The drumming faded into silence, and did not return. + </p> + <p> + He smiled queerly, and said aloud, “Thanks, Surtur! I accept the + omen.” + </p> + <p> + When he was about to get up, he found that the shrivelled skin that had + been his third arm was flapping disconcertingly with every movement of his + body. He made perforations in it all around, as close to his chest as + possible, with the fingernails of both hands; then he carefully twisted it + off. In that world of rapid growth and ungrowth he judged that the stump + would soon disappear. After that, he rose and peered into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + The forest at that point sloped rather steeply and, without thinking twice + about it, he took the downhill direction, never doubting it would bring + him somewhere. As soon as he started walking, his temper became gloomy and + morose—he was shaken, tired, dirty, and languid with hunger; + moreover, he realised that the walk was not going to be a short one. Be + that as it may, he determined to sit down no more until the whole dismal + forest was at his back. + </p> + <p> + One after another the shadowy, houselike trees were observed, avoided, and + passed. Far overhead the little patch of glowing sky was still always + visible; otherwise he had no clue to the time of day. He continued + tramping sullenly down the slope for many damp, slippery miles—in + some places through bogs. When, presently, the twilight seemed to thin, he + guessed that the open world was not far away. The forest grew more + palpable and grey, and now he saw its majesty better. The tree trunks were + like round towers, and so wide were the intervals that they resembled + natural amphitheatres. He could not make out the colour of the bark. + Everything he saw amazed him, but his admiration was of the growling, + grudging kind. The difference in light between the forest behind him and + the forest ahead became so marked that he could no longer doubt that he + was on the point of coming out. + </p> + <p> + Real light was in front of him; looking back, he found he had a shadow. + The trunks acquired a reddish tint. He quickened his pace. As the minutes + went by, the bright patch ahead grew luminous and vivid; it had a tinge of + blue. He also imagined that he heard the sound of surf. + </p> + <p> + All that part of the forest toward which he was moving became rich with + colour. The boles of the trees were of a deep, dark red; their leaves, + high above his head, were ulfire-hued; the dead leaves on the ground were + of a colour he could not name. At the same time he discovered the use of + his third eye. By adding a third angle to his sight, every object he + looked at stood out in greater relief. The world looked less <i>flat</i>—more + realistic and significant. He had a stronger attraction toward his + surroundings; he seemed somehow to lose his egotism, and to become free + and thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + Now through the last trees he saw full daylight. Less than half a mile + separated him from the border of the forest, and, eager to discover what + lay beyond, he broke into a run. He heard the surf louder. It was a + peculiar hissing sound that could proceed only from water, yet was unlike + the sea. Almost immediately he came within sight of an enormous horizon of + dancing waves, which he knew must be the Sinking Sea. He fell back into a + quick walk, continuing to stare hard. The wind that met him was hot, fresh + and sweet. + </p> + <p> + When he arrived at the final fringe of forest, which joined the wide sands + of the shore without any change of level, he leaned with his back to a + great tree and gazed his fill, motionless, at what lay in front of him. + The sands continued east and west in a straight line, broken only here and + there by a few creeks. They were of a brilliant orange colour, but there + were patches of violet. The forest appeared to stand sentinel over the + shore for its entire length. Everything else was sea and sky—he had + never seen so much water. The semicircle of the skyline was so vast that + he might have imagined himself on a flat world, with a range of vision + determined only by the power of his eye. The sea was unlike any sea on + Earth. It resembled an immense liquid opal. On a body colour of rich, + magnificent emerald-green, flashes of red, yellow, and blue were + everywhere shooting up and vanishing. The wave motion was extraordinary. + Pinnacles of water were slowly formed until they attained a height of + perhaps ten or twenty feet, when they would suddenly sink downward and + outward, creating in their descent a series of concentric rings for long + distances around them. Quickly moving currents, like rivers in the sea, + could be seen, racing away from land; they were of a darker green and bore + no pinnacles. Where the sea met the shore, the waves rushed over the sands + far in, with almost sinister rapidity—accompanied by a weird, + hissing, spitting sound, which was what Maskull had heard. The green + tongues rolled in without foam. + </p> + <p> + About twenty miles distant, as he judged, directly opposite him, a long, + low island stood up from the sea, black and not distinguished in outline. + It was Swaylone’s Island. Maskull was less interested in that than + in the blue sunset that glowed behind its back. Alppain had set, but the + whole northern sky was plunged into the minor key by its afterlight. + Branchspell in the zenith was white and overpowering, the day was + cloudless and terrifically hot; but where the blue sun had sunk, a sombre + shadow seemed to overhang the world. Maskull had a feeling of + disintegration—just as if two chemically distinct forces were + simultaneously acting upon the cells of his body. Since the afterglow of + Alppain affected him like this, he thought it more than likely that he + would never be able to face that sun itself, and go on living. Still, some + modification might happen to him that would make it possible. + </p> + <p> + The sea tempted him. He made up his mind to bathe, and at once walked + toward the shore. The instant he stepped outside the shadow line of the + forest trees, the blinding rays of the sun beat down on him so savagely + that for a few minutes he felt sick and his head swam. He trod quickly + across the sands. The orange-coloured parts were nearly hot enough to + roast food, he judged, but the violet parts were like fire itself. He + stepped on a patch in ignorance, and immediately jumped high into the air + with a startled yell. + </p> + <p> + The sea was voluptuously warm. It would not bear his weight, so he + determined to try swimming. First of all he stripped off his skin garment, + washed it thoroughly with sand and water, and laid it in the sun to dry. + Then he scrubbed himself as well as he could and washed out his beard and + hair. After that, he waded in a long way, until the water reached his + breast, and took to swimming—avoiding the spouts as far as possible + He found it no pastime. The water was everywhere of unequal density. In + some places he could swim, in others he could barely save himself from + drowning, in others again he could not force himself beneath the surface + at all. There were no outward signs to show what the water ahead held in + store for him. The whole business was most dangerous. + </p> + <p> + He came out, feeling clean and invigorated. For a time he walked up and + down the sands, drying himself in the hot sunshine and looking around him. + He was a naked stranger in a huge, foreign, mystical world, and whichever + way he turned, unknown and threatening forces were glaring at him. The + gigantic, white, withering Branchspell, the awful, body-changing Alppain, + the beautiful, deadly, treacherous sea, the dark and eerie Swaylone’s + Island, the spirit-crushing forest out of which he had just escaped—to + all these mighty powers, surrounding him on every side, what resources had + he, a feeble, ignorant traveller from a tiny planet on the other side of + space, to oppose, to avoid being utterly destroyed?... Then he smiled to + himself. “I’ve already been here two days, and still I + survive. I have luck—and with that one can balance the universe. But + what is luck—a verbal expression, or a thing?” + </p> + <p> + As he was putting on his skin, which was now dry, the answer came to him, + and this time he was grave. “Surtur brought me here, and Surtur is + watching over me. That is my ‘luck.’... But what is Surtur in + this world?... How is he able to protect me against the blind and + ungovernable forces of nature? Is he stronger than Nature?...” + </p> + <p> + Hungry as he was for food, he was hungrier still for human society, for he + wished to inquire about all these things. He asked himself which way he + should turn his steps. There were only two ways; along the shore, either + east or west. The nearest creek lay to the east, cutting the sands about a + mile away. He walked toward it. + </p> + <p> + The forest face was forbidding and enormously high. It was so squarely + turned to the sea that it looked as though it had been planed by tools. + Maskull strode along in the shade of the trees, but kept his head + constantly turned away from them, toward the sea—there it was more + cheerful. The creek, when he reached it, proved to be broad and + flat-banked. It was not a river, but an arm of the sea. Its still, dark + green water curved around a bend out of sight, into the forest. The trees + on both banks overhung the water, so that it was completely in shadow. + </p> + <p> + He went as far as the bend, beyond which another short reach appeared. A + man was sitting on a narrow shelf of bank, with his feet in the water. He + was clothed in a coarse, rough hide, which left his limbs bare. He was + short, thick, and sturdy, with short legs and a long, powerful arms, + terminating in hands of an extraordinary size. He was oldish. His face was + plain, slablike, and expressionless; it was full of wrinkles, and + walnut-coloured. Both face and head were bald, and his skin was tough and + leathery. He seemed to be some sort of peasant, or fisherman; there was no + trace in his face of thought for others, or delicacy of feeling. He + possessed three eyes, of different colors—jade-green, blue, and + ulfire. + </p> + <p> + In front of him, riding on the water, moored to the bank, was an + elementary raft, consisting of the branches of trees, clumsily corded + together. + </p> + <p> + Maskull addressed him. “Are you another of the wise men of the + Wombflash Forest?” + </p> + <p> + The man answered him in a gruff, husky voice, looking up as he did so. + “I’m a fisherman. I know nothing about wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + “What name do you go by?” + </p> + <p> + “Polecrab. What’s yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Maskull. If you’re a fisherman, you ought to have fish. I’m + famishing.” + </p> + <p> + Polecrab grunted, and paused a minute before answering. + </p> + <p> + “There’s fish enough. My dinner is cooking in the sands now. + It’s easy enough to get you some more.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull found this a pleasant speech. + </p> + <p> + “But how long will it take?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + The man slid the palms of his hands together, producing a shrill, + screeching noise. He lifted his feet from the water, and clambered onto + the bank. In a minute or two a curious little beast came crawling up to + his feet, turning its face and eyes up affectionately, like a dog. It was + about two feet long, and somewhat resembled a small seal, but had six + legs, ending in strong claws. + </p> + <p> + “Arg, go fish!” said Polecrab hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + The animal immediately tumbled off the bank into the water. It swam + gracefully to the middle of the creek and made a pivotal dive beneath the + surface, where it remained a great while. + </p> + <p> + “Simple fishing,” remarked Maskull. “But what’s + the raft for?” + </p> + <p> + “To go to sea with. The best fish are out at sea. These are eatable.” + </p> + <p> + “That arg seems a highly intelligent creature.” + </p> + <p> + Polecrab grunted again. “I’ve trained close on a hundred of + them. The bigheads learn best, but they’re slow swimmers. The + narrowheads swim like eels, but can’t be taught. Now I’ve + started interbreeding them—<i>he’s</i> one of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you live here alone?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I’ve got a wife and three boys. My wife’s sleeping + somewhere, but where the lads are, Shaping knows.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull began to feel very much at home with this unsophisticated being. + </p> + <p> + “The raft’s all crazy,” he remarked, staring at it. + “If you go far out in that, you’ve got more pluck than I have.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve been to Matterplay on it,” said Polecrab. + </p> + <p> + The arg reappeared and started swimming to shore, but this time clumsily, + as if it were bearing a heavy weight under the surface. When it landed at + its master’s feet, they saw that each set of claws was clutching a + fish—six in all. Polecrab took them from it. He proceeded to cut off + the heads and tails with a sharp-edged stone which he picked up; these he + threw to the arg, which devoured them without any fuss. + </p> + <p> + Polecrab beckoned to Maskull to follow him and, carrying the fish, walked + toward the open shore, by the same way that he had come. When they reached + the sands, he sliced the fish, removed the entrails, and digging a shallow + hole in a patch of violet sand, placed the remainder of the carcasses in + it, and covered them over again. Then he dug up his own dinner. Maskull’s + nostrils quivered at the savoury smell, but he was not yet to dine. + </p> + <p> + Polecrab, turning to go with the cooked fish in his hands, said, “These + are mine, not yours. When yours are done, you can come back and join me, + supposing you want company.” + </p> + <p> + “How soon will that be?” + </p> + <p> + “About twenty minutes,” replied the fisherman, over his + shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Maskull sheltered himself in the shadows of the forest, and waited. When + the time had approximately elapsed, he disinterred his meal, scorching his + fingers in the operation, although it was only the surface of the sand + which was so intensely hot. Then he returned to Polecrab. + </p> + <p> + In the warm, still air and cheerful shade of the inlet, they munched in + silence, looking from their food to the sluggish water, and back again. + With every mouthful Maskull felt his strength returning. He finished + before Polecrab, who ate like a man for whom time has no value. When he + had done, he stood up. + </p> + <p> + “Come and drink,” he said, in his husky voice. + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked at him inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + The man led him a little way into the forest, and walked straight up to a + certain tree. At a convenient height in its trunk a hole had been tapped + and plugged. Polecrab removed the plug and put his mouth to the aperture, + sucking for quite a long time, like a child at its mother’s breast. + Maskull, watching him, imagined that he saw his eyes growing brighter. + </p> + <p> + When his own turn came to drink, he found the juice of the tree somewhat + like coconut milk in flavour, but intoxicating. It was a new sort of + intoxication, however, for neither his will not his emotions were excited, + but only his intellect—and that only in a certain way. His thoughts + and images were not freed and loosened, but on the contrary kept labouring + and swelling painfully, until they reached the full beauty of an <i>aperçu</i>, + which would then flame up in his consciousness, burst, and vanish. After + that, the whole process started over again. But there was never a moment + when he was not perfectly cool, and master of his senses. When each had + drunk twice, Polecrab replugged the hole, and they returned to their bank. + </p> + <p> + “Is it Blodsombre yet?” asked Maskull, sprawling on the + ground, well content. + </p> + <p> + Polecrab resumed his old upright sitting posture, with his feet in the + water. “Just beginning,” was his hoarse response. + </p> + <p> + “Then I must stay here till it’s over.... Shall we talk?” + </p> + <p> + “We can,” said the other, without enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + Maskull glanced at him through half-closed lids, wondering if he were + exactly what he seemed to be. In his eyes he thought he detected a wise + light. + </p> + <p> + “Have you travelled much, Polecrab?” + </p> + <p> + “Not what <i>you</i> would call travelling.” + </p> + <p> + “You tell me you’ve been to Matterplay—what kind of + country is that?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know. I went there to pick up flints.” + </p> + <p> + “What countries lie beyond it?” + </p> + <p> + “Threal comes next, as you go north. They say it’s a land of + mystics... I don’t know.” + </p> + <p> + “Mystics?” + </p> + <p> + “So I’m told.... Still farther north there’s Lichstorm.” + </p> + <p> + “Now we’re going far afield.” + </p> + <p> + “There are mountains there—and altogether it must be a very + dangerous place, especially for a full-blooded man like you. Take care of + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “This is rather premature, Polecrab. How do you know I’m going + there?” + </p> + <p> + “As you’ve come from the south, I suppose you’ll go + north.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s right enough,” said Maskull, staring hard + at him. “But how do you know I’ve come from the south?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, perhaps you haven’t—but there’s a + look of Ifdawn about you.” + </p> + <p> + “What kind of look?” + </p> + <p> + “A tragical look,” said Polecrab. He never even glanced at + Maskull, but was gazing at a fixed spot on the water with unblinking eyes. + </p> + <p> + “What lies beyond Lichstorm?” asked Maskull, after a minute or + two. + </p> + <p> + “Barey, where you have two suns instead of one—but beyond that + fact I know nothing about it.... Then comes the ocean.” + </p> + <p> + “And what’s on the other side of the ocean?” + </p> + <p> + “That you must find out for yourself, for I doubt if anybody has + ever crossed it and come back.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull was silent for a little while. + </p> + <p> + “How is it that your people are so unadventurous? I seem to be the + only one travelling from curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by ‘your people’?” + </p> + <p> + “True—you don’t know that I don’t belong to your + planet at all. I’ve come from another world, Polecrab.” + </p> + <p> + “What to find?” + </p> + <p> + “I came here with Krag and Nightspore—to follow Surtur. I must + have fainted the moment I arrived. When I sat up, it was night and the + others had vanished. Since then I’ve been travelling at random.” + </p> + <p> + Polecrab scratched his nose. “You haven’t found Surtur yet?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve heard his drum taps frequently. In the forest this + morning I came quite close to him. Then two days ago, in the Lusion Plain, + I saw a vision—a being in man’s shape, who called himself + Surtur.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, maybe it was Surtur.” + </p> + <p> + “No, that’s impossible,” replied Maskull reflectively. + “It was Crystalman. And it isn’t a question of my suspecting + it—I <i>know</i> it.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” + </p> + <p> + “Because this is Crystalman’s world, and Surtur’s world + is something quite different.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s queer, then,” said Polecrab. + </p> + <p> + “Since I’ve come out of that forest,” proceeded Maskull, + talking half to himself, “a change has come over me, and I see + things differently. Everything here looks much more solid and real in my + eyes than in other places so much so that I can’t entertain the + least doubt of its existence. It not only <i>looks</i> real, it <i>is</i> + real—and on that I would stake my life.... But at the same time that + it’s real, it is <i>false</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Like a dream?” + </p> + <p> + “No—not at all like a dream, and that’s just what I want + to explain. This world of yours—and perhaps of mine too, for that + matter—doesn’t give me the slightest impression of a dream, or + an illusion, or anything of that sort. I know it’s really here at + this moment, and it’s exactly as we’re seeing it, you and I. + Yet it’s false. It’s false in this sense, Polecrab. Side by + side with it another world exists, and that other world is the true one, + and this one is all false and deceitful, to the very core. And so it + occurs to me that reality and falseness are two words for the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps there is such another world,” said Polecrab huskily. + “But did that vision also seem real and false to you?” + </p> + <p> + “Very real, but not false then, for then I didn’t understand + all this. But just because it was real, it couldn’t have been + Surtur, who has no connection with reality.” + </p> + <p> + “Didn’t those drum taps sound real to you?” + </p> + <p> + “I had to hear them with my ears, and so they sounded real to me. + Still, they were somehow different, and they certainly came from Surtur. + If I didn’t hear them correctly, that was my fault and not his.” + </p> + <p> + Polecrab growled a little. “If Surtur chooses to speak to you in + that fashion, it appears he’s trying to say something.” + </p> + <p> + “What else can I think? But, Polecrab, what’s your opinion—is + he calling me to the life after death?” + </p> + <p> + The old man stirred uneasily. “I’m a fisherman,” he + said, after a minute or two. “I live by killing, and so does + everybody. This life seems to me all wrong. So maybe life of any kind is + wrong, and Surtur’s world is not life at all, but something else.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but will death lead me to it, whatever it is?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask the dead,” said Polecrab, “and not a living man.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull continued. “In the forest I heard music and saw a light, + which could not have belonged to this world. They were too strong for my + senses, and I must have fainted for a long time. There was a vision as + well, in which I saw myself killed, while Nightspore walked on toward the + light, alone.” + </p> + <p> + Polecrab uttered his grunt. “You have enough to think over.” + </p> + <p> + A short silence ensued, which was broken by Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “So strong is my sense of the untruth of this present life, that it + may come to my putting an end to myself.” The fisherman remained + quiet and immobile. + </p> + <p> + Maskull lay on his stomach, propped his face on his hands, and stared at + him. “What do you think, Polecrab? Is it possible for any man, while + in the body, to gain a closer view of that other world than I have done?” + </p> + <p> + “I am an ignorant man, stranger, so I can’t say. Perhaps there + are many others like you who would gladly know.” + </p> + <p> + “Where? I should like to meet them.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you were made of one stuff, and the rest of mankind of + another stuff?” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t be so presumptuous. Possibly all men are reaching out + toward Muspel, in most cases without being aware of it.” + </p> + <p> + “In the wrong direction,” said Polecrab. + </p> + <p> + Maskull gave him a strange look. “How so?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t speak from my own wisdom,” said Polecrab, + “for I have none; but I have just now recalled what Broodviol once + told me, when I was a young man, and he was an old one. He said that + Crystalman tries to turn all things into one, and that whichever way his + shapes march, in order to escape from him, they find themselves again face + to face with Crystalman, and are changed into new crystals. But that this + marching of shapes (which we call ‘forking’) springs from the + unconscious desire to find Surtur, but is in the opposite direction to the + right one. For Surtur’s world does not lie on this side of the <i>one</i>, + which was the beginning of life, but on the other side; and to get to it + we must repass through the one. But this can only be by renouncing our + self-life, and reuniting ourselves to the whole of Crystalman’s + world. And when this has been done, it is only the first stage of the + journey; though many good men imagine it to be the whole journey.... As + far as I can remember, that is what Broodviol said, but perhaps, as I was + then a young and ignorant man, I may have left out words which would + explain his meaning better.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull, who had listened attentively to all this, remained thoughtful at + the end. + </p> + <p> + “It’s plain enough,” he said. “But what did he + mean by our reuniting ourselves to Crystalman’s world? If it is + false, are we to make ourselves false as well?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t ask him that question, and you are as well qualified + to answer it as I am.” + </p> + <p> + “He must have meant that, as it is, we are each of us living in a + false, private world of our own, a world of dreams and appetites and + distorted perceptions. By embracing the great world we certainly lose + nothing in truth and reality.” + </p> + <p> + Polecrab withdrew his feet from the water, stood up, yawned, and stretched + his limbs. + </p> + <p> + “I have told you all I know,” he said in a surly voice. + “Now let me go to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull kept his eyes fixed on him, but made no reply. The old man let + himself down stiffly on to the ground, and prepared to rest. + </p> + <p> + While he was still arranging his position to his liking, a footfall + sounded behind the two men, coming from the direction of the forest. + Maskull twisted his neck, and saw a woman approaching them. He at once + guessed that it was Polecrab’s wife. He sat up, but the fisherman + did not stir. The woman came and stood in front of them, looking down from + what appeared a great height. + </p> + <p> + Her dress was similar to her husband’s, but covered her limbs more. + She was young, tall, slender, and strikingly erect. Her skin was lightly + tanned, and she looked strong, but not at all peasantlike. Refinement was + stamped all over her. Her face had too much energy of expression for a + woman, and she was not beautiful. Her three great eyes kept flashing and + glowing. She had great masses of fine, yellow hair, coiled up and + fastened, but so carelessly that some of the strands were flowing down her + back. + </p> + <p> + When she spoke, it was in a rather weak voice, but full of lights and + shades, and somehow intense passionateness never seemed to be far away + from it. + </p> + <p> + “Forgiveness is asked for listening to your conversation,” she + said, addressing Maskull. “I was resting behind the tree, and heard + it all.” + </p> + <p> + He got up slowly. “Are you Polecrab’s wife?” + </p> + <p> + “She is my wife,” said Polecrab, “and her name is + Gleameil. Sit down again, stranger—and you too, wife, since you are + here.” + </p> + <p> + They both obeyed. “I heard everything,” repeated Gleameil. + “But what I did not hear was where you are going to, Maskull, after + you have left us.” + </p> + <p> + “I know no more than you do.” + </p> + <p> + “Listen, then. There’s only one place for you to go to, and + that is Swaylone’s Island. I will ferry you across myself before + sunset.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall I find there?” + </p> + <p> + “He may go, wife,” put in the old man hoarsely, “but I + won’t allow you to go. I will take him over myself.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you have always put me off,” said Gleameil, with some + emotion. “This time I mean to go. When Teargeld shines at night, and + I sit on the shore here, listening to Earthrid’s music travelling + faintly across the sea, I am tortured—I can’t endure it.... I + have long since made up my mind to go to the island, and see what this + music is. If it’s bad, if it kills me—well.” + </p> + <p> + “What have I to do with the man and his music, Gleameil?” + demanded Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “I think the music will answer all your questions better than + Polecrab has done—and possibly in a way that will surprise you.” + </p> + <p> + “What kind of music can it be to travel all those miles across the + sea?” + </p> + <p> + “A peculiar kind, so we are told. Not pleasant, but painful. And the + man that can play the instrument of Earthrid would be able to conjure up + the most astonishing forms, which are not phantasms, but realities.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be so,” growled Polecrab. “But I have been to + the island by daylight, and what did I find there? Human bones, new and + ancient. Those are Earthrid’s victims. And you, wife, shall not go.” + </p> + <p> + “But will that music play tonight?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Gleameil, gazing at him intently. “When + Teargeld rises, which is our moon.” + </p> + <p> + “If Earthrid plays men to death, it appears to me that his own death + is due. In any case I should like to hear those sounds for myself. But as + for taking you with me, Gleameil—women die too easily in Tormance. I + have only just now washed myself clean of the death blood of another + woman.” + </p> + <p> + Gleameil laughed, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “Now go to sleep,” said Polecrab. “When the time comes, + I will take you across myself.” + </p> + <p> + He lay down again, and closed his eyes. Maskull followed his example; but + Gleameil remained sitting erect, with her legs under her. + </p> + <p> + “Who was that other woman, Maskull?” she asked presently. + </p> + <p> + He did not answer, but pretended to sleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 15. SWAYLONE’S ISLAND + </h2> + <p> + When he awoke, the day was not so bright, and he guessed it was late + afternoon. Polecrab and his wife were both on their feet, and another meal + of fish had been cooked and was waiting for him. + </p> + <p> + “Is it decided who is to go with me?” he asked, before sitting + down. + </p> + <p> + “I go,” said Gleameil. + </p> + <p> + “Do you agree, Polecrab?” + </p> + <p> + The fisherman growled a little in his throat and motioned to the others to + take their seats. He took a mouthful before answering. + </p> + <p> + “Something strong is attracting her, and I can’t hold her + back. I don’t think I shall see you again, wife, but the lads are + now nearly old enough to fend for themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t take dejected views,” replied Gleameil sternly. + She was not eating. “I shall come back, and make amends to you. It’s + only for a night.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull gazed from one to the other in perplexity. “Let me go alone. + I would be sorry if anything happened.” + </p> + <p> + Gleameil shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t regard this as a woman’s caprice,” she + said. “Even if you hadn’t passed this way, I would have heard + that music soon. I have a hunger for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t you any such feeling, Polecrab?” + </p> + <p> + “No. A woman is a noble and sensitive creature, and there are + attractions in nature too subtle for males. Take her with you, since she + is set on it. Maybe she’s right. Perhaps Earthrid’s music will + answer your questions, and hers too.” + </p> + <p> + “What are your questions, Gleameil?” + </p> + <p> + The woman shed a strange smile. “You may be sure that a question + which requires music for an answer can’t be put into words.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are not back by the morning,” remarked her husband, + “I will know you are dead.” + </p> + <p> + The meal was finished in a constrained silence. Polecrab wiped his mouth, + and produced a seashell from a kind of pocket. + </p> + <p> + “Will you say goodbye to the boys? Shall I call them?” She + considered a moment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—yes, I must see them.” + </p> + <p> + He put the shell to his mouth, and blew; a loud, mournful noise passed + through the air. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later there was a sound of scurrying footsteps, and the boys + were seen emerging from the forest. Maskull looked with curiosity at the + first children he had seen on Tormance. The oldest boy was carrying the + youngest on his back, while the third trotted some distance behind. The + child was let down, and all the three formed a semicircle in front of + Maskull, standing staring up at him with wide-open eyes. Polecrab looked + on stolidly, but Gleameil glanced away from them, with proudly raised head + and a baffling expression. + </p> + <p> + Maskull put the ages of the boys at about nine, seven, and five years, + respectively; but he was calculating according to Earth time. The eldest + was tall, slim, but strongly built. He, like his brothers, was naked, and + his skin from top to toe was ulfire-colored. His facial muscles indicated + a wild and daring nature, and his eyes were like green fires. The second + showed promise of being a broad, powerful man. His head was large and + heavy, and drooped. His face and skin were reddish. His eyes were almost + too sombre and penetrating for a child’s. + </p> + <p> + “That one,” said Polecrab, pinching the boy’s ear, + “may perhaps grow up to be a second Broodviol.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was that?” demanded the boy, bending his head forward to + hear the answer. + </p> + <p> + “A big, old man, of marvellous wisdom. He became wise by making up + his mind never to ask questions, but to find things out for himself.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had not asked this question, I should not have known about + him.” + </p> + <p> + “That would not have mattered,” replied the father. + </p> + <p> + The youngest child was paler and slighter than his brothers. His face was + mostly tranquil and expressionless, but it had this peculiarity about it, + that every few minutes, without any apparent cause, it would wrinkle up + and look perplexed. At these times his eyes, which were of a tawny gold, + seemed to contain secrets difficult to associate with one of his age. + </p> + <p> + “He puzzles me,” said Polecrab. “He has a soul like sap, + and he’s interested in nothing. He may turn out to be the most + remarkable of the bunch.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull took the child in one hand, and lifted him as high as his head. He + took a good look at him, and set him down again. The boy never changed + countenance. + </p> + <p> + “What do you make of him?” asked the fisherman. + </p> + <p> + “It’s on the tip of my tongue to say, but it just escapes me. + Let me drink again, and then I shall have it.” + </p> + <p> + “Go and drink, then.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull strode over to the tree, drank, and returned. “In ages to + come,” he said, speaking deliberately, “he will be a grand and + awful tradition. A seer possibly, or even a divinity. Watch over him well.” + </p> + <p> + The eldest boy looked scornful. “I want to be none of those things. + I would like to be like that big fellow.” And he pointed his finger + at Maskull. + </p> + <p> + He laughed, and showed his white teeth through his beard. “Thanks + for the compliments old warrior!” he said. + </p> + <p> + “He’s great and brawny,” continued the boy, “and + can hold his own with other men. Can you hold me up with one arm, as you + did that child?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull complied. + </p> + <p> + “That is being a man!” exclaimed the boy. “Enough!” + said Polecrab impatiently. “I called you lads here to say goodbye to + your mother. She is going away with this man. I think she may not return, + but we don’t know.” + </p> + <p> + The second boy’s face became suddenly inflamed. “Is she going + of her own choice?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied the father. + </p> + <p> + “Then she is bad.” He brought the words out with such force + and emphasis that they sounded like the crack of a whip. + </p> + <p> + The old man cuffed him twice. “Is it your mother you are speaking + of?” + </p> + <p> + The boy stood his ground, without change of expression, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + The youngest child spoke, for the first time. “My mother will not + come back, but she will die dancing.” + </p> + <p> + Polecrab and his wife looked at one another. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going to, Mother?” asked the eldest lad. + </p> + <p> + Gleameil bent down, and kissed him. “To the Island.” + </p> + <p> + “Well then, if you don’t come back by tomorrow morning, I will + go and look for you.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull grew more and more uneasy in his mind. “This seems to me to + be a man’s journey,” he said. “I think it would be + better for you not to come, Gleameil.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not to be dissuaded,” she replied. + </p> + <p> + He stroked his beard in perplexity. “Is it time to start?” + </p> + <p> + “It wants four hours to sunset, and we shall need all that.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull sighed. “I’ll go to the mouth of the creek, and wait + there for you and the raft. You will wish to make your farewells, + Gleameil.” + </p> + <p> + He then clasped Polecrab by the hand. “Adieu, fisherman!” + </p> + <p> + “You have repaid me well for my answers,” said the old man + gruffly. “But it’s not your fault, and in Shaping’s + world the worst things happen.” + </p> + <p> + The eldest boy came close to Maskull, and frowned at him. “Farewell, + big man!” he said. “But guard my mother well, as well as you + are well able to, or I shall follow you, and kill you.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull walked slowly along the creek bank till he came to the bend. The + glorious sunshine, and the sparkling, brilliant sea then met his eyes + again; and all melancholy was swept out of his mind. He continued as far + as the seashore, and issuing out of the shadows of the forest, strolled on + to the sands, and sat down in the full sunlight. The radiance of Alppain + had long since disappeared. He drank in the hot, invigorating wind, + listened to the hissing waves, and stared over the coloured sea with its + pinnacles and currents, at Swaylone’s Island. + </p> + <p> + “What music can that be, which tears a wife and mother away from all + she loves the most?” he meditated. “It sounds unholy. Will it + tell me what I want to know? Can it?” + </p> + <p> + In a little while he became aware of a movement behind him, and, turning + his head, he saw the raft floating along the creek, toward the open sea. + Polecrab was standing upright, propelling it with a rude pole. He passed + by Maskull, without looking at him, or making any salutation, and + proceeded out to sea. + </p> + <p> + While he was wondering at this strange behaviour, Gleameil and the boys + came in sight, walking along the bank of the inlet. The eldest-born was + holding her hand, and talking; and the other two were behind. She was calm + and smiling, but seemed abstracted. + </p> + <p> + “What is your husband doing with the raft?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “He’s putting it in position and we shall wade out and join + it,” she answered, in her low-toned voice. + </p> + <p> + “But how shall we make the island, without oars or sails?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you see that current running away from land? See, he is + approaching it. That will take us straight there.” + </p> + <p> + “But how can you get back?” + </p> + <p> + “There is a way; but we need not think of that today.” + </p> + <p> + “Why shouldn’t I come too?” demanded the eldest boy. + </p> + <p> + “Because the raft won’t carry three. Maskull is a heavy man.” + </p> + <p> + “It doesn’t matter,” said the boy. “I know where + there is wood for another raft. As soon as you have gone, I shall set to + work.” + </p> + <p> + Polecrab had by this time manoeuvred his flimsy craft to the position he + desired, within a few yards of the current, which at that point made a + sharp bend from the east. He shouted out some words to his wife and + Maskull. Gleameil kissed her children convulsively, and broke down a + little. The eldest boy bit his lip till it bled, and tears glistened in + his eyes; but the younger children stared wide-eyed, and displayed no + emotion. + </p> + <p> + Gleameil now walked into the sea, followed by Maskull. The water covered + first their ankles, then their knees, but when it came as high as their + waists, they were close on the raft. Polecrab let himself down into the + water, and assisted his wife to climb over the side. When she was up, she + bent down and kissed him. No words were exchanged. Maskull scrambled up on + to the front part of the raft. The woman sat cross-legged in the stern, + and seized the pole. + </p> + <p> + Polecrab shoved them off toward the current, while she worked her pole + until they had got within its power. The raft immediately began to travel + swiftly away from land, with a smooth, swaying motion. + </p> + <p> + The boys waved from the shore. Gleameil responded; but Maskull turned his + back squarely to land, and gazed ahead. Polecrab was wading back to the + shore. + </p> + <p> + For upward of an hour Maskull did not change his position by an inch. No + sound was heard but the splashing of the strange waves all around them, + and the streamlike gurgle of the current, which threaded its way smoothly + through the tossing, tumultuous sea. From their pathway of safety, the + beautiful dangers surrounding them were an exhilarating experience. The + air was fresh and clean, and the heat from Branchspell, now low in the + west, was at last endurable. The riot of sea colors had long since + banished all sadness and anxiety from his heart. Yet he felt such a grudge + against the woman for selfishly forsaking those who should have been dear + to her that he could not bring himself to begin a conversation. + </p> + <p> + But when, over the now enlarged shape of the dark island, he caught sight + of a long chain of lofty, distant mountains, glowing salmon-pink in the + evening sunlight, he felt constrained to break the silence by inquiring + what they were. + </p> + <p> + “It is Lichstorm,” said Gleameil. + </p> + <p> + Maskull asked no questions about it; but in turning to address her, his + eyes had rested on the rapidly receding Wombflash Forest, and he continued + to stare at that. They had travelled about eight miles, and now he could + better estimate the enormous height of the trees. Overtopping them, far + away, he saw Sant; and he fancied, but was not quite sure, that he could + distinguish Disscourn as well. + </p> + <p> + “Now that we are alone in a strange place,” said Gleameil, + averting her head, and looking down over the side of the raft into the + water, “tell me what you thought of Polecrab.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull paused before answering. “He seemed to me like a mountain + wrapped in cloud. You see the lower buttresses, and think that is all. But + then, high up, far above the clouds, you suddenly catch sight of more + mountain—and even then it is not the top.” + </p> + <p> + “You read character well, and have great perception,” remarked + Gleameil quietly. “Now say what I am.” + </p> + <p> + “In place of a human heart, you have a wild harp, and that’s + all I know about you.” + </p> + <p> + “What was that you said to my husband about two worlds?” + </p> + <p> + “You heard.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I heard. And I also am conscious of two worlds. My husband and + boys are real to me, and I love them fondly. But there is another world + for me, as there is for you, Maskull, and it makes my real world appear + all false and vulgar.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps we are seeking the same thing. But can it be right to + satisfy our self-nature at the expense of other people?” + </p> + <p> + “No, it’s not right. It is wrong, and base. But in that other + world these words have no meaning.” + </p> + <p> + There was a silence. + </p> + <p> + “It’s useless to discuss such topics,” said Maskull. + “The choice is now out of our hands, and we must go where we are + taken. What I would rather speak about is what awaits us on the island.” + </p> + <p> + “I am ignorant—except that we shall find Earthrid there.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is Earthrid, and why is it called Swaylone’s Island?” + </p> + <p> + “They say Earthrid came from Threal, but I know nothing else about + him. As for Swaylone, if you like I will tell you his legend.” + </p> + <p> + “If you please,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “In a far-back age,” began Gleameil, “when the seas were + hot, and clouds hung heavily over the earth, and life was rich with + transformations, Swaylone came to this island, on which men had never + before set foot, and began to play his music—the first music in + Tormance. Nightly, when the moon shone, people used to gather on this + shore behind us, and listen to the faint, sweet strains floating from over + the sea. One night, Shaping (whom you call Crystalman) was passing this + way in company with Krag. They listened a while to the music, and Shaping + said ‘Have you heard more beautiful sounds? This is my world and my + music.’ Krag stamped with his foot, and laughed. ‘You must do + better than that, if I am to admire it. Let us pass over, and see this + bungler at work.’ Shaping consented, and they passed over to the + island. Swaylone was not able to see their presence. Shaping stood behind + him, and breathed thoughts into his soul, so that his music became ten + times lovelier, and people listening on that shore went mad with sick + delight. ‘Can any strains be nobler?’ demanded Shaping. Krag + grinned and said, ‘You are naturally effeminate. Now let me try.’ + Then he stood behind Swaylone, and shot ugly discords fast into his head. + His instrument was so cracked, that never since has it played right. From + that time forth Swaylone could utter only distorted music; yet it called + to folk more than the other sort. Many men crossed over to the island + during his lifetime, to listen to the amazing tones, but none could endure + them; all died. After Swaylone’s death, another musician took up the + tale; and so the light has passed down from torch to torch, till now + Earthrid bears it.” + </p> + <p> + “An interesting legend,” commented Maskull. “But who is + Krag?” + </p> + <p> + “They say that when the world was born, Krag was born with it—a + spirit compounded of those vestiges of Muspel which Shaping did not know + how to transform. Thereafter nothing has gone right with the world, for he + dogs Shaping’s footsteps everywhere, and whatever the latter does, + he undoes. To love he joins death; to sex, shame; to intellect, madness; + to virtue, cruelty; and to fair exteriors, bloody entrails. These are Krag’s + actions, so the lovers of the world call him ‘devil.’ They don’t + understand, Maskull, that without him the world would lose its beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “Krag and beauty!” exclaimed he, with a cynical smile. + </p> + <p> + “Even so. That same beauty which you and I are now voyaging to + discover. That beauty for whose sake I am renouncing husband, children, + and happiness.... Did you imagine beauty to be pleasant?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely.” + </p> + <p> + “That pleasant beauty is an insipid compound of Shaping. To see + beauty in its terrible purity, you must tear away the pleasure from it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you say I am going to seek beauty, Gleameil? Such an idea is far + from my mind.” + </p> + <p> + She did not respond to his remark. After waiting for a few minutes, to + hear if she would speak again, he turned his back on her once more. There + was no more talk until they reached the island. + </p> + <p> + The air had grown chill and damp by the time they approached its shores. + Branchspell was on the point of touching the sea. The Island appeared to + be some three or four miles in length. There were first of all broad + sands, then low, dark cliffs, and behind these a wilderness of + insignificant, swelling hills, entirely devoid of vegetation. The current + bore them to within a hundred yards of the coast, when it made a sharp + angle, and proceeded to skirt the length of the land. + </p> + <p> + Gleameil jumped overboard, and began swimming to shore. Maskull followed + her example, and the raft, abandoned, was rapidly borne away by the + current. They soon touched ground, and were able to wade the rest of the + way. By the time they reached dry land, the sun had set. + </p> + <p> + Gleameil made straight for the hills; and Maskull, after casting a single + glance at the low, dim outline of the Wombflash Forest, followed her. The + cliffs were soon scrambled up. Then the ascent was gentle and easy, while + the rich, dry, brown mould was good to walk upon. + </p> + <p> + A little way off, on their left, something white was shining. + </p> + <p> + “You need not go to it,” said the woman. “It can be + nothing else than one of those skeletons Polecrab talked about. And look—there + is another one over there!” + </p> + <p> + “This brings it home!” remarked Maskull, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing comical in having died for beauty,” said + Gleameil, bending her brows at him. + </p> + <p> + And when in the course of their walk he saw the innumerable human bones, + from gleaming white to dirty yellow, lying scattered about, as if it were + a naked graveyard among the hills, he agreed with her, and fell into a + sombre mood. + </p> + <p> + It was still light when they reached the highest point, and could set eyes + on the other side. The sea to the north of the island was in no way + different from that which they had crossed, but its lively colors were + fast becoming invisible. + </p> + <p> + “That is Matterplay,” said the woman, pointing her finger + toward some low land on the horizon, which seemed to be even farther off + than Wombflash. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder how Digrung passed over,” meditated Maskull. + </p> + <p> + Not far away, in a hollow enclosed by a circle of little hills, they saw a + small, circular lake, not more than half a mile in diameter. The sunset + colors of the sky were reflected in its waters. + </p> + <p> + “That must be Irontick,” remarked Gleameil. + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard that it’s the instrument Earthrid plays on.” + </p> + <p> + “We are getting close,” responded he. “Let us go and + investigate.” + </p> + <p> + When they drew nearer, they observed that a man was reclining on the + farther side, in an attitude of sleep. + </p> + <p> + “If that’s not the man himself, who can it be?” said + Maskull. “Let’s get across the water, if it will bear us; it + will save time.” + </p> + <p> + He now assumed the lead, and took running strides down the slope which + bounded the lake on that side. Gleameil followed him with greater dignity, + keeping her eyes fixed on the recumbent man as if fascinated. When Maskull + reached the water’s edge, he tried it with one foot, to discover if + it would carry his weight. Something unusual in its appearance led him to + have doubts. It was a tranquil, dark, and beautifully reflecting sheet of + water; it resembled a mirror of liquid metal. Finding that it would bear + him, and that nothing happened, he placed his second foot on its surface. + Instantly he sustained a violent shock throughout his body, as from a + powerful electric current; and he was hurled in a tumbled heap back on to + the bank. + </p> + <p> + He picked himself up, brushed the dirt off his person, and started walking + around the lake. Gleameil joined him, and they completed the half circuit + together. They came to the man, and Maskull prodded him with his foot. He + woke up, and blinked at them. + </p> + <p> + His face was pale, weak, and vacant-looking, and had a disagreeable + expression. There were thin sprouts of black hair on his chin and head. On + his forehead, in place of a third eye, he possessed a perfectly circular + organ, with elaborate convolutions, like an ear. He had an unpleasant + smell. He appeared to be of young middle age. + </p> + <p> + “Wake up, man,” said Maskull sharply, “and tell us if + you are Earthrid.” + </p> + <p> + “What time is it?” counterquestioned the man. “Does it + want long to moonrise?” + </p> + <p> + Without appearing to care about an answer, he sat up, and turning away + from them, began to scoop up the loose soil with his hand, and to eat it + halfheartedly. + </p> + <p> + “Now, how can you eat that filth?” demanded Maskull, in + disgust. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be angry, Maskull,” said Gleameil, laying hold of + his arm, and flushing a little. “It is Earthrid—the man who is + to help us.” + </p> + <p> + “He has not said so.” + </p> + <p> + “I am Earthrid,” said the other, in his weak and muffled + voice, which, however, suddenly struck Maskull as being autocratic. + “What do you want here? Or rather, you had better get away as + quickly as you can, for it will be too late when Teargeld rises.” + </p> + <p> + “You need not explain,” exclaimed Maskull. “We know your + reputation, and we have come to hear your music. But what’s that + organ for on your forehead?” + </p> + <p> + Earthrid glared, and smiled, and glared again. + </p> + <p> + “That is for rhythm, which is what changes noise into music. Don’t + stand and argue, but go away. It is no pleasure to me to people the island + with corpses. They corrupt the air, and do nothing else.” + </p> + <p> + Darkness now crept swiftly on over the landscape. + </p> + <p> + “You are rather bigmouthed,” said Maskull coolly. “But + after we have heard you play, perhaps I shall adventure a tune myself.” + </p> + <p> + “You? Are you a musician, then? Do you even know what music is?” + </p> + <p> + A flame danced in Gleameil’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Maskull thinks music reposes in the instrument,” she said in + her intense way. “But it is in the soul of the Master.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Earthrid, “but that is not all. I will tell + you what it is. In Threal, where I was born and brought up, we learn the + mystery of the Three in nature. This world, which lies extended before us, + has three directions. Length is the line which shuts off what is, from + what is not. Breadth is the surface which shows us in what manner one + thing of what-is, lives with another thing. Depth is the path which leads + from what-is, to our own body. In music it is not otherwise. Tone is + existence, without which nothing at all can be. Symmetry and Numbers are + the manner in which tones exist, one with another. Emotion is the movement + of our soul toward the wonderful world that is being created. Now, men + when they make music are accustomed to build beautiful tones, because of + the delight they cause. Therefore their music world is based on pleasure; + its symmetry is regular and charming, its emotion is sweet and lovely.... + But my music is founded on painful tones; and thus its symmetry is wild, + and difficult to discover; its emotion is bitter and terrible.” + </p> + <p> + “If I had not anticipated its being original, I would not have come + here,” said Maskull. “Still, explain—why can’t + harsh tones have simple symmetry of form? And why must they necessarily + cause more profound emotions in us who listen?” + </p> + <p> + “Pleasures may harmonise. Pains must clash; and in the order of + their clashing lies the symmetry. The emotions follow the music, which is + rough and earnest.” + </p> + <p> + “You may call it music,” remarked Maskull thoughtfully, + “but to me it bears a closer resemblance to actual life.” + </p> + <p> + “If Shaping’s plans had gone straight, life would have been + like that other sort of music. He who seeks can find traces of that + intention in the world of nature. But as it has turned out, real life + resembles my music and mine is the true music.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we see living shapes?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what my mood will be,” returned Earthrid. + “But when I have finished, you shall adventure your tune, and + produce whatever shapes you please—unless, indeed, the tune is out + of your own big body.” + </p> + <p> + “The shocks you are preparing may kill us,” said Gleameil, in + a low, taut voice, “but we shall die, seeing <i>beauty</i>.” + </p> + <p> + Earthrid looked at her with a dignified expression. + </p> + <p> + “Neither you, nor any other person, can endure the thoughts which I + put into my music. Still, you must have it your own way. It needed a woman + to call it ‘beauty.’ But if this is beauty, what is ugliness?” + </p> + <p> + “That I can tell you, Master,” replied Gleameil, smiling at + him. “Ugliness is old, stale life, while yours every night issues + fresh from the womb of nature.” + </p> + <p> + Earthrid stared at her, without response. “Teargeld is rising,” + he said at last. “And now you shall see—though not for long.” + </p> + <p> + As the words left his mouth, the full moon peeped over the hills in the + dark eastern sky. They watched it in silence, and soon it was wholly up. + It was larger than the moon of Earth, and seemed nearer. Its shadowy parts + stood out in just as strong relief, but somehow it did not give Maskull + the impression of being a dead world. Branchspell shone on the whole of + it, but Alppain only on a part. The broad crescent that reflected + Branchspell’s rays alone was white and brilliant; but the part that + was illuminated by both suns shone with a greenish radiance that had + almost solar power, and yet was cold and cheerless. On gazing at that + combined light, he felt the same sense of disintegration that the + afterglow of Alppain had always caused in him; but now the feeling was not + physical, but merely aesthetic. The moon did not appear romantic to him, + but disturbing and mystical. + </p> + <p> + Earthrid rose, and stood quietly for a minute. In the bright moonlight, + his face seemed to have undergone a change. It lost its loose, weak, + disagreeable look, and acquired a sort of crafty grandeur. He clapped his + hands together meditatively two or three times, and walked up and down. + The others stood together, watching him. + </p> + <p> + Then he sat down by the side of the lake, and, leaning on his side, placed + his right hand, open palm downward, on the ground, at the same time + stretching out his right leg, so that the foot was in contact with the + water. + </p> + <p> + While Maskull was in the act of staring at him and at the lake, he felt a + stabbing sensation right through his heart, as though he had been pierced + by a rapier. He barely recovered himself from falling, and as he did so he + saw that a spout had formed on the water, and was now subsiding again. The + next moment he was knocked down by a violent blow in the mouth, delivered + by an invisible hand. He picked himself up; and observed that a second + spout had formed. No sooner was he on his legs, than a hideous pain + hammered away inside his brain, as if caused by a malignant tumour. In his + agony, he stumbled and fell again; this time on the arm Krag had wounded. + All his other mishaps were forgotten in this one, which half stunned him. + It lasted only a moment, and then sudden relief came, and he found that + Earthrid’s rough music had lost its power over him. + </p> + <p> + He saw him still stretched in the same position. Spouts were coming thick + and fast on the lake, which was full of lively motion. But Gleameil was + not on her legs. She was lying on the ground, in a heap, without moving. + Her attitude was ugly, and he guessed she <i>was</i> dead. When he reached + her, he discovered that she was dead. In what state of mind she had died, + he did not know, for her face wore the vulgar Crystalman grin. The whole + tragedy had not lasted five minutes. + </p> + <p> + He went over to Earthrid and dragged him forcibly away from his playing. + </p> + <p> + “You have been as good as your word, musician,” he said. + “Gleameil is dead.” + </p> + <p> + Earthrid tried to collect his scattered senses. + </p> + <p> + “I warned her,” he replied, sitting up. “Did I not beg + her to go away? But she died very easily. She did not wait for the beauty + she spoke about. She heard nothing of the passion, nor even of the rhythm. + Neither have you.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked down at him in indignation, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “You should not have interrupted me,” went on Earthrid. + “When I am playing, nothing else is of importance. I might have lost + the thread of my ideas. Fortunately, I never forget. I shall start over + again.” + </p> + <p> + “If music is to continue, in the presence of the dead, I play next.” + </p> + <p> + The man glanced up quickly. + </p> + <p> + “That can’t be.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be,” said Maskull decisively. “I prefer playing + to listening. Another reason is that you will have every night, but I have + only tonight.” + </p> + <p> + Earthrid clenched and unclenched his fist, and began to turn pale. “With + your recklessness, you are likely to kill us both. Irontick belongs to me, + and until you have learned how to play, you would only break the + instrument.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I will break it; but I am going to try.” + </p> + <p> + The musician jumped to his feet and confronted him. “Do you intend + to take it from me by violence?” + </p> + <p> + “Keep calm! You will have the same choice that you offered us. I + shall give you time to go away somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “How will that serve me, if you spoil my lake? You don’t + understand what you are doing.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, or stay!” responded Maskull. “I give you till the + water gets smooth again. After that, I begin playing.” + </p> + <p> + Earthrid kept swallowing. He glanced at the lake and back to Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Do you swear it?” + </p> + <p> + “How long that will take, you know better than I; but till then you + are safe.” + </p> + <p> + Earthrid cast him a look of malice, hesitated for an instant, and then + moved away, and started to climb the nearest hill. Halfway up he glanced + over his shoulder apprehensively, as if to see what was happening. In + another minute or so, he had disappeared over the crest, travelling in the + direction of the shore that faced Matterplay. + </p> + <p> + Later, when the water was once more tranquil, Maskull sat down by its + edge, in imitation of Earthrid’s attitude. He knew neither how to + set about producing his music, nor what would come of it. But audacious + projects entered his brain and he willed to create physical shapes—and, + above all, one shape, that of Surtur. + </p> + <p> + Before putting his foot to the water, he turned things over a little in + his mind. + </p> + <p> + He said, “What <i>themes</i> are in common music, <i>shapes</i> are + in this music. The composer does not find his theme by picking out single + notes; but the whole theme flashes into his mind by inspiration. So it + must be with shapes. When I start playing, if I am worth anything, the + undivided ideas will pass from my unconscious mind to this lake, and then, + reflected back in the dimensions of reality, I shall be for the first time + made acquainted with them. So it must be.” + </p> + <p> + The instant his foot touched the water, he felt his thoughts flowing from + him. He did not know what they were, but the mere act of flowing created a + sensation of joyful mastery. With this was curiosity to learn what they + would prove to be. Spouts formed on the lake in increasing numbers, but he + experienced no pain. His thoughts, which he knew to be music, did not + issue from him in a steady, unbroken stream, but in great, rough gushes, + succeeding intervals of quiescence. When these gushes came, the whole lake + broke out in an eruption of spouts. + </p> + <p> + He realised that the ideas passing from him did not arise in his + intellect, but had their source in the fathomless depths of his will. He + could not decide what character they should have, but he was able to force + them out, or retard them, by the exercise of his volition. + </p> + <p> + At first nothing changed around him. Then the moon grew dimmer, and a + strange, new radiance began to illuminate the landscape. It increased so + imperceptibly that it was some time before he recognised it as the + Muspel-light which he had seen in the Wombflash Forest. He could not give + it a colour, or a name, but it filled him with a sort of stern and sacred + awe. He called up the resources of his powerful will. The spouts thickened + like a forest, and many of them were twenty feet high. Teargeld looked + faint and pale; the radiance became intense; but it cast no shadows. The + wind got up, but where Maskull was sitting, it was calm. Shortly afterward + it began to shriek and whistle, like a full gale. He saw no shapes, and + redoubled his efforts. + </p> + <p> + His ideas were now rushing out onto the lake so furiously that his whole + soul was possessed by exhilaration and defiance. But still he did not know + their nature. A huge spout shot up and at the same moment the hills began + to crack and break. Great masses of loose soil were erupted from their + bowels, and in the next period of quietness, he saw that the landscape had + altered. Still the mysterious light intensified. The moon disappeared + entirely. The noise of the unseen tempest was terrifying, but Maskull + played heroically on, trying to urge out ideas which would take shape. The + hillsides were cleft with chasms. The water escaping from the tops of the + spouts, swamped the land; but where he was, it was dry. + </p> + <p> + The radiance grew terrible. It was everywhere, but Maskull fancied that it + was far brighter in one particular quarter. He thought that it was + becoming localised, preparatory to contracting into a solid form. He + strained and strained.... + </p> + <p> + Immediately afterward the bottom of the lake subsided. Its waters fell + through, and his instrument was broken. + </p> + <p> + The Muspel-light vanished. The moon shone out again, but Maskull could not + see it. After that unearthly shining, he seemed to himself to be in total + blackness. The screaming wind ceased; there was a dead silence. His + thoughts finished flowing toward the lake, and his foot no longer touched + water, but hung in space. + </p> + <p> + He was too stunned by the suddenness of the change to either think or + feel. While he was still lying dazed, a vast explosion occurred in the + newly opened depths beneath the lakebed. The water in its descent had met + fire. Maskull was lifted bodily in the air, many yards high, and came down + heavily. He lost consciousness.... + </p> + <p> + When he came to his senses again, he saw everything. Teargeld was gleaming + brilliantly. He was lying by the side of the old lake, but it was now a + crater, to the bottom of which his eyes could not penetrate. The hills + encircling it were torn, as if by heavy gunfire. A few thunderclouds were + floating in the air at no great height, from which branched lightning + descended to the earth incessantly, accompanied by alarming and singular + crashes. + </p> + <p> + He got on his legs, and tested his actions. Finding that he was uninjured, + he first of all viewed the crater at closer quarters, and then started to + walk painfully toward the northern shore. + </p> + <p> + When he had attained the crest above the lake, the landscape sloped gently + down for two miles to the sea. Everywhere he passed through traces of his + rough work. The country was carved into scarps, grooves, channels, and + craters. He arrived at the line of low cliffs overlooking the beach, and + found that these also were partly broken down by landslips. He got down + onto the sand and stood looking over the moonlit, agitated sea, wondering + how he could contrive to escape from this island of failure. + </p> + <p> + Then he saw Earthrid’s body, lying quite close to him. It was on its + back. Both legs had been violently torn off and he could not see them + anywhere. Earthrid’s teeth were buried in the flesh of his right + forearm, indicating that the man had died in unreasoning physical agony. + The skin gleamed green in the moonlight, but it was stained by darker + discolourations, which were wounds. The sand about him was dyed by the + pool of blood which had long since filtered through. + </p> + <p> + Maskull left the corpse in dismay, and walked a long way along the + sweet-smelling shore. Sitting down on a rock, he waited for daybreak. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 16. LEEHALLFAE + </h2> + <p> + At midnight, when Teargeld was in the south, throwing his shadow straight + toward the sea and making everything nearly as bright as day, he saw a + great tree floating in the water, not far out. It was thirty feet out of + the water, upright, and alive, and its roots must have been enormously + deep and wide. It was drifting along the coast, through the heavy seas. + Maskull eyed it incuriously for a few minutes. Then it dawned on him that + it might be a good thing to investigate its nature. Without stopping to + weigh the danger, he immediately swam out, caught hold of the lowest + branch, and swung himself up. + </p> + <p> + He looked aloft and saw that the main stem was thick to the very top, + terminating in a knob that somewhat resembled a human head. He made his + way toward this knob, through the multitude of boughs, which were covered + with tough, slippery, marine leaves, like seaweed. Arriving at the crown, + he found that it actually was a sort of head, for there were membranes + like rudimentary eyes all the way around it, denoting some form of low + intelligence. + </p> + <p> + At that moment the tree touched bottom, though some way from the shore, + and began to bump heavily. To steady himself, Maskull put his hand out, + and, in doing so, accidentally covered some of the membranes. The tree + sheered off the land, as if by an act of will. When it was steady again, + Maskull removed his hand; they at once drifted back to shore. He thought a + bit, and then started experimenting with the eyelike membranes. It was as + he had guessed—these eyes were stimulated by the light of the moon, + and whichever way the light came from, the tree would travel. + </p> + <p> + A rather defiant smile crossed Maskull’s face as it struck him that + it might be possible to navigate this huge plant-animal as far as + Matterplay. He lost no time in putting the conception into execution. + Tearing off some of the long, tough leaves, he bound up all the membranes + except the ones that faced the north. The tree instantly left the island, + and definitely put out to sea. It travelled due north. It was not moving + at more than a mile an hour, however, while Matterplay was possibly forty + miles distant. + </p> + <p> + The great spout waves fell against the trunk with mighty thuds; the + breaking seas hissed through the lower branches—Maskull rested high + and dry, but was more than a little apprehensive about their slow rate of + progress. Presently he sighted a current racing along toward the + north-west, and that put another idea into his head. He began to juggle + with the membranes again, and before long had succeeded in piloting his + tree into the fast-running stream. As soon as they were fairly in its + rapids, he blinded the crown entirely, and thenceforward the current acted + in the double capacity of road and steed. + </p> + <p> + Maskull made himself secure among the branches and slept for the remainder + of the night. + </p> + <p> + When his eyes opened again, the island was out of sight. Teargeld was + setting in the western sea. The sky in the east was bright with the + colours of the approaching day. The air was cool and fresh; the light over + the sea was beautiful, gleaming, and mysterious. Land—probably + Matterplay—lay ahead, a long, dark line of low cliffs, perhaps a + mile away. The current no longer ran toward the shore, but began to skirt + the coast without drawing any closer to it. As soon as Maskull realised + the fact, he manoeuvred the tree out of its channel and started drifting + it inshore. The eastern sky blazed up suddenly with violent dyes, and the + outer rim of Branchspell lifted itself above the sea. The moon had already + sunk. + </p> + <p> + The shore loomed nearer and nearer. In physical character it was like + Swaylone’s Island—the same wide sands, small cliffs, and + rounded, insignificant hills inland, without vegetation. In the + early-morning sunlight, however, it looked romantic. Maskull, hollow-eyed + and morose, cared nothing for all that, but the moment the tree grounded, + clambered swiftly down through the branches and dropped into the sea. By + the time he had swam ashore, the white, stupendous sun was high above the + horizon. + </p> + <p> + He walked along the sands toward the east for a considerable distance, + without having any special intention in his mind. He thought he would go + on until he came to some creek or valley, and then turn up it. The sun’s + rays were cheering, and began to relieve him of his oppressive night + weight. After strolling along the beach for about a mile, he was stopped + by a broad stream that flowed into the sea out of a kind of natural + gateway in the line of cliffs. Its water was of a beautiful, limpid green, + all filled with bubbles. So ice-cold, aerated, and enticing did it look + that he flung himself face downward on the ground and took a prolonged + draught. When he got up again his eyes started to play pranks—they + became alternately blurred and clear.... It may have been pure + imagination, but he fancied that Digrung was moving inside him. + </p> + <p> + He followed the bank of the stream through the gap in the cliffs, and then + for the first time saw the real Matterplay. A valley appeared, like a + jewel enveloped by naked rock. All the hill country was bare and lifeless, + but this valley lying in the heart of it was extremely fertile; he had + never seen such fertility. It wound up among the hills, and all that he + was looking at was its broad lower end. The floor of the valley was about + half a mile wide; the stream that ran down its middle was nearly a hundred + feet across, but was exceedingly shallow—in most places not more + than a few inches deep. The sides of the valley were about seventy feet + high, but very sloping; they were clothed from top to bottom with little, + bright-leaved trees—not of varied tints of one colour, like Earth + trees, but of widely diverse colours, most of which were brilliant and + positive. + </p> + <p> + The floor itself was like a magician’s garden. Densely interwoven + trees, shrubs, and parasitical climbers fought everywhere for possession + of it. The forms were strange and grotesque, and each one seemed + different; the colours of leaf, flower, sexual organs, and stem were + equally peculiar—all the different combinations of the five primary + colours of Tormance seemed to be represented, and the result, for Maskull + was a sort of eye chaos. So rank was the vegetation that he could not + fight his way through it; he was obliged to take to the riverbed. The + contact of the water created an odd tingling sensation throughout his + body, like a mild electric shock. There were no birds, but a few + extraordinary-looking winged reptiles of small size kept crossing the + valley from hill to hill. Swarms of flying insects clustered around him, + threatening mischief, but in the end it turned out that his blood was + disagreeable to them, for he was not bitten once. Repulsive crawling + creatures resembling centipedes, scorpions, snakes, and so forth were in + myriads on the banks of the stream, but they also made no attempt to use + their weapons on his bare legs and feet, as he passed through them into + the water.... Presently however, he was confronted in midstream by a + hideous monster, of the size of a pony, but resembling in shape—if + it resembled anything—a sea crustacean; and then he came to a halt. + They stared at one another, the beast with wicked eyes, Maskull with cool + and wary ones. While he was staring, a singular thing happened to him. + </p> + <p> + His eyes blurred again. But when in a minute or two this blurring passed + away and he saw clearly once more, his vision had changed in character. He + was looking right through the animal’s body and could distinguish + all its interior parts. The outer crust, however, and all the hard tissues + were misty and semi-transparent; through them a luminous network of + blood-red veins and arteries stood out in startling distinctness. The hard + parts faded away to nothingness, and the blood system alone was left. Not + even the fleshy ducts remained. The naked blood alone was visible, flowing + this way and that like a fiery, liquid skeleton, in the shape of the + monster. Then this blood began to change too. Instead of a continuous + liquid stream, Maskull perceived that it was composed of a million + individual points. The red colour had been an illusion caused by the rapid + motion of the points; he now saw clearly that they resembled minute suns + in their scintillating brightness. They seemed like a double drift of + stars, streaming through space. One drift was travelling toward a fixed + point in the centre, while the other was moving away from it. He + recognised the former as the veins of the beast, the latter as the + arteries, and the fixed point as the heart. + </p> + <p> + While he was still looking, lost in amazement, the starry network went out + suddenly like an extinguished flame. Where the crustacean had stood, there + was nothing. Yet through this “nothing” he could not see the + landscape. Something was standing there that intercepted the light, though + it possessed neither shape, colour, nor substance. And now the object, + which could no longer be perceived by vision, began to be felt by emotion. + A delightful, springlike sense of rising sap, of quickening pulses of + love, adventure, mystery, beauty, femininity—took possession of his + being, and, strangely enough, he identified it with the monster. Why that + invisible brute should cause him to feel young, sexual, and audacious, he + did not ask himself, for he was fully occupied with the effect. But it was + as if flesh, bones, and blood had been discarded, and he were face to face + with naked Life itself, which slowly passed into his own body. + </p> + <p> + The sensations died away. There was a brief interval, and then the + streaming, starlike skeleton rose up again out of space. It changed to the + red-blood system. The hard parts of the body reappeared, with more and + more distinctness, and at the same time the network of blood grew fainter. + Presently the interior parts were entirely concealed by the crust—the + creature stood opposite Maskull in its old formidable ugliness, hard, + painted, and concrete. + </p> + <p> + Disliking something about him, the crustacean turned aside and stumbled + awkwardly away on its six legs, with laborious and repulsive movements, + toward the other bank of the stream. + </p> + <p> + Maskull’s apathy left him after this adventure. He became uneasy and + thoughtful. He imagined that he was beginning to see things through + Digrung’s eyes, and that there were strange troubles immediately + ahead. The next time his eyes started to blur, he fought it down with his + will, and nothing happened. + </p> + <p> + The valley ascended with many windings toward the hills. It narrowed + considerably, and the wooded slopes on either side grew steeper and + higher. The stream shrunk to about twenty feet across, but it was deeper—it + was alive with motion, music, and bubbles. The electric sensations caused + by its water became more pronounced, almost disagreeably so; but there was + nowhere else to walk. With its deafening confusion of sounds from the + multitude of living creatures, the little valley resembled a vast + conversation hall of Nature. The life was still more prolific than before; + every square foot of space was a tangle of struggling wills, both animal + and vegetable. For a naturalist it would have been paradise, for no two + shapes were alike, and all were fantastic, with individual character. + </p> + <p> + It looked as if life forms were being coined so fast by Nature that there + was not physical room for all. Nevertheless it was not as on Earth, where + a hundred seeds are scattered in order that one may be sown. Here the + young forms seemed to survive, while, to find accommodation for them, the + old ones perished; everywhere he looked they were withering and dying, + without any ostensible cause—they were simply being killed by new + life. + </p> + <p> + Other creatures sported so wildly, in front of his very eyes, that they + became of different “kingdoms” altogether. For example, a + fruit was lying on the ground, of the size and shape of a lemon, but with + a tougher skin. He picked it up, intending to eat the contained pulp; but + inside it was a fully formed young tree, just on the point of bursting its + shell. Maskull threw it away upstream. It floated back toward him; by the + time he was even with it, its downward motion had stopped and it was + swimming against the current. He fished it out and discovered that it had + sprouted six rudimentary legs. + </p> + <p> + Maskull sang no paeans of praise in honour of the gloriously overcrowded + valley. On the contrary, he felt deeply cynical and depressed. He thought + that the unseen power—whether it was called Nature, Life, Will, or + God—that was so frantic to rush forward and occupy this small, + vulgar, contemptible world, could not possess very high aims and was not + worth much. How this sordid struggle for an hour or two of physical + existence could ever be regarded as a deeply earnest and important + business was beyond his comprehension The atmosphere choked him, he longed + for air and space. Thrusting his way through to the side of the ravine, he + began to climb the overhanging cliff, swinging his way up from tree to + tree. + </p> + <p> + When he arrived at the top, Branchspell beat down on him with such brutal, + white intensity that he saw that there was no staying there. He looked + around, to ascertain what part of the country he had come to. He had + travelled about ten miles from the sea, as the crow flies. The bare, + undulating wolds sloped straight down toward it; the water glittered in + the distance; and on the horizon he was just able to make out Swaylone’s + Island. Looking north, the land continued sloping upward as far as he + could see. Over the crest—that is to say, some miles away—a + line of black, fantastic-shaped rocks of quite another character showed + themselves; this was probably Threal. Behind these again, against the sky, + perhaps fifty or even a hundred miles off, were the peaks of Lichstorm, + most of them covered with greenish snow that glittered in the sunlight. + </p> + <p> + They were stupendously high and of weird contours. Most of them were + conical to the top, but from the top, great masses of mountain balanced + themselves at what looked like impossible angles—overhanging without + apparent support. A land like that promised something new, he thought: + extraordinary inhabitants. The idea took shape in his mind to go there, + and to travel as swiftly as possible, it might even be feasible to get + there before sunset. It was less the mountains themselves that attracted + him than the country which lay beyond—the prospect of setting eyes + on the blue sun, which he judged to be the wonder of wonders in Tormance. + </p> + <p> + The direct route was over the hills, but that was out of the question, + because of the killing heat and the absence of shade. He guessed, however, + that the valley would not take him far out of his way, and decided to keep + to that for the time being, much as he hated and feared it. Into the + hotbed of life, therefore, he once more swung himself. + </p> + <p> + Once down, he continued to follow the windings of the valley for several + miles through sunlight and shadow. The path became increasingly difficult. + The cliffs closed in on either side until they were less than a hundred + yards apart, while the bed of the ravine was blocked by boulders, great + and small, so that the little stream, which was now diminished to the + proportions of a brook, had to come down where and how it could. The forms + of life grew stranger. Pure plants and pure animals disappeared by + degrees, and their place was filled by singular creatures that seemed to + partake of both characters. They had limbs, faces, will, and intelligence, + but they remained for the greater part of their time rooted in the ground + by preference, and they fed only on soil and air. Maskull saw no sexual + organs and failed to understand how the young came into existence. + </p> + <p> + Then he witnessed an astonishing sight. A large and fully developed + plant-animal appeared suddenly in front of him, out of empty space. He + could not believe his eyes, but stared at the creature for a long time in + amazement. It went on calmly moving and burrowing before him, as thought + it had been there all its life. Giving up the puzzle, Maskull resumed his + striding from rock to rock up the gorge, and then, quietly and without + warning, the same phenomenon occurred again. No longer could he doubt that + he was seeing miracles—that Nature was precipitating its shapes into + the world without making use of the medium of parentage.... No solution of + the problem presented itself. + </p> + <p> + The brook too had altered in character. A trembling radiance came up from + its green water, like some imprisoned force escaping into the air. He had + not walked in it for some time; now he did so, to test its quality. He + felt new life entering his body, from his feet upward; it resembled a + slowly moving cordial, rather than mere heat. The sensation was quite new + in his experience, yet he knew by instinct what it was. The energy emitted + by the brook was ascending his body neither as friend nor foe but simply + because it happened to be the direct road to its objective elsewhere. But, + although it had no hostile intentions, it was likely to prove a rough + traveller—he was clearly conscious that its passage through his body + threatened to bring about some physical transformation, unless he could do + something to prevent it. Leaping quickly out of the water, he leaned + against a rock, tightened his muscles, and braced himself against the + impending change. At that very moment the blurring again attacked his + sight, and, while he was guarding against that, his forehead sprouted out + into a galaxy of new eyes. He put his hand up and counted six, in addition + to his old ones. + </p> + <p> + The danger was past and Maskull laughed, congratulating himself on having + got off so easily. Then he wondered what the new organs were for—whether + they were a good or a bad thing. He had not taken a dozen steps up the + ravine before he found out. Just as he was in the act of jumping down from + the top of a boulder, his vision altered and he came to an automatic + standstill. He was perceiving two worlds simultaneously. With his own eyes + he saw the gorge as before, with its rocks, brook, plant-animals, + sunshine, and shadows. But with his acquired eyes he saw differently. All + the details of the valley were visible, but the light seemed turned down, + and everything appeared faint, hard, and uncoloured. The sun was obscured + by masses of cloud which filled the whole sky. This vapour was in violent + and almost living motion. It was thick in extension, but thin in texture; + some parts, however, were far denser than others, as the particles were + crushed together or swept apart by the motion. The green sparks from the + brook, when closely watched, could be distinguished individually, each one + wavering up toward the clouds, but the moment they got within them a + fearful struggle seemed to begin. The spark endeavoured to escape through + to the upper air, while the clouds concentrated around it whichever way it + darted, trying to create so dense a prison that further movement would be + impossible. As far as Maskull could detect, most of the sparks succeeded + eventually in finding their way out after frantic efforts; but one that he + was looking at was caught, and what happened was this. A complete ring of + cloud surrounded it, and, in spite of its furious leaps and flashes in all + directions—as if it were a live, savage creature caught in a net—nowhere + could it find an opening, but it dragged the enveloping cloud stuff with + it, wherever it went. The vapours continued to thicken around it, until + they resembled the black, heavy, compressed sky masses seen before a bad + thunderstorm. Then the green spark, which was still visible in the + interior, ceased its efforts, and remained for a time quite quiescent. The + cloud shape went on consolidating itself, and became nearly spherical; as + it grew heavier and stiller, it started slowly to descend toward the + valley floor. When it was directly opposite Maskull, with its lower end + only a few feet off the ground, its motion stopped altogether and there + was a complete pause for at least two minutes. Suddenly, like a stab of + forked lightning, the great cloud shot together, became small, indented, + and coloured, and as a plant-animal started walking around on legs and + rooting up the ground in search of food. The concluding stage of the + phenomenon he witnessed with his normal eyesight. It showed him the + creature’s appearing miraculously out of nowhere. + </p> + <p> + Maskull was shaken. His cynicism dropped from him and gave place to + curiosity and awe. “That was exactly like the birth of a <i>thought</i>,” + he said to himself, “but who was the thinker? Some great Living Mind + is at work in this spot. He has intelligence, for all his shapes are + different, and he has character, for all belong to the same general + type.... If I’m not wrong, and if it’s the force called + Shaping or Crystalman, I’ve seen enough to make me want to find out + something more about him.... It would be ridiculous to go on to other + riddles before I have solved these.” + </p> + <p> + A voice called out to him from behind, and, turning around, he saw a human + figure hastening toward him from some distance down the ravine. It looked + more like a man than a woman. He was rather tall, but nimble, and was + clothed in a dark, frocklike garment that reached from the neck to below + the knees. Around his head was rolled a turban. Maskull waited for him, + and when he was nearer went a little way to meet him. + </p> + <p> + Then he experienced another surprise, for this person, although clearly a + human being, was neither man nor woman, nor anything between the two, but + was unmistakably of a third positive sex, which was remarkable to behold + and difficult to understand. In order to translate into words the sexual + impression produced in Maskull’s mind by the stranger’s + physical aspect, it is necessary to coin a new pronoun, for none in + earthly use would be applicable. Instead of “he,” “she,” + or “it,” therefore “ae” will be used. + </p> + <p> + He found himself incapable of grasping at first why the bodily + peculiarities of this being should strike him as springing from sex, and + not from race, and yet there was no doubt about the fact itself. Body, + face, and eyes were absolutely neither male nor female, but something + quite different. Just as one can distinguish a man from a woman at the + first glance by some indefinable difference of expression and atmospheres + altogether apart from the contour of the figure, so the stranger was + separated in appearance from both. As with men and women, the whole person + expressed a latent sensuality, which gave body and face alike their + peculiar character.... Maskull decided that it was <i>love</i>—but + what love—love for whom? It was neither the shame-carrying passion + of a male, nor the deep-rooted instinct of a female to obey her destiny. + It was as real and irresistible as these, but quite different. + </p> + <p> + As he continued staring into those strange, archaic eyes, he had an + intuitive feeling that aer lover was no other than Shaping himself. It + came to him that the design of this love was not the continuance of the + race but the immortality on earth of the individual. No children were + produced by the act; the lover aerself was the eternal child. Further, ae + sought like a man, but received like a woman. All these things were dimly + and confusedly expressed by this extraordinary being, who seemed to have + dropped out of another age, when creation was different. + </p> + <p> + Of all the weird personalities Maskull had so far met in Tormance, this + one struck him as infinitely the most <i>foreign</i>—that is, the + farthest removed from him in spiritual structure. If they were to live + together for a hundred years, they could never be companions. + </p> + <p> + Maskull pulled himself out of his trancelike meditations and, viewing the + newcomer in greater detail, tried with his understanding to account for + the marvellous things told him by his intuitions. Ae possessed broad + shoulders and big bones, and was without female breasts, and so far ae + resembled a man. But the bones were so flat and angular that aer flesh + presented something of the character of a crystal, having plane surfaces + in place of curves. The body looked as if it had not been ground down by + the sea of ages into smooth and rounded regularity but had sprung together + in angles and facets as the result of a single, sudden <i>idea</i>. The + face too was broken and irregular. With his racial prejudices, Maskull + found little beauty in it, yet beauty there was, though neither of a + masculine nor of a feminine type, for it had the three essentials of + beauty: character, intelligence, and repose. The skin was copper-coloured + and strangely luminous, as if lighted from within. The face was beardless, + but the hair of the head was as long as a woman’s, and, dressed in a + single plait, fell down behind as far as the ankles. Ae possessed only two + eyes. That part of the turban which went across the forehead protruded so + far in front that it evidently concealed some organ. + </p> + <p> + Maskull found it impossible to compute aer age. The frame appeared active, + vigorous, and healthy, the skin was clear and glowing; the eyes were + powerful and alert—ae might well be in early youth. Nevertheless, + the longer Maskull gazed, the more an impression of unbelievable + ancientness came upon him—aer real youth seemed as far away as the + view observed through a reversed telescope. + </p> + <p> + At last he addressed the stranger, though it was just as if he were + conversing with a dream. “To what sex do you belong?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + The voice in which the reply came was neither manly nor womanly, but was + oddly suggestive of a mystical forest horn, heard from a great distance. + </p> + <p> + “Nowadays there are men and women, but in the olden times the world + was peopled by ‘phaens.’ I think I am the only survivor of all + those beings who were then passing through Faceny’s mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Faceny?” + </p> + <p> + “Who is now miscalled Shaping or Crystalman. The superficial names + invented by a race of superficial creatures.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s your own name?” + </p> + <p> + “Leehallfae.” + </p> + <p> + “What?” + </p> + <p> + “Leehallfae. And yours is Maskull. I read in your mind that you have + just come through some wonderful adventures. You seem to possess + extraordinary luck. If it lasts long enough, perhaps I can make use of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think that my luck exists for your benefit?... But never + mind that now. It is your <i>sex</i> that interests me. How do you satisfy your + desires?” + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae pointed to the concealed organ on her brow. “With that I + gather life from the streams that flow in all the hundred Matterplay + valleys. The streams spring direct from Faceny. My whole life has been + spent trying to find Faceny himself. I’ve hunted so long that if I + were to state the number of years you would believe I lied.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked at the phaen slowly. “In Ifdawn I met someone else + from Matterplay—a young man called Digrung. I absorbed him.” + </p> + <p> + “You can’t be telling me this out of vanity.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a fearful crime. What will come of it?” + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae gave a curious, wrinkled smile. “In Matterplay he will + stir inside you, for he smells the air. Already you have his eyes.... I + knew him.... Take care of yourself, or something more startling may + happen. Keep out of the water.” + </p> + <p> + “This seems to me a terrible valley, in which anything may happen.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t torment yourself about Digrung. The valleys belong by + right to the phaens—the men here are interlopers. It is a good work + to remove them.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull continued thoughtful. “I say no more, but I see I will have + to be cautious. What did you mean about my helping you with my luck?” + </p> + <p> + “Your luck is fast weakening, but it may still be strong enough to + serve me. Together we will <i>search</i> for Threal.” + </p> + <p> + “Search for Threal—why, is it so hard to find?” + </p> + <p> + “I have told you that my whole life has been spent in the quest.” + </p> + <p> + “You said Faceny, Leehallfae.” + </p> + <p> + The phaen gazed at him with queer, ancient eyes, and smiled again. “This + stream, Maskull, like every other life stream in Matterplay, has its + source in Faceny. But as all these streams issue out from Threal, it is in + Threal that we must look for Faceny.” + </p> + <p> + “But what’s to prevent your finding Threal? Surely it’s + a well-known country?” + </p> + <p> + “It lies underground. Its communications with the upper world are + few, and where they are, no one that I have ever spoken to knows. I have + scoured the valleys and the hills. I have been to the very gates of + Lichstorm. I am old, so that your aged men would appear newborn infants + beside me, but I am as far from Threal as when I was a green youth, + dwelling among a throng of fellow phaens.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, if my luck is good, yours is very bad.... But when you have + found Faceny, what do you gain?” + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae looked at him in silence. The smile faded from aer face, and + its place was taken by such a look of unearthly pain and sorrow that + Maskull had no need to press his question. Ae was consumed by the grief + and yearning of a lover eternally separated from the loved one, the scents + and traces of whose person were always present. This passion stamped aer + features at that moment with a wild, stern, spiritual beauty, far + transcending any beauty of woman or man. + </p> + <p> + But the expression vanished suddenly, and then the abrupt contrast showed + Maskull the real Leehallfae. Aer sensuality was solitary, but vulgar—it + was like the heroism of a lonely nature, pursuing animal aims with + untiring persistence. + </p> + <p> + He looked at the phaen askance, and drummed his fingers against his thigh. + “Well, we will go together. We may find something, and in any case I + shan’t be sorry to converse with such a singular individual as + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “But I should warn you, Maskull. You and I are of different + creations. A phaen’s body contains the whole of life, a man’s + body contains only the half of life—the other half is in woman. + Faceny may be too strong a draught for your body to endure.... Do you not + feel this?” + </p> + <p> + “I am dull with my different feelings. I must take what precautions + I can, and chance the rest.” He bent down, and, taking hold of the + phaen’s thin and ragged robe, tore off a broad strip, which he + proceeded to swathe in folds around his forehead. “I’m not + forgetting your advice, Leehallfae. I would not like to start the walk as + Maskull and finish it as Digrung.” + </p> + <p> + The phaen gave a twisted grin, and they began to move upstream. The road + was difficult. They had to stride from boulder to boulder, and found it + warm work. Occasionally a worse obstacle presented itself, which they + could surmount only by climbing. There was no more conversation for a long + time. Maskull, as far as possible, adopted his companion’s counsel + to avoid the water, but here and there he was forced to set foot in it. + The second or third time he did so, he felt a sudden agony in his arm, + where it had been wounded by Krag. His eyes grew joyful; his fears + vanished; and he began deliberately to tread the stream. + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae stroked aer chin and watched him with screwed-up eyes, trying + to comprehend what had happened. “Is your luck speaking to you, + Maskull, or what is the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Listen. You are a being of antique experience, and ought to know, + if anyone does. What is Muspel?” + </p> + <p> + The phaen’s face was blank. “I don’t know the name.” + </p> + <p> + “It is another world of some sort.” + </p> + <p> + “That cannot be. There is only this one world—Faceny’s.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull came up to aer, linked arms, and began to talk. “I’m + glad I fell in with you, Leehallfae, for this valley and everything + connected with it need a lot of explaining. For example, in this spot + there are hardly any organic forms left—why have they all + disappeared? You call this brook a ‘life stream,’ yet the + nearer its source we get, the less life it produces. A mile or two lower + down we had those spontaneous plant-animals appearing out of nowhere, + while right down by the sea, plants and animals were tumbling over one + another. Now, if all this is connected in some mysterious way or other + with your Faceny, it seems to me he must have a most paradoxical nature. + His essence doesn’t start creating shapes until it has become + thoroughly weakened and watered.... But perhaps both of us are talking + nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae shook aer head. “Everything hangs together. The stream is + life, and it is throwing off sparks of life all the time. When these + sparks are caught and imprisoned by matter, they become living shapes. The + nearer the stream is to its source, the more terrible and vigorous is its + life. You’ll see for yourself when we reach the head of the valley + that there are no living shapes there at all. That means that there is no + kind of matter tough enough to capture and hold the terrible sparks that + are to be found there. Lower down the stream, most of the sparks are + vigorous enough to escape to the upper air, but some are held when they + are a little way up, and these burst suddenly into shapes. I myself am of + this nature. Lower down still, toward the sea, the stream has lost a great + part of its vital power and the sparks are lazy and sluggish. They spread + out, rather than rise into the air. There is hardly any kind of matter, + however delicate, that is incapable of capturing these feeble sparks, and + they are captured in multitudes—that accounts for the innumerable + living shapes you see there. But not only that—the sparks are passed + from one body to another by way of generation, and can never hope to cease + being so until they are worn out by decay. Lowest of all, you have the + Sinking Sea itself. There the degenerate and enfeebled life of the + Matterplay streams has for its body the whole sea. So weak is it’s + power that it can’t succeed in creating any shapes at all but you + can see its ceaseless, futile attempts to do so, in those spouts.” + </p> + <p> + “So the slow development of men and women is due to the feebleness + of the life germ in their case?” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly. It can’t attain all its desires at once. And now you + can see how immeasurably superior are the phaens, who spring spontaneously + from the more electric and vigorous sparks.” + </p> + <p> + “But where does the matter come from that imprisons these sparks?” + </p> + <p> + “When life dies, it becomes matter. Matter itself dies, but its + place is constantly taken by new matter.” + </p> + <p> + “But if life comes from Faceny, how can it die at all?” + </p> + <p> + “Life is the thoughts of Faceny, and once these thoughts have left + his brain they are nothing—mere dying embers.” + </p> + <p> + “This is a cheerless philosophy,” said Maskull. “But who + is Faceny himself, then, and why does he think at all?” + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae gave another wrinkled smile. “That I’ll explain + too. Faceny is of this nature. He faces Nothingness in all directions. He + has no back and no sides, but is all face; and this face is his shape. It + must necessarily be so, for nothing else can exist between him and + Nothingness. His face is all eyes, for he eternally contemplates + Nothingness. He draws his inspirations from it; in no other way could he + feel himself. For the same reason, phaens and even men love to be in empty + places and vast solitudes, for each one is a little Faceny.” + </p> + <p> + “That rings true,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Thoughts flow perpetually from Faceny’s face backward. Since + his face is on all sides, however, they flow into his interior. A draught + of thought thus continuously flows from Nothingness to the inside of + Faceny, which is the world. The thoughts become shapes, and people the + world. This outer world, therefore, which is lying all around us, is not + outside at all, as it happens, but inside. The visible universe is like a + gigantic stomach, and the real outside of the world we shall never see.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull pondered deeply for a while. + </p> + <p> + “Leehallfae, I fail to see what you personally have to hope for, + since you are nothing more than a discarded, dying thought.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you never loved a woman?” asked the phaen, regarding him + fixedly. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I have.” + </p> + <p> + “When you loved, did you have no high moments?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s asking the same question in other words.” + </p> + <p> + “In those moments you were approaching Faceny. If you could have + drawn nearer still, would you not have done so?” + </p> + <p> + “I would, regardless of the consequences.” + </p> + <p> + “Even if you personally had nothing to hope for?” + </p> + <p> + “But I would have <i>that</i> to hope for.” + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae walked on in silence. + </p> + <p> + “A man is the half of Life,” ae broke out suddenly. “A + woman is the other half of life, but a phaen is the whole of life. + Moreover, when life becomes split into halves, something else has dropped + out of it—something that belongs only to the whole. Between your + love and mine there is no comparison. If even your sluggish blood is drawn + to Faceny, without stopping to ask what will come of it, how do you + suppose it is with <i>me</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t question the genuineness of your passion,” + replied Maskull, “but it’s a pity you can’t see your way + to carry it forward into the next world.” + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae gave a distorted grin, expressing heaven knows what emotion. + “Men think what they like, but phaens are so made that they can see + the world only as it really is.” + </p> + <p> + That ended the conversation. + </p> + <p> + The sun was high in the sky, and they appeared to be approaching the head + of the ravine. Its walls had still further closed in and, except at those + moments when Branchspell was directly behind them, they strode along all + the time in deep shade; but still it was disagreeably hot and relaxing. + All life had ceased. A beautiful, fantastic spectacle was presented by the + cliff faces, the rocky ground, and the boulders that choked the entire + width of the gorge. They were of a snow-white crystalline limestone, + heavily scored by veins of bright, gleaming blue. The rivulet was no + longer green, but a clear, transparent crystal. Its noise was musical, and + altogether it looked most romantic and charming, but Leehallfae seemed to + find something else in it—aer features grew more and more set and + tortured. + </p> + <p> + About half an hour after all the other life forms had vanished, another + plant-animal was precipitated out of space, in front of their eyes. It was + as tall as Maskull himself, and had a brilliant and vigorous appearance, + as befitted a creature just out of Nature’s mint. It started to walk + about; but hardly had it done so when it burst silently asunder. Nothing + remained of it—the whole body disappeared instantaneously into the + same invisible mist from which it had sprung. + </p> + <p> + “That bears out what you said,” commented Maskull, turning + rather pale. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Leehallfae, “we have now come to the + region of terrible life.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, since you’re right in this, I must believe all that you’ve + been telling me.” + </p> + <p> + As he uttered the words, they were just turning a bend of the ravine. + There now loomed up straight ahead a perpendicular cliff about three + hundred feet in height, composed of white, marbled rock. It was the head + of the valley, and beyond it they could not proceed. + </p> + <p> + “In return for my wisdom,” said the phaen, “you will now + lend me your luck.” + </p> + <p> + They walked up to the base of the cliff, and Maskull looked at it + reflectively. It was possible to climb it, but the ascent would be + difficult. The now tiny brook issued from a hole in the rock only a few + feet up. Apart from its musical running, not a sound was to be heard. The + floor of the gorge was in shadow, but about halfway up the precipice the + sun was shining. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want me to do?” demanded Maskull.</p> +<p> “Everything + is now in your hands, and I have no suggestions to make. Now it’s + your luck that must help us.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull continued gazing up a little while longer. “We had better + wait till the afternoon, Leehallfae. I’ll probably have to climb to + the top, but it’s too hot at present—and besides, I’m + tired. I’ll snatch a few hours’ sleep. After that, we’ll + see.” + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae seemed annoyed, but raised no opposition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 17. CORPANG + </h2> + <p> + Maskull did not awaken till long after Blodsombre. Leehallfae was standing + by his side, looking down at him. It was doubtful whether ae had slept at + all. + </p> + <p> + “What time is it?” Maskull asked, rubbing his eyes and sitting + up. + </p> + <p> + “The day is passing,” was the vague reply. + </p> + <p> + Maskull got on to his feet, and gazed up at the cliff. “Now I’m + going to climb <i>that</i>. No need for both of us to risk our necks, so + you wait here, and if I find anything on top I’ll call you.” + </p> + <p> + A phaen glanced at him strangely. “There’s nothing up there + except a bare hillside. I’ve been there often. Have you anything + special in mind?” + </p> + <p> + “Heights often bring me inspiration. Sit down, and wait.” + </p> + <p> + Refreshed by his sleep, Maskull immediately attacked the face of the + cliff, and took the first twenty feet at a single rush. Then it grew + precipitous, and the ascent demanded greater circumspection and + intelligence. There were few hand- or footholds: he had to reflect before + every step. On the other hand, it was sound rock, and he was no novice at + the sport. Branchspell glared full on the wall, so that it half blinded + him with its glittering whiteness. + </p> + <p> + After many doubts and pauses he drew near the top. He was hot, sweating + copiously, and rather dizzy. To reach a ledge he caught hold of two + projecting rocks, one with each hand, at the same time scrambling upward, + his legs between the rocks. The left-hand rock, which was the larger of + the two, became dislodged by his weight, and, flying like a huge, dark + shadow past his head, crashed down with a terrifying sound to the foot of + the precipice, followed by an avalanche of smaller stones. Maskull + steadied himself as well as he could, but it was some moments before he + dared to look down behind him. + </p> + <p> + At first he could not distinguish Leehallfae. Then he caught sight of legs + and hindquarters a few feet up the cliff from the bottom. He perceived + that the phaen had aer head in a cavity and was scrutinising something, + and waited for aer to reappear. + </p> + <p> + Ae emerged, looked up to Maskull, and called out in aer hornlike voice, + “The entrance is here!” + </p> + <p> + “I’m coming down!” roared Maskull. “Wait for me!” + </p> + <p> + He descended swiftly—without taking too much care, for he thought he + recognised his “luck” in this discovery—and within + twenty minutes was standing beside the phaen. + </p> + <p> + “What happened?” + </p> + <p> + “The rock you dislodged struck this other rock just above the + spring. It tore it out of its bed. See—now there’s room for us + to get in!” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t get excited!” said Maskull. “It’s a + remarkable accident, but we have plenty of time. Let me look.” + </p> + <p> + He peered into the hole, which was large enough to admit a big man without + stooping. Contrasted with the daylight outside it was dark, yet a peculiar + glow pervaded the place, and he could see well enough. A rock tunnel went + straight forward into the bowels of the hill, out of sight. The valley + brook did not flow along the floor of this tunnel, as he had expected, but + came up as a spring just inside the entrance. + </p> + <p> + “Well Leehallfae, not much need to deliberate, eh? Still, observe + that your stream parts company with us here.” + </p> + <p> + As he turned around for an answer he noticed that his companion was + trembling from head to foot. + </p> + <p> + “Why, what’s the matter?” + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae pressed a hand to aer heart. “The stream leaves us, but + what makes the stream what it is continues with us. Faceny is there.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely you don’t expect to see him in person? Why are you + shaking?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it will be too much for me after all.” + </p> + <p> + “Why? How is it affecting you?” + </p> + <p> + The phaen took him by the shoulder and held him at arm’s length, + endeavouring to study him with aer unsteady eyes. “Faceny’s + thoughts are obscure. I am his lover, you are a lover of women, yet he + grants to you what he denies to me.” + </p> + <p> + “What does he grant to me?” + </p> + <p> + “To see him, and go on living. I shall die. But it’s + immaterial. Tomorrow both of us will be dead.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull impatiently shook himself free. “Your sensations may be + reliable in your own case, but how do you know I shall die?” + </p> + <p> + “Life is flaming up inside you,” replied Leehallfae, shaking + aer head. “But after it has reached its climax—perhaps tonight—it + will sink rapidly and you’ll die tomorrow. As for me, if I enter + Threal I shan’t come out again. A smell of death is being wafted to + me out of this hole.” + </p> + <p> + “You talk like a frightened man. I smell nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not frightened,” said Leehallfae quietly—ae had + been gradually recovering aer tranquillity—“but when one has + lived as long as I have, it is a serious matter to die. Every year one + puts out new roots.” + </p> + <p> + “Decide what you’re going to do,” said Maskull with a + touch of contempt, “for I’m going in at once.” + </p> + <p> + The phaen gave an odd, meditative stare down the ravine, and after that + walked into the cavern without another word. Maskull, scratching his head, + followed close at aer heels. + </p> + <p> + The moment they stepped across the bubbling spring, the atmosphere + altered. Without becoming stale or unpleasant, it grew cold, clear and + refined, and somehow suggested austere and tomblike thoughts. The daylight + disappeared at the first bend in the tunnel. After that, Maskull could not + say where the light came from. The air itself must have been luminous, for + though it was as light as full moon on Earth, neither he nor Leehallfae + cast a shadow. Another peculiarity of the light was that both the walls of + the tunnel and their own bodies appeared colourless. Everything was black + and white, like a lunar landscape. This intensified the solemn, funereal + feelings created by the atmosphere. + </p> + <p> + After they had proceeded for about ten minutes, the tunnel began to widen + out. The roof was high above their heads, and six men could have walked + side by side. Leehallfae was visibly weakening. Ae dragged aerself along + slowly and painfully, with sunken head. + </p> + <p> + Maskull caught hold of aer. “You can’t go on like that. Better + let me take you back.” + </p> + <p> + The phaen smiled, and staggered. “I’m dying.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk like that. It’s only a passing + indisposition. Let me take you back to the daylight.” + </p> + <p> + “No, help me forward. I wish to see Faceny.” + </p> + <p> + “The sick must have their way,” said Maskull. Lifting aer + bodily in his arms, he walked quickly along for another hundred yards or + so. They then emerged from the tunnel and faced a world the parallel of + which he had never set eyes upon before. + </p> + <p> + “Set me down!” directed Leehallfae feebly. “Here I’ll + die.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull obeyed, and laid aer down at full length on the rocky ground. The + phaen raised aerself with difficulty on one arm, and stared with + fast-glazing eyes at the mystic landscape. + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked too, and what he saw was a vast, undulating plain, lighted + as if by the moon—but there was of course no moon, and there were no + shadows. He made out running streams in the distance. Beside them were + trees of a peculiar kind; they were rooted in the ground, but the branches + also were aerial roots, and there were no leaves. No other plants could be + seen. The soil was soft, porous rock, resembling pumice. Beyond a mile or + two in any direction the light merged into obscurity. At their back a + great rocky wall extended on either hand; but it was not square like a + wall, but full of bays and promontories like an indented line of sea + cliffs. The roof of this huge underworld was out of sight. Here and there + a mighty shaft of naked rock, fantastically weathered, towered aloft into + the gloom, doubtless serving to support the roof. There were no colours—every + detail of the landscape was black, white, or grey. The scene appeared so + still, so solemn and religious, that all his feelings quieted down to + absolute tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + Leehallfae fell back suddenly. Maskull dropped on his knees, and + helplessly watched the last flickerings of aer spirit, going out like a + candle in foul air. Death came.... He closed the eyes. The awful grin of + Crystalman immediately fastened upon the phaen’s dead features. + </p> + <p> + While Maskull was still kneeling, he became conscious of someone standing + beside him. He looked up quickly and saw a man, but did not at once rise. + </p> + <p> + “Another phaen dead,” said the newcomer in a grave, toneless, + and intellectual voice. + </p> + <p> + Maskull got up. + </p> + <p> + The man was short and thickset but emaciated. His forehead was not + disfigured by any organs. He was middle-aged. The features were energetic + and rather coarse—yet it seemed to Maskull as though a pure, hard + life had done something toward refining them. His sanguine eyes carried a + twisted, puzzled look; some unanswerable problem was apparently in the + forefront of his brain. His face was hairless; the hair of his head was + short and manly; his brow was wide. He was clothed in a black, sleeveless + robe, and bore a long staff in his hand. There was an air of cleanness and + austerity about the whole man that was attractive. + </p> + <p> + He went on speaking dispassionately to Maskull, and, while doing so, kept + passing his hand reflectively over his cheeks and chin. “They all + find their way here to die. They come from Matterplay. There they live to + an incredible age. Partly on that account, and partly because of their + spontaneous origin, they regard themselves as the favoured children of + Faceny. But when they come here to find him, they die at once.” + </p> + <p> + “I think this one is the last of the race. But whom do I speak to?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Corpang. Who are you, where do you come from, and what are you + doing here?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Maskull. My home is on the other side of the universe. + As for what I am doing here—I accompanied Leehallfae, that phaen, + from Matterplay.” + </p> + <p> + “But a man doesn’t accompany a phaen out of friendship. What + do you want in Threal?” + </p> + <p> + “Then this <i>is</i> Threal?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull remained silent. + </p> + <p> + Corpang studied his face with rough, curious eyes. “Are you + ignorant, or merely reticent, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “I came here to ask questions, and not to answer them.” + </p> + <p> + The stillness of the place was almost oppressive. Not a breeze stirred, + and not a sound came through the air. Their voices had been lowered, as + though they were in a cathedral. + </p> + <p> + “Then do you want my society, or not?” asked Corpang. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if you can fit in with my mood, which is—not to talk + about myself.” + </p> + <p> + “But you must at least tell me where you want to go to.” + </p> + <p> + “I want to see what is to be seen here, and then go on to Lichstorm.” + </p> + <p> + “I can guide you through, if that’s all you want. Come, let us + start.” + </p> + <p> + “First let’s do our duty and bury the dead, if possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Turn around,” directed Corpang. + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked around quickly. Leehallfae’s body had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “What does this mean—what has happened?” + </p> + <p> + “The body has returned to whence it came. There was nowhere here for + it to be, so it has vanished. No burial will be required.” + </p> + <p> + “Was the phaen an illusion, then?” + </p> + <p> + “In no sense.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, explain quickly, then, what has taken place. I seem to be + going mad.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s nothing unintelligible in it, if you’ll only + listen calmly. The phaen belonged, body and soul, to the outside, visible + world—to Faceny. This underworld is not Faceny’s world, but + Thire’s, and Faceny’s creatures cannot breathe its atmosphere. + As this applies not only to whole bodies, but even to the last particles + of bodies, the phaen has dissolved into Nothingness.” + </p> + <p> + “But don’t you and I belong to the outside world too?” + </p> + <p> + “We belong to all three worlds.” + </p> + <p> + “What three worlds—what do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “There are three worlds,” said Corpang composedly. “The + first is Faceny’s, the second is Amfuse’s, the third is Thire’s. + From him Threal gets its name.” + </p> + <p> + “But this is mere nomenclature. In what sense are there three + worlds?” + </p> + <p> + Corpang passed his hand over his forehead. “All this we can discuss + as we go along. It’s a torment to me to be standing still.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull stared again at the spot where Leehallfae’s body had lain, + quite bewildered at the extraordinary disappearance. He could scarcely + tear himself away from the place, so mysterious was it. Not until Corpang + called to him a second time did he make up his mind to follow him. + </p> + <p> + They set off from the rock wall straight across the airlit plain, + directing their course toward the nearest trees. The subdued light, the + absence of shadows, the massive shafts, springing grey-white out of the + jetlike ground, the fantastic trees, the absence of a sky, the deathly + silence, the knowledge that he was underground—the combination of + all these things predisposed Maskull’s mind to mysticism, and he + prepared himself with some anxiety to hear Corpang’s explanation of + the land and its wonders. He already began to grasp that the reality of + the outside world and the reality of this world were two quite different + things. + </p> + <p> + “In what sense are there three worlds?” he demanded, repeating + his former question. + </p> + <p> + Corpang smote the end of his staff on the ground. “First of all, + Maskull, what is your motive for asking? If it’s mere intellectual + curiosity, tell me, for we mustn’t play with awful matters.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it isn’t that,” said Maskull slowly. “I’m + not a student. My journey is no holiday tour.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn’t there blood on your soul?” asked Corpang, eying + him intently. + </p> + <p> + The blood rose steadily to Maskull’s face, but in that light it + caused it to appear black. + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately there is, and not a little.” + </p> + <p> + The other’s face was all wrinkles, but he made no comment. + </p> + <p> + “And so you see,” went on Maskull, with a short laugh, “I’m + in the very best condition for receiving your instruction.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang still paused. “Underneath your crimes I see a man,” he + said, after a few minutes. “On that account, and because we are + commanded to help one another, I won’t leave you at present, though + I little thought to be walking with a murderer.... Now to your + question.... Whatever a man sees with his eyes, Maskull, he sees in three + ways—length, breadth, depth. Length is existence, breadth is + relation, depth is feeling.” + </p> + <p> + “Something of the sort was told me by Earthrid, the musician, who + came from Threal.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know him. What else did he tell you?” + </p> + <p> + “He went on to apply it to music. Continue, and pardon the + interruption.” + </p> + <p> + “These three states of perception are the three worlds. Existence is + Faceny’s world, relation is Amfuse’s world, feeling is Thire’s + world.” + </p> + <p> + “Can’t we come down to hard facts?” said Maskull, + frowning. “I understand no more than I did before what you mean by + three worlds.” + </p> + <p> + “There are no harder facts than the ones I am giving you. The first + world is visible, tangible Nature. It was created by Faceny out of + nothingness, and therefore we call it Existence.” + </p> + <p> + “That I understand.” + </p> + <p> + “The second world is Love—by which I don’t mean lust. + Without love, every individual would be entirely self-centred and unable + deliberately to act on others. Without love, there would be no sympathy—not + even hatred, anger, or revenge would be possible. These are all imperfect + and distorted forms of pure love. Interpenetrating Faceny’s world of + Nature, therefore, we have Amfuse’s world of Love, or Relation.” + </p> + <p> + “What grounds have you for assuming that this so-called second world + is not contained in the first?” + </p> + <p> + “They are contradictory. A natural man lives for himself; a lover + lives for others.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so. It’s rather mystical. But go on—who is + Thire?” + </p> + <p> + “Length and breadth together without depth give flatness. Life and + love without feeling produce shallow, superficial natures. Feeling is the + need of men to stretch out toward their creator.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean prayer and worship?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean intimacy with Thire. This feeling is not to be found in + either the first or second world, therefore it is a third world. Just as + depth is the line between object and subject, feeling is the line between + Thire and man.” + </p> + <p> + “But what is Thire himself?” + </p> + <p> + “Thire is the afterworld.” + </p> + <p> + “I still don’t understand,” said Maskull. “Do you + believe in three separate gods, or are these merely three ways of + regarding one God?” + </p> + <p> + “There are three gods, for they are mutually antagonistic. Yet they + are somehow united.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull reflected a while. “How have you arrived at these + conclusions?” + </p> + <p> + “None other are possible in Threal, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “Why in Threal—what is there peculiar here?” + </p> + <p> + “I will show you presently.” + </p> + <p> + They walked on for above a mile in silence, while Maskull digested what + had been said. When they came to the first trees, which grew along the + banks of a small stream of transparent water, Corpang halted. + </p> + <p> + “That bandage around your forehead has long been unnecessary,” + he remarked. + </p> + <p> + Maskull removed it. He found that the line of his brow was smooth and + uninterrupted, as it had never yet been since his arrival in Tormance. + </p> + <p> + “How has this come about—and how did you know it?” + </p> + <p> + “They were Faceny’s organs. They have vanished, just as the + phaen’s body vanished.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull kept rubbing his forehead. “I feel more human without them. + But why isn’t the rest of my body affected?” + </p> + <p> + “Because its living will contains the element of Thire.” + </p> + <p> + “Why are we stopping here?” + </p> + <p> + Corpang broke off the tip of one of the aerial roots of a tree, and + proffered it to him. “Eat this, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “For food, or something else?” + </p> + <p> + “Food for body and soul.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull bit into the root. It was white and hard; its white sap was + bleeding. It had no taste, but after eating it, he experienced a change of + perception. The landscape, without alteration of light or outline, became + several degrees more stern and sacred. When he looked at Corpang he was + impressed by his aspect of Gothic awfulness, but the perplexed expression + was still in his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Do you spend all your time here, Corpang?” + </p> + <p> + “Occasionally I go above, but not often.” + </p> + <p> + “What fastens you to this gloomy world?” + </p> + <p> + “The search for Thire.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it’s still a search?” + </p> + <p> + “Let us walk on.” + </p> + <p> + As they resumed their journey across the dim, gradually rising plain, the + conversation became even more earnest in character than before. “Although + I was not born here,” proceeded Corpang, “I’ve lived + here for twenty-five years, and during all that time I have been drawing + nearer to Thire, as I hope. But there is this peculiarity about it—the + first stages are richer in fruit and more promising than the later ones. + The longer a man seeks Thire, the more he seems to absent himself. In the + beginning he is felt and known, sometimes as a shape, sometimes as a + voice, sometimes an overpowering emotion. Later on all is dry, dark, and + harsh in the soul. Then you would think that Thire was a million miles + off.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you explain that?” + </p> + <p> + “When everything is darkest, he may be nearest, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “But this is troubling you?” + </p> + <p> + “My days are spent in torture.” + </p> + <p> + “You still persist, though? This day darkness can’t be the + ultimate state?” + </p> + <p> + “My questions will be answered.” + </p> + <p> + A silence ensued. + </p> + <p> + “What do you propose to show me?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “The land is about to grow wilder. I am taking you to the Three + Figures, which were carved and erected by an earlier race of men. There, + we will pray.” + </p> + <p> + “And what then?” + </p> + <p> + “If you are truehearted, you will see things you will not easily + forget.” + </p> + <p> + They had been walking slightly uphill in a sort of trough between two + parallel, gently sloping downs. The trough now deepened, while the hills + on either side grew steeper. They were in an ascending valley and, as it + curved this way and that, the landscape was shut off from view. They came + to a little spring, bubbling up from the ground. It formed a trickling + brook, which was unlike all other brooks in that it was flowing <i>up</i> + the valley instead of <i>down</i>. Before long it was joined by other + miniature rivulets, so that in the end it became a fair-sized stream. + Maskull kept looking at it, and puckering his forehead. + </p> + <p> + “Nature has other laws here, it seems?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing can exist here that is not a compound of the three worlds.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet the water is flowing somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “I can’t explain it, but there are three wills in it.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there no such thing as pure Thire-matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Thire cannot exist without Amfuse, and Amfuse cannot exist without + Faceny.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull thought this over for some minutes. “That must be so,” + he said at last. “Without life there can be no love, and without + love there can be no religious feeling.” + </p> + <p> + In the half light of the land, the tops of the hills containing the valley + presently attained such a height that they could not be seen. The sides + were steep and craggy, while the bed of the valley grew narrower at every + step. Not a living organism was visible. All was unnatural and sepulchral. + </p> + <p> + Maskull said, “I feel as if I were dead, and walking in another + world.” + </p> + <p> + “I still do not know what you are doing here,” answered + Corpang. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I go on making a mystery of it? I came to find Surtur.” + </p> + <p> + “That name I’ve heard—but under what circumstances?” + </p> + <p> + “You forget?” + </p> + <p> + Corpang walked along, his eyes fixed on the ground, obviously troubled. + “Who <i>is</i> Surtur?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull shook his head, and said nothing. + </p> + <p> + The valley shortly afterward narrowed, so that the two men, touching + fingertips in the middle, could have placed their free hands on the rock + walls on either side. It threatened to terminate in a cul-de-sac, but just + when the road seemed least promising, and they were shut in by cliffs on + all sides, a hitherto unperceived bend brought them suddenly into the + open. They emerged through a mere crack in the line of precipices. + </p> + <p> + A sort of huge natural corridor was running along at right angles to the + way they had come; both ends faded into obscurity after a few hundred + yards. Right down the centre of this corridor ran a chasm with + perpendicular sides; its width varied from thirty to a hundred feet, but + its bottom could not be seen. On both sides of the chasm, facing one + another, were platforms of rock, twenty feet or so in width; they too + proceeded in both directions out of sight. Maskull and Corpang emerged + onto one of these platforms. The shelf opposite was a few feet higher than + that on which they stood. The platforms were backed by a double line of + lofty and unclimbable cliffs, whose tops were invisible. + </p> + <p> + The stream, which had accompanied them through the gap, went straight + forward, but, instead of descending the wall of the chasm as a waterfall, + it crossed from side to side like a liquid bridge. It then disappeared + through a cleft in the cliffs on the opposite side. + </p> + <p> + To Maskull’s mind, however, even more wonderful than this unnatural + phenomenon was the absence of shadows, which was more noticeable here than + on the open plain. It made the place look like a hall of phantoms. + </p> + <p> + Corpang, without delay, led the way along the shelf to the left. When they + had walked about a mile, the gulf widened to two hundred feet. Three large + rocks loomed up on the ledge opposite; they resembled three upright + giants, standing motionless side by side on the extreme edge of the chasm. + Corpang and Maskull drew nearer, and then Maskull saw that they were + statues. Each was about thirty feet high, and the workmanship was of the + rudest. They represented naked men, but the limbs and trunks had been + barely chipped into shape—the faces alone had had care bestowed on + them, and even these faces were merely generalised. It was obviously the + work of primitive artists. The statues stood erect with knees closed and + arms hanging straight down their sides. All three were exactly alike. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they were directly opposite, Corpang halted. + </p> + <p> + “Is this a representation of your three Beings?” asked + Maskull, awed by the spectacle in spite of his constitutional audacity. + </p> + <p> + “Ask no questions, but kneel,” replied Corpang. He dropped + onto his own knees, but Maskull remained standing. + </p> + <p> + Corpang covered his eyes with one hand, and prayed silently. After a few + minutes the light sensibly faded. Then Maskull knelt as well, but he + continued looking. + </p> + <p> + It grew darker and darker, until all was like the blackest night. Sight + and sound no longer existed; he was alone with his own spirit. + </p> + <p> + Then one of the three Colossi came slowly into sight again. But it had + ceased to be a statue—it was a living person. Out of the blackness + of space a gigantic head and chest emerged, illuminated by a mystic, rosy + glow, like a mountain peak bathed by the rising sun. As the light grew + stronger Maskull saw that the flesh was translucent and that the glow came + from within. The limbs of the apparition were wreathed in mist. + </p> + <p> + Before long the features of the face stood out distinctly. It was that of + a beardless youth of twenty years. It possessed the beauty of a girl and + the daring force of a man; it bore a mocking, cryptic smile. Maskull felt + the fresh, mysterious thrill of mingled pain and rapture of one who awakes + from a deep sleep in midwinter and sees the gleaming, dark, delicate + colours of the half-dawn. The vision smiled, kept still, and looked beyond + him. He began to shudder, with delight—and many emotions. As he + gazed, his poetic sensibility acquired such a nervous and indefinable + character that he could endure it no more; he burst into tears. + </p> + <p> + When he looked up again the image had nearly disappeared, and in a few + moments more he was plunged back into total darkness. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterward a second statue reappeared. It too was transfigured into + a living form, but Maskull was unable to see the details of its face and + body, because of the brightness of the light that radiated from them. This + light, which started as pale gold, ended as flaming golden fire. It + illumined the whole underground landscape. The rock ledges, the cliffs, + himself and Corpang on their knees, the two unlighted statues—all + appeared as if in sunlight, and the shadows were black and strongly + defined. The light carried heat with it, but a singular heat. Maskull was + unaware of any rise in temperature, but he felt his heart melting to + womanish softness. His male arrogance and egotism faded imperceptibly + away; his personality seemed to disappear. What was left behind was not + freedom of spirit or lightheartedness, but a passionate and nearly savage + mental state of pity and distress. He felt a tormenting desire to <i>serve</i>. + All this came from the heat of the statue, and was without an object. He + glanced anxiously around him, and fastened his eyes on Corpang. He put a + hand on his shoulder and aroused him from his praying. + </p> + <p> + “You must know what I am feeling, Corpang.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang smiled sweetly, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + “I care nothing for my own affairs any more. How can I help you?” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better for you, Maskull, if you respond so quickly to + the invisible worlds.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had spoken, the figure began to vanish, and the light to die + away from the landscape. Maskull’s emotion slowly subsided, but it + was not until he was once more in complete darkness that he became master + of himself again. Then he felt ashamed of his boyish exhibition of + enthusiasm, and thought ruefully that there must be something wanting in + his character. He got up onto his feet. + </p> + <p> + The very moment that he arose, a man’s voice sounded, not a yard + from his ear. It was hardly raised above a whisper, but he could + distinguish that it was not Corpang’s. As he listened he was unable + to prevent himself from physically trembling. + </p> + <p> + “Maskull, you are to die,” said the unseen speaker. + </p> + <p> + “Who is speaking?” + </p> + <p> + “You have only a few hours of life left. Don’t trifle the time + away.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull could bring nothing out. + </p> + <p> + “You have despised life,” went on the low-toned voice. “Do + you really imagine that this mighty world has no meaning, and that life is + a joke?” + </p> + <p> + “What must I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Repent your murders, commit no fresh ones, pay honour to...” + </p> + <p> + The voice died away. Maskull waited in silence for it to speak again. All + remained still, however, and the speaker appeared to have taken his + departure. Supernatural horror seized him; he fell into a sort of + catalepsy. + </p> + <p> + At that moment he saw one of the statues <i>fading away</i>, from a pale, + white glow to darkness. He had not previously seen it shining. + </p> + <p> + In a few more minutes the normal light of the land returned. Corpang got + up, and shook him out of his trance. + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked around, but saw no third person. “Whose statue was + the last?” he demanded. + </p> +<p> +“Thire’s.” +</p> + <p> + “Did you hear me speaking?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard your voice, but no one else’s.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve just had my death foretold, so I suppose I have not long + to live. Leehallfae prophesied the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang shook his head. “What value do you set on life?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + “Very little. But it’s a fearful thing all the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Your death is?” + </p> + <p> + “No, but this warning.” + </p> + <p> + They stopped talking. A profound silence reigned. Neither of the two men + seemed to know what to do next, or where to go. Then both of them heard + the sound of drumming. It was slow, emphatic, and impressive, a long way + off and not loud, but against the background of quietness, very marked. It + appeared to come from some point out of sight, to the left of where they + were standing, but on the same rock shelf. Maskull’s heart beat + quickly. + </p> + <p> + “What can that sound be?” asked Corpang, peering into the + obscurity. + </p> + <p> + “It is Surtur.” + </p> + <p> + “Once again, who <i>is</i> Surtur?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull clutched his arm and pressed him to silence. A strange radiance + was in the air, in the direction of the drumming. It increased in + intensity and gradually occupied the whole scene. Things were no longer + seen by Their’s light, but by this new light. It cast no shadows. + </p> + <p> + Corpang’s nostrils swelled, and he held himself more proudly. + “What fire is that?” + </p> + <p> + “It is Muspel-light.” + </p> + <p> + They both glanced instinctively at the three statues. In the strange glow + they had undergone a change. The face of each figure was clothed in the + sordid and horrible Crystalman mask. + </p> + <p> + Corpang cried out and put his hand over his eyes. “What can this + mean?” he asked a minute later. + </p> + <p> + “It must mean that life is wrong, and the creator of life too, + whether he is one person or three.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang looked again, like a man trying to accustom himself to a shocking + sight. “Dare we believe this?” + </p> + <p> + “You must,” replied Maskull. “You have always served the + highest, and you must continue to do so. It has simply turned out that + Thire is not the highest.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang’s face became swollen with a kind of coarse anger. “Life + is clearly false—I have been seeking Thire for a lifetime, and now I + find—this.” + </p> + <p> + “You have nothing to reproach yourself with. Crystalman has had + eternity to practice his cunning in, so it’s no wonder if a man can’t + see straight, even with the best intentions. What have you decided to do?” + </p> + <p> + “The drumming seems to be moving away. Will you follow it, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “But where will it take us?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps out of Threal altogether.” + </p> + <p> + “It sounds to me more real than reality,” said Corpang. + “Tell me, who is Surtur?” + </p> + <p> + “Surtur’s world, or Muspel, we are told, is the original of + which this world is a distorted copy. Crystalman is life, but Surtur is + other than life.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know this?” + </p> + <p> + “It has sprung together somehow—from inspiration, from + experience, from conversation with the wise men of your planet. Every hour + it grows truer for me and takes a more definite shape.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang stood up squarely, facing the three Figures with a harsh, + energetic countenance, stamped all over with resolution. “I believe + you, Maskull. No better proof is required than <i>that</i>. Thire is not + the highest; he is even in a certain sense the <i>lowest</i>. Nothing but + the thoroughly false and base could stoop to such deceits.... I am coming + with you—but don’t play the traitor. These signs may be for + you, and not for me at all, and if you leave me—” + </p> + <p> + “I make no promises. I don’t ask you to come with me. If you + prefer to stay in your little world, or if you have any doubts about it, + you had better not come.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk like that. I shall never forget your service to + me... Let us make haste, or we shall lose the sound.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang started off more eagerly than Maskull. They walked fast in the + direction of the drumming. For upward of two miles the path went along the + ledge without any change of level. The mysterious radiance gradually + departed, and was replaced by the normal light of Threal. The rhythmical + beats continued, but a very long way ahead—neither was able to + diminish the distance. + </p> + <p> + “What kind of man are you?” Corpang suddenly broke out. + </p> + <p> + “In what respect?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you come to be on such terms with the Invisible? How is it + that I’ve never had this experience before I met you, in spite of my + never-ending prayers and mortifications? In what way are you superior to + me?” + </p> + <p> + “To hear voices perhaps can’t be made a profession,” + replied Maskull. “I have a simple and unoccupied mind—that may + be why I sometimes hear things that up to the present you have not been + able to.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang darkened, and kept silent; and then Maskull saw through to his + pride. + </p> + <p> + The ledge presently began to rise. They were high above the platform on + the opposite side of the gulf. The road then curved sharply to the right, + and they passed over the abyss and the other ledge as by a bridge, coming + out upon the top of the opposite cliffs. A new line of precipices + immediately confronted them. They followed the drumming along the base of + these heights, but as they were passing the mouth of a large cave the + sound came from its recesses, and they turned their steps inward. + </p> + <p> + “This leads to the outer world,” remarked Corpang. “I’ve + occasionally been there by this passage.” + </p> + <p> + “Then that’s where it is taking us, no doubt. I confess I shan’t + be sorry to see sunlight once more.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you find time to think of sunlight?” asked Corpang with a + rough smile. + </p> + <p> + “I love the sun, and perhaps I’m rather lacking in the spirit + of a zealot.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, for all that, you may get <i>there</i> before me.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t be bitter,” said Maskull. “I’ll tell + you another thing. Muspel can’t be willed, for the simple reason + that Muspel does not concern the will. To will is a property of this + world.” + </p> + <p> + “Then what is your journey for?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s one thing to walk to a destination, and to linger over + the walk, and quite another to run there at top speed.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I’m not so easily deceived as you think,” said + Corpang with another smile. + </p> + <p> + The light persisted in the cave. The path narrowed and became a steep + ascent. Then the angle became one of forty-five degrees, and they had to + climb. The tunnel grew so confined that Maskull was reminded of the + confined dreams of his childhood. + </p> + <p> + Not long afterward, daylight appeared. They hastened to complete the last + stage. Maskull rushed out first into the world of colours and, all dirty + and bleeding from numerous scratches, stood blinking on a hillside, bathed + in the brilliant late-afternoon sunshine. Corpang followed closely at his + heels. He was obliged to shield his eyes with his hands for a few minutes, + so unaccustomed was he to Branchspell’s blinding rays. + </p> + <p> + “The drum beats have stopped!” he exclaimed suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “You can’t expect music all the time,” answered Maskull + dryly. “We mustn’t be luxurious.” + </p> + <p> + “But now we have no guide. We’re no better off than before.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Tormance is a big place. But I have an infallible rule, + Corpang. As I come from the south, I always go due north.” + </p> + <p> + “That will take us to Lichstorm.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull gazed at the fantastically piled rocks all around them. “I + saw these rocks from Matterplay. The mountains look as far off now as they + did then, and there’s not much of the day left. How far is Lichstorm + from here?” + </p> + <p> + Corpang looked away to the distant range. “I don’t know, but + unless a miracle happens we shan’t get there tonight.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a feeling,” said Maskull, “that we shall not + only get there tonight, but that tonight will be the most important in my + life.” + </p> + <p> + And he sat down passively to rest. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 18. HAUNTE + </h2> + <p> + While Maskull sat, Corpang walked restlessly to and fro, swinging his + arms. He had lost his staff. His face was inflamed with suppressed + impatience, which accentuated its natural coarseness. At last he stopped + short in front of Maskull and looked down at him. “What do you + intend to do?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull glanced up and idly waved his hand toward the distant mountains. + “Since we can’t walk, we must wait.” + </p> + <p> + “For what?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know... How’s this, though? Those peaks have + changed colour, from red to green.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the lich wind is travelling this way.” + </p> + <p> + “The lich wind?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s the atmosphere of Lichstorm. It always clings to the + mountains, but when the wind blows from the north it comes as far as + Threal.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a sort of fog, then?” + </p> + <p> + “A peculiar sort, for they say it excites the sexual passions.” + </p> + <p> + “So we are to have lovemaking,” said Maskull, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you won’t find it so joyous,” replied Corpang a + little grimly. + </p> + <p> + “But tell me—these peaks, how do they preserve their balance?” + </p> + <p> + Corpang gazed at the distant, overhanging summits, which were fast fading + into obscurity. + </p> + <p> + “Passion keeps them from falling.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull laughed again; he was feeling a strange disturbance of spirit. + “What, the love of rock for rock?” + </p> + <p> + “It is comical, but true.” + </p> + <p> + “We’ll take a closer peep at them presently. Beyond the + mountains is Barey, is it not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And then the Ocean. But what is the name of that Ocean?” + </p> + <p> + “That is told only to those who die beside it.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the secret so precious, Corpang?” + </p> + <p> + Branchspell was nearing the horizon in the west; there were more than two + hours of daylight remaining. The air all around them became murky. It was + a thin mist, neither damp nor cold. The Lichstorm Range now appeared only + as a blur on the sky. The air was electric and tingling, and was exciting + in its effect. Maskull felt a sort of emotional inflammation, as though a + very slight external cause would serve to overturn his self-control. + Corpang stood silent with a mouth like iron. + </p> + <p> + Maskull kept looking toward a high pile of rocks in the vicinity. + </p> + <p> + “That seems to me a good watchtower. Perhaps we shall see something + from the top.” + </p> + <p> + Without waiting for his companion’s opinion, he began to scramble up + the tor, and in a few minutes was standing on the summit. Corpang joined + him. + </p> + <p> + From their viewpoint they saw the whole countryside sloping down to the + sea, which appeared as a mere flash of far-off, glittering water. Leaving + all that, however, Maskull’s eyes immediately fastened themselves on + a small, boat-shaped object, about two miles away, which was travelling + rapidly toward them, suspended only a few feet in the air. + </p> + <p> + “What do you make of that?” he asked in a tone of + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + Corpang shook his head and said nothing. + </p> + <p> + Within two minutes the flying object, whatever it was, had diminished the + distance between them by one half. It resembled a boat more and more, but + its flight was erratic, rather than smooth; its nose was continually + jerking upward and downward, and from side to side. Maskull now made out a + man sitting in the stern, and what looked like a large dead animal lying + amidships. As the aerial craft drew nearer, he observed a thick, blue haze + underneath it, and a similar haze behind, but the front, facing them, was + clear. + </p> + <p> + “Here must be what we are waiting for, Corpang. But what on earth + carries it?” + </p> + <p> + He stroked his beard contemplatively, and then, fearing that they had not + been seen, stepped onto the highest rock, bellowed loudly, and made wild + motions with his arm. The flying-boat, which was only a few hundred yards + distant, slightly altered its course, now heading toward them in a way + that left no doubt that the steersman had detected their presence. + </p> + <p> + The boat slackened speed until it was travelling no faster than a walking + man, but the irregularity of its movements continued. It was shaped rather + queerly. About twenty feet long, its straight sides tapered off from a + flat bow, four feet broad, to a sharp-angled stern. The flat bottom was + not above ten feet from the ground. It was undecked, and carried only one + living occupant; the other object they had distinguished was really the + carcass of an animal, of about the size of a large sheep. The blue haze + trailing behind the boat appeared to emanate from the glittering point of + a short upright pole fastened in the stern. When the craft was within a + few feet of them, and they were looking down at it in wonder from above, + the man removed this pole and covered the brightly shining tip with a cap. + The forward motion then ceased altogether, and the boat began to drift + hither and thither, but still it remained suspended in the air, while the + haze underneath persisted. Finally the broad side came gently up against + the pile of rocks on which they were standing. The steersman jumped ashore + and immediately clambered up to meet them. + </p> + <p> + Maskull offered him a hand, but he refused it disdainfully. He was a young + man, of middle height. He wore a close-fitting fur garment. His limbs were + quite ordinary, but his trunk was disproportionately long, and he had the + biggest and deepest chest that Maskull had ever seen in a man. His + hairless face was sharp, pointed, and ugly, with protruding teeth, and a + spiteful, grinning expression. His eyes and brows sloped upward. On his + forehead was an organ which looked as though it had been mutilated—it + was a mere disagreeable stump of flesh. His hair was short and thin. + Maskull could not name the colour of his skin, but it seemed to stand in + the same relation to jale as green to red. + </p> + <p> + Once up, the stranger stood for a minute or two, scrutinising the two + companions through half-closed lids, all the time smiling insolently. + Maskull was all eagerness to exchange words, but did not care to be the + first to speak. Corpang stood moodily, a little in the background. + </p> + <p> + “What men are you?” demanded the aerial navigator at last. His + voice was extremely loud, and possessed a most unpleasant timbre. It + sounded to Maskull like a large volume of air trying to force its way + through a narrow orifice. + </p> + <p> + “I am Maskull; my friend is Corpang. He comes from Threal, but where + I come from, don’t ask.” + </p> + <p> + “I am Haunte, from Sarclash.” + </p> + <p> + “Where may that be?” + </p> + <p> + “Half an hour ago I could have shown it to you, but now it has got + too murky. It is a mountain in Lichstorm.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you returning there now?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “And how long will it take to get there in that boat?” + </p> + <p> + “Two—three hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Will it accommodate us too?” + </p> + <p> + “What, are you for Lichstorm as well? What can you want there?” + </p> + <p> + “To see the sights,” responded Maskull with twinkling eyes. + “But first of all, to dine. I can’t remember having eaten all + day. You seem to have been hunting to some purpose, so we won’t lack + for food.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte eyed him quizzically. “You certainly don’t lack + impudence. However, I’m a man of that sort myself, and it is the + sort I prefer. Your friend, now, would probably rather starve than ask a + meal of a stranger. He looks to me just like a bewildered toad dragged up + out of a dark hole.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull took Corpang’s arm, and constrained him to silence. + </p> + <p> + “Where have you been hunting, Haunte?” + </p> + <p> + “Matterplay. I had the worst luck—I speared one wold horse, + and there it lies.” + </p> + <p> + “What is Lichstorm like?” + </p> + <p> + “There are men there, and there are women there, but there are no + men-women, as with you.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you call men-women?” + </p> + <p> + “Persons of mixed sex, like yourself. In Lichstorm the sexes are + pure.” + </p> + <p> + “I have always regarded myself as a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely you have; but the test is, do you hate and fear women?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, do you?” + </p> + <p> + Haunte grinned and showed his teeth. “Things are different in + Lichstorm.... So you want to see the sights?” + </p> + <p> + “I confess I am curious to see your women, for example, after what + you say.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I’ll introduce you to Sullenbode.” + </p> + <p> + He paused a moment after making this remark, and then suddenly uttered a + great, bass laugh, so that his chest shook. + </p> + <p> + “Let us share the joke,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you’ll understand it later.” + </p> + <p> + “If you play pranks with me, I won’t stand on ceremony with + you.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte laughed again. “I won’t be the one to play pranks. + Sullenbode will be deeply obliged to me. If I don’t visit her myself + as often as she would like, I’m always glad to serve her in other + ways.... Well, you shall have your boat ride.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull rubbed his nose doubtfully. “If the sexes hate one another + in your land, is it because passion is weaker, or stronger?” + </p> + <p> + “In other parts of the world there is soft passion, but in Lichstorm + there is hard passion.” + </p> + <p> + “But what do you call hard passion?” + </p> + <p> + “Where men are called to women by pain, and not pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “I intend to understand, before I’ve finished.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Haunte, with a taunting look, “it would + be a pity to let the chance slip, since you’re going to Lichstorm.” + </p> + <p> + It was now Corpang’s turn to take Maskull by the arm. “This + journey will end badly.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so?” + </p> + <p> + “Your goal was Muspel a short while ago; now it is women.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me alone,” said Maskull. “Give luck a slack rein. + What brought this boat here?” + </p> + <p> + “What is this talk about Muspel?” demanded Haunte. + </p> + <p> + Corpang caught his shoulder roughly, and stared straight into his eyes. + “What do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “Not much, but something, perhaps. Ask me at supper. Now it is high + time to start. Navigating the mountains by night isn’t child’s + play, let me tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not forget,” said Corpang. + </p> + <p> + Maskull gazed down at the boat. “Are we to get in?” + </p> + <p> + “Gently, my friend. It’s only canework and skin.” + </p> + <p> + “First of all, you might enlighten me as to how you have contrived + to dispense with the laws of gravitation.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte smiled sarcastically. “A secret in your ear, Maskull. All + laws are female. A true male is an outlaw—outside the law.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t understand.” + </p> + <p> + “The great body of the earth is continually giving out female + particles, and the male parts of rocks and living bodies are equally + continually trying to reach them. That’s gravitation.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how do you manage with your boat?” + </p> + <p> + “My two male stones do the work. The one underneath the boat + prevents it from falling to the ground; the one in the stern shuts it off + from solid objects in the rear. The only part of the boat attracted by any + part of the earth is the bow, for that’s the only part the light of + the male stones does not fall on. So in that direction the boat travels.” + </p> + <p> + “And what are these wondrous male stones?” + </p> + <p> + “They really are male stones. There is nothing female in them; they + are showering out male sparks all the time. These sparks devour all the + female particles rising from the earth. No female particles are left over + to attract the male parts of the boat, and so they are not in the least + attracted in that direction.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull ruminated for a minute. + </p> + <p> + “With your hunting, and boatbuilding, and science, you seem a very + handy, skilful fellow, Haunte.... But the sun’s sinking, and we’d + better start.” + </p> + <p> + “Get down first, then, and shift that carcass farther forward. Then + you and your gloomy friend can sit amidships.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull immediately climbed down, and dropped himself into the boat; but + then he received a surprise. The moment he stood on the frail bottom, + still clinging to the rock, not only did his weight entirely disappear, as + though he were floating in some heavy medium, like salt water, but the + rock he held onto drew him, as by a mild current of electricity, and he + was able to withdraw his hands only with difficulty. + </p> + <p> + After the first moment’s shock, he quietly accepted the new order of + things, and set about shifting the carcass. Since there was no weight in + the boat this was effected without any great labour. Corpang then + descended. The astonishing physical change had no power to disturb his + settled composure, which was founded on moral ideas. Haunte came last; + grasping the staff which held the upper male stone, he proceeded to erect + it, after removing the cap. Maskull then obtained his first near view of + the mysterious light, which, by counteracting the forces of Nature, acted + indirectly not only as elevator but as motive force. In the last ruddy + gleams of the great sun, its rays were obscured, and it looked little more + impressive than an extremely brilliant, scintillating blue-white jewel, + but its power could be gauged by the visible, coloured mist that it threw + out for many yards around. + </p> + <p> + The steering was effected by means of a shutter attached by a cord to the + top of the staff, which could be so manipulated that any segment of the + male stone’s rays, or all the rays, or none at all, could be shut + off at will. No sooner was the staff raised than the aerial vessel quietly + detached itself from the rock to which it had been drawn, and passed + slowly forward in the direction of the mountains. Branchspell sank below + the horizon. The gathering mist blotted out everything outside a radius of + a few miles. The air grew cool and fresh. + </p> + <p> + Soon the rock masses ceased on the great, rising plain. Haunte withdrew + the shutter entirely, and the boat gathered full speed. + </p> + <p> + “You say that navigation among the mountains is difficult at night,” + exclaimed Maskull. “I would have thought it impossible.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte grunted. “You will have to take risks, and think yourself + fortunate if you come off with nothing worse than a cracked skull. But one + thing I can tell you—if you go on disturbing me with your chitchat + we shan’t get as far as the mountains.” + </p> + <p> + Thereafter Maskull was silent. + </p> + <p> + The twilight deepened; the murk grew denser. There was little to look at, + but much to feel. The motion of the boat, which was due to the + never-ending struggle between the male stones and the force of + gravitation, resembled in an exaggerated fashion the violent tossing of a + small craft on a choppy sea. The two passengers became unhappy. Haunte, + from his seat in the stern, gazed at them sardonically with one eye. The + darkness now came on rapidly. + </p> + <p> + About ninety minutes after the commencement of the voyage they arrived at + the foothills of Lichstorm. They began to mount. There was no daylight + left to see by. Beneath them, however, on both sides of them and in the + rear, the landscape was lighted up for a considerable distance by the now + vivid blue rays of the twin male stones. Ahead, where these rays did not + shine, Haunte was guided by the self-luminous nature of the rocks, grass, + and trees. These were faintly phosphorescent; the vegetation shone out + more strongly than the soil. + </p> + <p> + The moon was not shining and there were no stars; Maskull therefore + inferred that the upper atmosphere was dense with mist. Once or twice, + from his sensations of choking, he thought that they were entering a + fogbank, but it was a strange kind of fog, for it had the effect of + doubling the intensity of every light in front of them. Whenever this + happened, nightmare feelings attacked him; he experienced transitory, + unreasoning fright and horror. + </p> + <p> + Now they passed high above the valley that separated the foothills from + the mountains themselves. The boat began an ascent of many thousands of + feet and, as the cliffs were near, Haunte had to manoeuvre carefully with + the rear light in order to keep clear of them. Maskull watched the + delicacy of his movements, not without admiration. A long time went by. It + grew much colder; the air was damp and drafty. The fog began to deposit + something like snow on their persons. Maskull kept sweating with terror, + not because of the danger they were in, but because of the cloud banks + that continued to envelop them. + </p> + <p> + They cleared the first line of precipices. Still mounting, but this time + with a forward motion, as could be seen by the vapours illuminated by the + male stones through which they passed, they were soon altogether out of + sight of solid ground. Suddenly and quite unexpectedly the moon broke + through. In the upper atmosphere thick masses of fog were seen crawling + hither and thither, broken in many places by thin rifts of sky, through + one of which Teargeld was shining. Below them, to their left, a gigantic + peak, glittering with green ice, showed itself for a few seconds, and was + then swallowed up again. All the rest of the world was hidden by the mist. + The moon went in again. Maskull had seen quite enough to make him long for + the aerial voyage to end. + </p> + <p> + The light from the male stones presently illuminated the face of a new + cliff. It was grand, rugged, and perpendicular. Upward, downward, and on + both sides, it faded imperceptibly into the night. After coasting it a + little way, they observed a shelf of rock jutting out. It was square, + measuring about a dozen feet each way. Green snow covered it to a depth of + some inches. Immediately behind it was a dark slit in the rock, which + promised to be the mouth of a cave. + </p> + <p> + Haunte skilfully landed the boat on this platform. Standing up, he raised + the staff bearing the keel light and lowered the other; then removed both + male stones, which he continued to hold in his hand. His face was thrown + into strong relief by the vivid, sparkling blue-white rays. It looked + rather surly. + </p> + <p> + “Do we get out?” inquired Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. I live here.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks for the successful end of a dangerous journey.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it has been touch-and-go.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang jumped onto the platform. He was smiling coarsely. “There + has been no danger, for our destinies lie elsewhere. You are merely a + ferryman, Haunte.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so?” returned Haunte, with a most unpleasant laugh. + “I thought I was carrying men, not gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are we?” asked Maskull. As he spoke, he got out, but + Haunte remained standing a minute in the boat. + </p> + <p> + “This is Sarclash—the second highest mountain in the land.” + </p> + <p> + “Which is the highest, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Adage. Between Sarclash and Adage there is a long ridge—very + difficult in places. About halfway along the ridge, at the lowest point, + lies the top of the Mornstab Pass, which goes through to Barey. Now you + know the lay of the land.” + </p> + <p> + “Does the woman Sullenbode live near here?” + </p> + <p> + “Near enough.” Haunte grinned. + </p> + <p> + He leaped out of the boat and, pushing past the others without ceremony, + walked straight into the cave. + </p> + <p> + Maskull followed, with Corpang at his heels. A few stone steps led to a + doorway, curtained by the skin of some large beast. Their host pushed his + way in, never offering to hold the skin aside for them. Maskull made no + comment, but grabbed it with his fist and tugged it away from its + fastenings to the ground. Haunte looked at the skin, and then stared hard + at Maskull with his disagreeable smile, but neither said anything. + </p> + <p> + The place in which they found themselves was a large oblong cavern, with + walls, floor, and ceiling of natural rock. There were two doorways: that + by which they had entered, and another of smaller size directly opposite. + The cave was cold and cheerless; a damp draft passed from door to door. + Many skins of wild animals lay scattered on the ground. A number of lumps + of sun-dried flesh were hanging on a string along the wall, and a few + bulging liquor skins reposed in a corner. There were tusks, horns, and + bones everywhere. Resting against the wall were two short hunting spears, + having beautiful crystal heads. + </p> + <p> + Haunte set down the two male stones on the ground, near the farther door; + thire light illuminated the whole cave. He then walked over to the meat + and, snatching a large piece, began to gnaw it ravenously. + </p> + <p> + “Are we invited to the feast?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + Haunte pointed to the hanging flesh and to the liquor skins, but did not + pause in his chewing. + </p> + <p> + “Where’s a cup?” inquired Maskull, lifting one of the + skins. + </p> + <p> + Haunte indicated a clay goblet lying on the floor. Maskull picked it up, + undid the neck of the skin, and, resting it under his arm, filled the cup. + Tasting the liquor, he discovered it to be raw spirit. He tossed off the + draught, and then felt much better. + </p> + <p> + The second cupful he proffered to Corpang. The latter took a single sip, + swallowed it, and then passed the cup back without a word. He refused to + drink again, as long as they were in the cave. Maskull finished the cup, + and began to throw off care. + </p> + <p> + Going to the meat line, he took down a large double handful, and sat down + on a pile of skins to eat at his ease. The flesh was tough and coarse, but + he had never tasted anything sweeter. He could not understand the flavour, + which was not surprising in a world of strange animals. The meal proceeded + in silence. Corpang ate sparingly, standing up, and afterward lay down on + a bundle of furs. His bold eyes watched all the movements of the other + two. Haunte had not drunk as yet. + </p> + <p> + At last Maskull concluded his meal. He emptied another cup, sighed + pleasantly, and prepared to talk. + </p> + <p> + “Now explain further about your women, Haunte.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte fetched another skin of liquor and a second cup. He tore off the + string with his teeth, and poured out and drank cup after cup in quick + succession. Then he sat down, crossed his legs, and turned to Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “So they are objectionable?” + </p> + <p> + “They are deadly.” + </p> + <p> + “Deadly? In what way can they possibly be deadly?” + </p> + <p> + “You will learn. I was watching you in the boat, Maskull. You had + some bad feelings, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t conceal it. There were times when I felt as if I were + struggling with a nightmare. What caused it?” + </p> + <p> + “The female atmosphere of Lichstorm. Sexual passion.” + </p> + <p> + “I had no passion.” + </p> + <p> + “That <i>was</i> passion—the first stage. Nature tickles your + people into marriage, but it tortures us. Wait till you get outside. You’ll + have a return of those sensations—only ten times worse. The drink + you’ve had will see to that.... How do you suppose it will all end?” + </p> + <p> + “If I knew, I wouldn’t be asking you questions.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte laughed loudly. “Sullenbode.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean it will end in my seeking Sullenbode?” + </p> + <p> + “But what will come of it, Maskull? What will she give you? Sweet, + fainting, white-armed, feminine voluptuousness?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull coolly drank another cup. “And why should she give all that + to a passerby?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, as a matter of fact, she hasn’t it to give. No, what + she will give you, and what you’ll accept from her, because you can’t + help it, is—anguish, insanity, possibly death.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be talking sense, but it sounds like raving to me. Why + should I accept insanity and death?” + </p> + <p> + “Because your passion will force you to.” + </p> + <p> + “What about yourself?” Maskull asked, biting his nails. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I have my male stones. I am immune.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all that prevents you from being like other men?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but don’t attempt any tricks, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull went on drinking steadily, and said nothing for a time. “So + men and women here are hostile to each other, and love is unknown?” + he proceeded at last. + </p> + <p> + “That magic word.... Shall I tell you what love is, Maskull? Love + between male and female is impossible. When Maskull loves a woman, it is + Maskull’s female ancestors who are loving her. But here in this land + the men are pure males. They have drawn nothing from the female side.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do the male stones come from?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, they are not freaks. There must be whole beds of the stuff + somewhere. It is all that prevents the world from being a pure female + world. It would be one big mass of heavy sweetness, without individual + shapes.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet this same sweetness is torturing to men?” + </p> + <p> + “The life of an absolute male is fierce. An excess of life is + dangerous to the body. How can it be anything else than torturing?” + </p> + <p> + Corpang now sat up suddenly, and addressed Haunte. “I remind you of + your promise to tell about Muspel.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte regarded him with a malevolent smile. “Ha! The underground + man has come to life.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, tell us,” put in Maskull carelessly. + </p> + <p> + Haunte drank, and laughed a little. “Well, the tale’s short, + and hardly worth telling, but since you’re interested.... A stranger + came here five years ago, inquiring after Muspel-light. His name was Lodd. + He came from the east. He came up to me one bright morning in summer, + outside this very cave. If you ask me to describe him—I can’t + imagine a second man like him. He looked so proud, noble, superior, that I + felt my own blood to be dirty by comparison. You can guess I don’t + have this feeling for everyone. Now that I am recalling him, he was not so + much superior as different. I was so impressed that I rose and talked to + him standing. He inquired the direction of the mountain Adage. He went on + to say, ‘They say Muspel-light is sometimes seen there. What do you + know of such a thing?’ I told him the truth—that I knew + nothing about it, and then he went on, ‘Well, I am going to Adage. + And tell those who come after me on the same errand that they had better + do the same thing.’ That was the whole conversation. He started on + his way, and I’ve never seen him or heard of him since.” + </p> + <p> + “So you didn’t have the curiosity to follow him?” + </p> + <p> + “No, because the moment he had turned his back all my interest in + the man somehow seemed to vanish.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably because he was useless to you.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang glanced at Maskull. “Our road is marked out for us.” + </p> + <p> + “So it would appear,” said Maskull indifferently. + </p> + <p> + The talk flagged for a time. Maskull felt the silence oppressive, and grew + restless. + </p> + <p> + “What do you call the colour of your skin, Haunte, as I saw it in + daylight? It struck me as strange.” + </p> + <p> + “Dolm,” said Haunte. + </p> + <p> + “A compound of ulfire and blue,” explained Corpang. + </p> + <p> + “Now I know. These colours are puzzling for a stranger.” + </p> + <p> + “What colours have you in your world?” asked Corpang. + </p> + <p> + “Only three primary ones, but here you seem to have five, though how + it comes about I can’t imagine.” + </p> + <p> + “There are two sets of three primary colours here,” said + Corpang, “but as one of the colours—blue—is identical in + both sets, altogether there are five primary colours.” + </p> + <p> + “Why two sets?” + </p> + <p> + “Produced by the two suns. Branchspell produces blue, yellow, and + red; Alppain, ulfire, blue, and jale.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s remarkable that explanation has never occurred to me + before.” + </p> + <p> + “So here you have another illustration of the necessary trinity of + nature. Blue is existence. It is darkness seen through light; a + contrasting of existence and nothingness. Yellow is relation. In yellow + light we see the relation of objects in the clearest way. Red is feeling. + When we see red, we are thrown back on our personal feelings.... As + regards the Alppain colours, blue stands in the middle and is therefore + not existence, but relation. Ulfire is existence; so it must be a + different sort of existence.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte yawned. “There are marvellous philosophers in your + underground hole.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull got up and looked about him. + </p> + <p> + “Where does that other door lead to?” + </p> + <p> + “Better explore,” said Haunte. + </p> + <p> + Maskull took him at his word, and strolled across the cave, flinging the + curtain aside and disappearing into the night. Haunte rose abruptly and + hurried after him. + </p> + <p> + Corpang too got to his feet. He went over to the untouched spirit skins, + untied the necks, and allowed the contents to gush out on to the floor. + Next he took the hunting spears, and snapped off the points between his + hands. Before he had time to resume his seat, Haunte and Maskull + reappeared. The host’s quick, shifty eyes at once took in what had + happened. He smiled, and turned pale. + </p> + <p> + “You haven’t been idle, friend.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang fixed Haunte with his bold, heavy gaze. “I thought it well + to draw your teeth.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull burst out laughing. “The toad’s come into the light to + some purpose, Haunte. Who would have expected it?” + </p> + <p> + Haunte, after staring hard at Corpang for two or three minutes, suddenly + uttered a strange cry, like an evil spirit, and flung himself upon him. + The two men began to wrestle like wildcats. They were as often on the + floor as on their legs, and Maskull could not see who was getting the + better of it. He made no attempt to separate them. A thought came into his + head and, snatching up the two male stones, he ran with them, laughing, + through the upper doorway, into the open night air. + </p> + <p> + The door overlooked an abyss on another face of the mountain. A narrow + ledge, sprinkled with green snow, wound along the cliff to the right; it + was the only available path. He pitched the pebbles over the edge of the + chasm. Although hard and heavy in his hand, they sank more like feathers + than stones, and left a long trail of vapour behind. While Maskull was + still watching them disappear, Haunte came rushing out of the cavern, + followed by Corpang. He gripped Maskull’s arm excitedly. + </p> + <p> + “What in Krag’s name have you done?” + </p> + <p> + “Overboard they have gone,” replied Maskull, renewing his + laughter. + </p> + <p> + “You accursed madman!” + </p> + <p> + Haunte’s luminous colour came and went, just as though his internal + light were breathing. Then he grew suddenly calm, by a supreme exertion of + his will. + </p> + <p> + “You know this kills me?” + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t you been doing your best this last hour to make me + ripe for Sullenbode? Well then, cheer up, and join the pleasure party!” + </p> + <p> + “You say it as a joke, but it is the miserable truth.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte’s jeering malevolence had completely vanished. He looked a + sick man—yet somehow his face had become nobler. + </p> + <p> + “I would be very sorry for you, Haunte, if it did not entail my + being also very sorry for myself. We are now all three together on the + same errand—which doesn’t appear to have struck you yet.” + </p> + <p> + “But why this errand at all?” asked Corpang quietly. “Can’t + you men exercise self-control till you have arrived out of danger?” + </p> + <p> + Haunte fixed him with wild eyes. “No. The phantoms come trooping in + on me already.” + </p> + <p> + He sat down moodily, but the next minute was up again. + </p> + <p> + “And I cannot wait.... the game is started.” + </p> + <p> + Soon afterward, by silent consent, they began to walk the ledge, Haunte in + front. It was narrow, ascending, and slippery, so that extreme caution was + demanded. The way was lighted by the self-luminous snow and rocks. + </p> + <p> + When they had covered about half a mile, Maskull, who went second of the + party, staggered, caught the cliff, and finally sat down. + </p> + <p> + “The drink works. My old sensations are returning, but worse.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte turned back. “Then you are a doomed man.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull, though fully conscious of his companions and situation, imagined + that he was being oppressed by a black, shapeless, supernatural being, who + was trying to clasp him. He was filled with horror, trembled violently, + yet could not move a limb. Sweat tumbled off his face in great drops. The + waking nightmare lasted a long time, but during that space it kept coming + and going. At one moment the vision seemed on the point of departing; the + next it almost took shape—which he knew would be his death. Suddenly + it vanished altogether—he was free. A fresh spring breeze fanned his + face; he heard the slow, solitary singing of a sweet bird; and it seemed + to him as if a poem had shot together in his soul. Such flashing, + heartbreaking joy he had never experienced before in all his life! Almost + immediately that too vanished. + </p> + <p> + Sitting up, he passed his hand across his eyes and swayed quietly, like + one who has been visited by an angel. + </p> + <p> + “Your colour changed to white,” said Corpang. “What + happened?” + </p> + <p> + “I passed through torture to love,” replied Maskull simply. + </p> + <p> + He stood up. Haunte gazed at him sombrely. “Will you not describe + that passage?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull answered slowly and thoughtfully. “When I was in Matterplay, + I saw heavy clouds discharge themselves and change to coloured, living + animals. In the same way, my black, chaotic pangs just now seemed to + consolidate themselves and spring together as a new sort of joy. The joy + would not have been possible without the preliminary nightmare. It is not + accidental; Nature intends it so. The truth has just flashed through my + brain.... You men of Lichstorm don’t go far enough. You stop at the + pangs, without realising that they are birth pangs.” + </p> + <p> + “If this is true, you are a great pioneer,” muttered Haunte. + </p> + <p> + “How does this sensation differ from common love?” + interrogated Corpang. + </p> + <p> + “This was all that love is, multiplied by wildness.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang fingered his chin awhile. “The Lichstorm men, however, will + never reach this stage, for they are too masculine.” + </p> + <p> + Haunte turned pale. “Why should we alone suffer?” + </p> + <p> + “Nature is freakish and cruel, and doesn’t act according to + justice.... Follow us, Haunte, and escape from it all.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll see,” muttered Haunte. “Perhaps I will.” + </p> + <p> + “Have we far to go, to Sullenbode?” inquired Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “No, her home’s under the hanging cap of Sarclash.” + </p> + <p> + “What is to happen tonight?” Maskull spoke to himself, but + Haunte answered him. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t expect anything pleasant, in spite of what has just + occurred. She is not a woman, but a mass of pure sex. Your passion will + draw her out into human shape, but only for a moment. If the change were + permanent, you would have endowed her with a soul.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the change might be made permanent.” + </p> + <p> + “To do that, it is not enough to desire her; she must desire you as + well. But why should she desire you?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing turns out as one expects,” said Maskull, shaking his + head. “We had better get on again.” + </p> + <p> + They resumed the journey. The ledge still rose, but, on turning a corner + of the cliff, Haunte quitted it and began to climb a steep gully, which + mounted directly to the upper heights. Here they were compelled to use + both hands and feet. Maskull thought all the while of nothing but the + overwhelming sweetness he had just experienced. + </p> + <p> + The flat ground on top was dry and springy. There was no more snow, and + bright plants appeared. Haunte turned sharply to the left. + </p> + <p> + “This must be under the cap,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “It is; and within five minutes you will see Sullenbode.” + </p> + <p> + When he spoke his words, Maskull’s lips surprised him by their + tender sensitiveness. Their action against each other sent thrills + throughout his body. + </p> + <p> + The grass shone dimly. A huge tree, with glowing branches, came into + sight. It bore a multitude of red fruit, like hanging lanterns, but no + leaves. Underneath this tree Sullenbode was sitting. Her beautiful light—a + mingling of jale and white—gleamed softly through the darkness. She + sat erect, on crossed legs, asleep. She was clothed in a singular skin + garment, which started as a cloak thrown over one shoulder, and ended as + loose breeches terminating above the knees. Her forearms were lightly + folded, and in one hand she held a half-eaten fruit. + </p> + <p> + Maskull stood over her and looked down, deeply interested. He thought he + had never seen anything half so feminine. Her flesh was almost melting in + its softness. So undeveloped were the facial organs that they looked + scarcely human; only the lips were full, pouting, and expressive. In their + richness, these lips seemed like a splash of vivid will on a background of + slumbering protoplasm. Her hair was undressed. Its colour could not be + distinguished. It was long and tangled, and had been tucked into her + garment behind, for convenience. + </p> + <p> + Corpang looked calm and sullen, but both the others were visibly agitated. + Maskull’s heart was hammering away under his chest. Haunte pulled + him, and said, “My head feels as if it were being torn from my + shoulders.” + </p> + <p> + “What can that mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Yet there’s a horrible joy in it,” added Haunte, with a + sickly smile. + </p> + <p> + He put his hand on the woman’s shoulder. She awoke softly, glanced + up at them, smiled, and then resumed eating her fruit. Maskull did not + imagine that she had intelligence enough to speak. Haunte suddenly dropped + on his knees, and kissed her lips. + </p> + <p> + She did not repulse him. During the continuance of the kiss, Maskull + noticed with a shock that her face was altering. The features emerged from + their indistinctness and became human, and almost powerful. The smile + faded, a scowl took its place. She thrust Haunte away, rose to her feet, + and stared beneath bent brows at the three men, each one in turn. Maskull + came last; his face she studied for quite a long time, but nothing + indicated what she thought. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Haunte again approached her, staggering and grinning. She + suffered him quietly; but the instant lips met lips the second time, he + fell backward with a startled cry, as though he had come in contact with + an electric wire. The back of his head struck the ground, and he lay there + motionless. + </p> + <p> + Corpang sprang forward to his assistance. But, when he saw what had + happened, he left him where he was. + </p> + <p> + “Maskull, come here quickly!” + </p> + <p> + The light was perceptibly fading from Haunte’s skin, as Maskull bent + over. The man was dead. His face was unrecognisable. The head had been + split from the top downward into two halves, streaming with + strange-coloured blood, as though it had received a terrible blow from an + axe. + </p> + <p> + “This couldn’t be from the fall,” said Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “No, Sullenbode did it.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull turned quickly to look at the woman. She had resumed her former + attitude on the ground. The momentary intelligence had vanished from her + face, and she was again smiling. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 19. SULLENBODE + </h2> + <p> + Sullenbode’s naked skin glowed softly through the darkness, but the + clothed part of her person was invisible. Maskull watched her senseless, + smiling face, and shivered. Strange feelings ran through his body. + </p> + <p> + Corpang spoke out of the night. “She looks like an evil spirit + filled with deadliness.” + </p> + <p> + “It was like deliberately kissing lightning.” + </p> + <p> + “Haunte was insane with passion.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I,” said Maskull quietly. “My body seems full of + rocks, all grinding against one another.” + </p> + <p> + “This is what I was afraid of.” + </p> + <p> + “It appears I shall have to kiss her too.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang pulled his arm. “Have you lost all manliness?” + </p> + <p> + But Maskull impatiently shook himself free. He plucked nervously at his + beard, and stared at Sullenbode. His lips kept twitching. After this had + gone on for a few minutes, he stepped forward, bent over the woman, and + lifted her bodily in his arms. Setting her upright against the rugged tree + trunk, he kissed her. + </p> + <p> + A cold, knifelike shock passed down his frame. He thought that it was + death, and lost consciousness. + </p> + <p> + When his sense returned, Sullenbode was holding him by the shoulder with + one hand at arm’s length, searching his face with gloomy eyes. At + first he failed to recognise her; it was not the woman he had kissed, but + another. Then he gradually realised that her face was identical with that + which Haunte’s action had called into existence. A great calmness + came upon him; his bad sensations had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + Sullenbode was transformed into a living soul. Her skin was firm, her + features were strong, her eyes gleamed with the consciousness of power. + She was tall and slight, but slow in all her gestures and movements. Her + face was not beautiful. It was long, and palely lighted, while the mouth + crossed the lower half like a gash of fire. The lips were as voluptuous as + before. Her brows were heavy. There was nothing vulgar in her—she + looked the <i>kingliest</i> of all women. She appeared not more than + twenty-five. + </p> + <p> + Growing tired, apparently, of his scrutiny, she pushed him a little way + and allowed her arm to drop, at the same time curving her mouth into a + long, bowlike smile. “Whom have I to thank for this gift of life?” + </p> + <p> + Her voice was rich, slow, and odd. Maskull felt himself in a dream. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + She motioned to him to come a step nearer. “Listen, Maskull. Man + after man has drawn me into the world, but they could not keep me there, + for I did not wish it. But now you have drawn me into it for all time, for + good or evil.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull stretched a hand toward the now invisible corpse, and said + quietly, “What have you to say about <i>him</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “Who was it?” + </p> + <p> + “Haunte.” + </p> + <p> + “So that was Haunte. The news will travel far and wide. He was a + famous man.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a horrible affair. I can’t think that you killed + him deliberately.” + </p> + <p> + “We women are endowed with terrible power, but it is our only + protection. We do not want these visits; we loathe them.” + </p> + <p> + “I might have died, too.” + </p> + <p> + “You came together?” + </p> + <p> + “There were three of us. Corpang still stands over there.” + </p> + <p> + “I see a faintly glimmering form. What do you want of me, Corpang?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Then go away, and leave me with Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “No need, Corpang. I am coming with you.” + </p> + <p> + “This is not that pleasure, then?” demanded the low, earnest + voice, out of the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “No, that pleasure has not returned.” + </p> + <p> + Sullenbode gripped his arm hard. “What pleasure are you speaking of?” + </p> + <p> + “A presentiment of love, which I felt not long ago.” + </p> + <p> + “But what do you feel now?” + </p> + <p> + “Calm and free.” + </p> + <p> + Sullenbode’s face seemed like a pallid mask, hiding a slow, swelling + sea of elemental passions. “I do not know how it will end, Maskull, + but we will still keep together a little. Where are you going?” + </p> + <p> + “To Adage,” said Corpang, stepping forward. + </p> + <p> + “But why?” + </p> + <p> + “We are following the steps of Lodd, who went there years ago, to + find Muspel-light.” + </p> +<p> +“What light is that?” +</p> + <p> + “It’s the light of another world.” + </p> + <p> + “The quest is grand. But cannot women see that light?” + </p> + <p> + “On one condition,” said Corpang. “They must forget + their sex. Womanhood and love belong to life, while Muspel is above life.” + </p> + <p> + “I give you all other men,” said Sullenbode. “Maskull is + mine.” + </p> + <p> + “No. I am not here to help Maskull to a lover but to remind him of + the existence of nobler things.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a good man. But you two alone will never strike the road to + Adage.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you acquainted with it?” + </p> + <p> + Again the woman gripped Maskull’s arm. “What is love—which + Corpang despises?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked at her attentively. Sullenbode went on, “Love is that + which is perfectly willing to disappear and become nothing, for the sake + of the beloved.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang wrinkled his forehead. “A magnanimous female lover is new in + my experience.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull put him aside with his hand, and said to Sullenbode, “Are + you contemplating a sacrifice?” + </p> + <p> + She gazed at her feet, and smiled. “What does it matter what my + thoughts are? Tell me, are you starting at once, or do you mean to rest + first? It’s a rough road to Adage.” + </p> + <p> + “What’s in your mind?” demanded Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “I will guide you a little. When we reach the ridge between Sarclash + and Adage, perhaps I shall turn back.” + </p> + <p> + “And then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then if the moon shines perhaps you will arrive before daybreak, + but if it is dark it’s hardly likely.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s not what I meant. What will become of you after we + have parted company?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall return somewhere—perhaps here.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull went close up to her, in order to study her face better. “Shall + you sink back into—the old state?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Maskull, thank heaven.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how will you live?” + </p> + <p> + Sullenbode calmly removed the hand which he had placed on her arm. There + was a sort of swirling flame in her eyes. “And who said I would go + on living?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull blinked at her in bewilderment. A few moments passed before he + spoke again. “You women are a sacrificing lot. You know I can’t + leave you like this.” + </p> + <p> + Their eyes met. Neither withdrew them, and neither felt embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + “You will always be the most generous of men, Maskull. Now let us + go.... Corpang is a single-minded personage, and the least we others—who + aren’t so single-minded—can do is to help him to his + destination. We mustn’t inquire whether the destination of + single-minded men is as a rule worth arriving at.” + </p> + <p> + “If it is good for Maskull, it will be good for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no vessel can hold more than its appointed measure.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang gave a wry smile. “During your long sleep you appear to have + picked up wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Corpang, I have met many men, and explored many minds.” + </p> + <p> + As they moved off, Maskull remembered Haunte. + </p> + <p> + “Can we not bury that poor fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “By this time tomorrow we shall need burial ourselves. But I do not + include Corpang.” + </p> + <p> + “We have no tools, so you must have your way. You killed him, but I + am the real murderer. I stole his protecting light.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely that death is balanced by the life you have given me.” + They left the spot in the direction opposite to that by which the three + men had arrived. After a few steps, they came to green snow again. At the + same time the flat ground ended, and they started to traverse a steep, + pathless mountain slope. The snow and rocks glimmered, their own bodies + shone; otherwise everything was dark. The mists swirled around them, but + Maskull had no more nightmares. The breeze was cold, pure, and steady. + They walked in file, Sullenbode leading; her movements were slow and + fascinating. Corpang came last. His stern eyes saw nothing ahead but an + alluring girl and a half-infatuated man. + </p> + <p> + For a long time they continued crossing the rough and rocky slope, + maintaining a slightly upward course. The angle was so steep that a false + step would have been fatal. The high ground was on their right. After a + while, the hillside on the left hand changed to level ground, and they + seemed to have joined another spur of the mountain. The ascending slope on + the right hand persisted for a few hundred yards more. Then Sullenbode + bore sharply to the left, and they found level ground all around them. + </p> + <p> + “We are on the ridge,” announced the woman, halting. + </p> + <p> + The others came up to her, and at the same instant the moon burst through + the clouds, illuminating the whole scene. + </p> + <p> + Maskull uttered a cry. The wild, noble, lonely beauty of the view was + quite unexpected. Teargeld was high in the sky to their left, shining down + on them from behind. Straight in front, like an enormously wide, smoothly + descending road, lay the great ridge which went on to Adage, though Adage + itself was out of sight. It was never less than two hundred yards wide. It + was covered with green snow, in some places entirely, but in other places + the naked rocks showed through like black teeth. From where they stood + they were unable to see the sides of the ridge, or what lay underneath. On + the right hand, which was north, the landscape was blurred and indistinct. + There were no peaks there; it was the distant, low-lying land of Barey. + But on the left hand appeared a whole forest of mighty pinnacles, near and + far, as far as the eye could see in moonlight. All glittered green, and + all possessed the extraordinary hanging caps that characterised the + Lichstorm range. These caps were of fantastic shapes, and each one was + different. The valley directly opposite them was filled with rolling mist. + </p> + <p> + Sarclash was a mighty mountain mass in the shape of a horseshoe. Its two + ends pointed west, and were separated from each other by a mile or more of + empty space. The northern end became the ridge on which they stood. The + southern end was the long line of cliffs on that part of the mountain + where Haunte’s cave was situated. The connecting curve was the steep + slope they had just traversed. One peak of Sarclash was invisible. + </p> + <p> + In the south-west many mountains raised their heads. In addition, a few + summits, which must have been of extraordinary height, appeared over the + south side of the horseshoe. + </p> + <p> + Maskull turned round to put a question to Sullenbode, but when he saw her + for the first time in moonlight the words he had framed died on his lips. + The gashlike mouth no longer dominated her other features, and the face, + pale as ivory and most femininely shaped, suddenly became almost + beautiful. The lips were a long, womanish curve of rose-red. Her hair was + a dark maroon. Maskull was greatly disturbed; he thought that she + resembled a spirit, rather than a woman. + </p> + <p> + “What puzzles you?” she asked, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing. But I would like to see you by sunlight.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you never will.” + </p> + <p> + “Your life must be most solitary.” + </p> + <p> + She explored his features with her black, slow-gleaming eyes. “Why + do you fear to speak your feelings, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “Things seem to open up before me like a sunrise, but what it means + I can’t say.” + </p> + <p> + Sullenbode laughed outright. “It assuredly does not mean the + approach of night.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang, who had been staring steadily along the ridge, here abruptly + broke in. “The road is plain now, Maskull. If you wish it, I’ll + go on alone.” + </p> + <p> + “No, we’ll go on together. Sullenbode will accompany us.” + </p> + <p> + “A little way,” said the woman, “but not to Adage, to + pit my strength against unseen powers. That light is not for me. I know + how to renounce love, but I will never be a traitor to it.” + </p> + <p> + “Who knows what we shall find on Adage, or what will happen? Corpang + is as ignorant as myself.” + </p> + <p> + Corpang looked him full in the face. “Maskull, you are quite well + aware that you never dare approach that awful fire in the society of a + beautiful woman.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull gave an uneasy laugh. “What Corpang doesn’t tell you, + Sullenbode, is that I am far better acquainted with Muspel-light than he, + and that, but for a chance meeting with me, he would still be saying his + prayers in Threal.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, what he says must be true,” she replied, looking from + one to the other. + </p> + <p> + “And so I am not to be allowed to—” + </p> + <p> + “So long as I am with you, I shall urge you onward, and not + backward, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “We need not quarrel yet,” he remarked, with a forced smile. + “No doubt things will straighten themselves out.” + </p> + <p> + Sullenbode began kicking the snow about with her foot. “I picked up + another piece of wisdom in my sleep, Corpang.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell it to me, then.” + </p> + <p> + “Men who live by laws and rules are parasites. Others shed their + strength to bring these laws out of nothing into the light of day, but the + law-abiders live at their ease—they have conquered nothing for + themselves.” + </p> + <p> + “It is given to some to discover, and to others to preserve and + perfect. You cannot condemn me for wishing Maskull well.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but a child cannot lead a thunderstorm.” + </p> + <p> + They started walking again along the centre of the ridge. All three were + abreast, Sullenbode in the middle. + </p> + <p> + The road descended by an easy gradient, and was for a long distance + comparatively smooth. The freezing point seemed higher than on Earth, for + the few inches of snow through which they trudged felt almost warm to + their naked feet. Maskull’s soles were by now like tough hides. The + moonlit snow was green and dazzling. Their slanting, abbreviated shadows + were sharply defined, and red-black in colour. Maskull, who walked on + Sullenbode’s right hand, looked constantly to the left, toward the + galaxy of glorious distant peaks. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot belong to this world,” said the woman. “Men + of your stamp are not to be looked for here.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I have come here from Earth.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that larger than our world?” + </p> + <p> + “Smaller, I think. Small, and overcrowded with men and women. With + all those people, confusion would result but for orderly laws, and + therefore the laws are of iron. As adventure would be impossible without + encroaching on these laws, there is no longer any spirit of adventure + among the Earthmen. Everything is safe, vulgar, and completed.” + </p> + <p> + “Do men hate women there, and women men?” + </p> + <p> + “No, the meeting of the sexes is sweet, though shameful. So poignant + is the sweetness that the accompanying shame is ignored, with open eyes. + There is no hatred, or only among a few eccentric persons.” + </p> + <p> + “That shame surely must be the rudiment of our Lichstorm passion. + But now say—why did you come here?” + </p> + <p> + “To meet with new experiences, perhaps. The old ones no longer + interested me.” + </p> + <p> + “How long have you been in this world?” + </p> + <p> + “This is the end of my fourth day.” + </p> + <p> + “Then tell me what you have seen and done during those four days. + You cannot have been inactive.” + </p> + <p> + “Great misfortunes have happened to me.” + </p> + <p> + He proceeded briefly to relate everything that had taken place from the + moment of his first awakening in the scarlet desert. Sullenbode listened, + with half-closed eyes, nodding her head from time to time. Only twice did + she interrupt him. After his description of Tydomin’s death, she + said, speaking in a low voice—“None of us women ought by right + of nature to fall short of Tydomin in sacrifice. For that one act of hers, + I almost love her, although she brought evil to your door.” Again, + speaking of Gleameil, she remarked, “That grand-souled girl I admire + the most of all. She listened to her inner voice, and to nothing else + besides. Which of us others is strong enough for that?” + </p> + <p> + When his tale was quite over, Sullenbode said, “Does it not strike + you, Maskull, that these women you have met have been far nobler than the + men?” + </p> + <p> + “I recognise that. We men often sacrifice ourselves, but only for a + substantial cause. For you women almost any cause will serve. You love the + sacrifice for its own sake, and that is because you are naturally noble.” + </p> + <p> + Turning her head a little, she threw him a smile so proud, yet so sweet, + that he was struck into silence. + </p> + <p> + They tramped on quietly for some distance, and then he said, “Now + you understand the sort of man I am. Much brutality, more weakness, scant + pity for anyone—Oh, it has been a bloody journey!” + </p> + <p> + She laid her hand on his arm. “I, for one, would not have it less + rugged.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing good can be said of my crimes.” + </p> + <p> + “To me you seem like a lonely giant, searching for you know not + what.... The grandest that life holds.... You at least have no cause to + look up to women.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks, Sullenbode!” he responded, with a troubled smile. + </p> + <p> + “When Maskull passes, let people watch. Everyone is thrown out of + your road. You go on, looking neither to right nor left.” + </p> + <p> + “Take care that you are not thrown as well,” said Corpang + gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Maskull shall do with me whatever he pleases, old skull! And for + whatever he does, I will thank him.... In place of a heart you have a bag + of loose dust. Someone has described love to you. You have had it + described to you. You have heard that it is a small, fearful, selfish joy. + It is not that—it is wild, and scornful, and sportive, and + bloody.... How should you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Selfishness has far too many disguises.” + </p> + <p> + “If a woman wills to give up all, what can there be selfish in that?” + </p> + <p> + “Only do not deceive yourself. Act decisively, or fate will be too + swift for you both.” + </p> + <p> + Sullenbode studied him through her lashes. “Do you mean death—his + death as well as mine?” + </p> + <p> + “You go too far, Corpang,” said Maskull, turning a shade + darker. “I don’t accept you as the arbiter of our fortunes.” + </p> + <p> + “If honest counsel is disagreeable to you, let me go on ahead.” + </p> + <p> + The woman detained him with her slow, light fingers. “I wish you to + stay with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “I think you may know what you are talking about. I don’t wish + to bring harm to Maskull. Presently I’ll leave you.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be best,” said Corpang. + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked angry. “I shall decide—Sullenbode, whether you + go on, or back, I stay with you. My mind is made up.” + </p> + <p> + An expression of joyousness overspread her face, in spite of her efforts + to conceal it. “Why do you scowl at me, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + He returned no answer, but continued walking onward with puckered brows. + After a dozen paces or so, he halted abruptly. “Wait, Sullenbode!” + </p> + <p> + The others came to a standstill. Corpang looked puzzled, but the woman + smiled. Maskull, without a word, bent over and kissed her lips. Then he + relinquished her body, and turned around to Corpang. + </p> + <p> + “How do you, in your great wisdom, interpret that kiss?” + </p> + <p> + “It requires no great wisdom to interpret kisses, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “Hereafter, never dare to come between us. Sullenbode belongs to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I say no more; but you are a fated man.” + </p> + <p> + From that time forward he spoke not another word to either of the others. + </p> + <p> + A heavy gleam appeared in the woman’s eyes. “Now things are + changed, Maskull. Where are you taking me?” + </p> + <p> + “Choose, you.” + </p> + <p> + “The man I love must complete his journey. I won’t have it + otherwise. You shall not stand lower than Corpang.” + </p> + <p> + “Where you go, I will go.” + </p> + <p> + “And I—as long as your love endures, I will accompany you—even + to Adage.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you doubt its lasting?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish not to.... Now I will tell you what I refused to tell you + before. The term of your love is the term of my life. When you love me no + longer, I must die.” + </p> + <p> + “And why?” asked Maskull slowly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that’s the responsibility you incurred when you kissed + me for the first time. I never meant to tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean that if I had gone on alone, you would have died?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no other life but what you give me.” + </p> + <p> + He gazed at her mournfully, without attempting to reply, and then slowly + placed his arms around her body. During this embrace he turned very pale, + but Sullenbode grew as white as chalk. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later the journey toward Adage was resumed. + </p> + <p> + They had been walking for two hours. Teargeld was higher in the sky and + nearer the south. They had descended many hundred feet, and the character + of the ridge began to alter for the worse. The thin snow disappeared, and + gave way to moist, boggy ground. It was all little grassy hillocks and + marshes. They began to slip about and become draggled with mud. + Conversation ceased; Sullenbode led the way, and the men followed in her + tracks. The southern half of the landscape grew grander. The greenish + light of the brilliant moon, shining on the multitude of snow-green peaks, + caused it to appear like a spectral world. Their nearest neighbour towered + high above them on the other side of the valley, due south, some five + miles distant. It was a slender, inaccessible, dizzy spire of black rock, + the angles of which were too steep to retain snow. A great upward-curving + horn of rock sprang out from its topmost pinnacle. For a long time it + constituted their cheif landmark. + </p> + <p> + The whole ridge gradually became saturated with moisture. The surface soil + was spongy, and rested on impermeable rock; it breathed in the damp mists + by night, and breathed them out again by day, under Branchspell’s + rays. The walking grew first unpleasant, then difficult, and finally + dangerous. None of the party could distinguish firm ground from bog. + Sullenbode sank up to her waist in a pit of slime; Maskull rescued her, + but after this incident took the lead himself. Corpang was the next to + meet with trouble. Exploring a new path for himself, he tumbled into + liquid mud up to his shoulders, and narrowly escaped a filthy death. After + Maskull had got him out, at great personal risk, they proceeded once more; + but now the scramble changed from bad to worse. Each step had to be + thoroughly tested before weight was put upon it, and even so the test + frequently failed. All of them went in so often, that in the end they no + longer resembled human beings, but walking pillars plastered from top to + toe with black filth. The hardest work fell to Maskull. He not only had + the exhausting task of beating the way, but was continually called upon to + help his companions out of their difficulties. Without him they could not + have got through. + </p> + <p> + After a peculiarly evil patch, they paused to recruit their strength. + Corpang’s breathing was difficult, Sullenbode was quiet, listless, + and depressed. + </p> + <p> + Maskull gazed at them doubtfully. “Does this continue?” he + inquired. + </p> + <p> + “No. I think,” replied the woman, “we can’t be far + from the Mornstab Pass. After that we shall begin to climb again, and then + the road will improve perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you have been here before?” + </p> + <p> + “Once I have been to the Pass, but it was not so bad then.” + </p> + <p> + “You are tired out, Sullenbode.” + </p> + <p> + “What of it?” she replied, smiling faintly. “When one + has a terrible lover, one must pay the price.” + </p> + <p> + “We cannot get there tonight, so let us stop at the first shelter we + come to.” + </p> + <p> + “I leave it to you.” + </p> + <p> + He paced up and down, while the others sat. “Do you regret anything?” + he demanded suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “No, Maskull, nothing. I regret nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Your feelings are unchanged?” + </p> + <p> + “Love can’t go back—it can only go on.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, eternally on. It is so.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don’t mean that. There is a climax, but when the climax + has been reached, love if it still wants to ascend must turn to sacrifice.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a dreadful creed,” he said in a low voice, + turning pale beneath his coating of mud. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps my nature is discordant.... I am tired. I don’t know + what I feel.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes they were on their feet again, and the journey + recommenced. Within half an hour they had reached the Mornstab Pass. + </p> + <p> + The ground here was drier; the broken land to the north served to drain + off the moisture of the soil. Sullenbode led them to the northern edge of + the ridge, to show them the nature of the country. The pass was nothing + but a gigantic landslip on both sides of the ridge, where it was the + lowest above the underlying land. A series of huge broken terraces of + earth and rock descended toward Barey. They were overgrown with stunted + vegetation. It was quite possible to get down to the lowlands that way, + but rather difficult. On either side of the landslip, to east and west, + the ridge came down in a long line of sheer, terrific cliffs. A low haze + concealed Barey from view. Complete stillness was in the air, broken only + by the distant thundering of an invisible waterfall. + </p> + <p> + Maskull and Sullenbode sat down on a boulder, facing the open country. The + moon was directly behind them, high up. It was almost as light as an Earth + day. + </p> + <p> + “Tonight is like life,” said Sullenbode. + </p> + <p> + “How so?” + </p> + <p> + “So lovely above and around us, so foul underfoot.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull sighed. “Poor girl, you are unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “And you—are you happy?” + </p> + <p> + He thought a while, and then replied—“No. No, I’m not + happy. Love is not happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “Restlessness—unshed tears—thoughts too grand for our + soul to think...” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Sullenbode. + </p> + <p> + After a time she asked, “Why were we created, just to live for a few + years and then disappear?” + </p> + <p> + “We are told that we shall live again.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps in Muspel,” he added thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “What kind of life will that be?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely we shall meet again. Love is too wonderful and mysterious a + thing to remain uncompleted.” + </p> + <p> + She gave a slight shiver, and turned away from him. “This dream is + untrue. Love is completed here.” + </p> + <p> + “How can that be, when sooner or later it is brutally interrupted by + Fate?” + </p> + <p> + “It is completed by anguish.... Oh, why must it always be enjoyment + for us? Can’t we suffer—can’t we go on suffering, + forever and ever? Maskull, until love crushes our spirit, finally and + without remedy, we don’t begin to feel ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull gazed at her with a troubled expression. “Can the memory of + love be worth more than its presence and reality?” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t understand. Those pangs are more precious than all + the rest beside.” She caught at him. “Oh, if you could only + see inside my mind, Maskull! You would see strange things.... I can’t + explain. It is all confused, even to myself.... This love is quite + different from what I thought.” + </p> + <p> + He sighed again. “Love is a strong drink. Perhaps it is too strong + for human beings. And I think that it overturns our reason in different + ways.” + </p> + <p> + They remained sitting side by side, staring straight before them with + unseeing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “It doesn’t matter,” said Sullenbode at last, with a + smile, getting up. “Soon it will be ended, one way or another. Come, + let us be off!” + </p> + <p> + Maskull too got up. + </p> + <p> + “Where’s Corpang?” he asked listlessly. + </p> + <p> + They both looked across the ridge in the direction of Adage. At the point + where they stood it was nearly a mile wide. It sloped perceptibly toward + the southern edge, giving all the earth the appearance of a heavy list. + Toward the west the ground continued level for a thousand yards, but then + a high, sloping, grassy hill went right across the ridge from side to + side, like a vast billow on the verge of breaking. It shut out all further + view beyond. The whole crest of this hill, from one end to the other, was + crowned by a long row of enormous stone posts, shining brightly in the + moonlight against a background of dark sky. There were about thirty in + all, and they were placed at such regular intervals that there was little + doubt that they had been set there by human hands. Some were + perpendicular, but others dipped so much that an aspect of extreme + antiquity was given to the entire colonnade. Corpang was seen climbing the + hill, not far from the top. + </p> + <p> + “He wishes to arrive,” said Maskull, watching the energetic + ascent with a rather cynical smile. + </p> + <p> + “The heavens won’t open for Corpang,” returned + Sullenbode. “He need not be in such a hurry.... What do these + pillars seem like to you?” + </p> + <p> + “They might be the entrance to some mighty temple. Who can have + planted them there?” + </p> + <p> + She did not answer. They watched Corpang gain the summit of the hill, and + disappear through the line of posts. + </p> + <p> + Maskull turned again to Sullenbode. “Now we two are alone in a + lonely world.” + </p> + <p> + She regarded him steadily. “Our last night on this earth must be a + grand one. I am ready to go on.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think you are fit to go on. It will be better to go + down the pass a little, and find shelter.” + </p> + <p> + She half smiled. “We won’t study our poor bodies tonight. I + mean you to go to Adage, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “Then at all events let us rest first, for it must be a long, + terrible climb, and who knows what hardships we shall meet?” + </p> + <p> + She walked a step or two forward, half turned, and held out her hand to + him. “Come, Maskull!” + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + When they had covered half the distance that separated them from the foot + of the hill, Maskull heard the drum taps. They came from behind the hill, + and were loud, sharp, almost explosive. He glanced at Sullenbode, but she + appeared to hear nothing. A minute later the whole sky behind and above + the long chain of stone posts on the crest of the hill began to be + illuminated by a strange radiance. The moonlight in that quarter faded; + the posts stood out black on a background of fire. It was the light of + Muspel. As the moments passed, it grew more and more vivid, peculiar, and + awful. It was of no colour, and resembled nothing—it was + supernatural and indescribable. Maskull’s spirit swelled. He stood + fast, with expanded nostrils and terrible eyes. + </p> + <p> + Sullenbode touched him lightly. + </p> + <p> + “What do you see, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + “Muspel-light.” + </p> + <p> + “I see nothing.” + </p> + <p> + The light shot up, until Maskull scarcely knew where he stood. It burned + with a fiercer and stranger glare than ever before. He forgot the + existence of Sullenbode. The drum beats grew deafeningly loud. Each beat + was like a rip of startling thunder, crashing through the sky and making + the air tremble. Presently the crashes coalesced, and one continuous roar + of thunder rocked the world. But the rhythm persisted—the four + beats, with the third accented, still came pulsing through the atmosphere, + only now against a background of thunder, and not of silence. + </p> + <p> + Maskull’s heart beat wildly. His body was like a prison. He longed + to throw it off, to spring up and become incorporated with the sublime + universe which was beginning to unveil itself. + </p> + <p> + Sullenbode suddenly enfolded him in her arms, and kissed him—passionately, + again and again. He made no response; he was unaware of what she was + doing. She unclasped him and, with bent head and streaming eyes, went + noiselessly away. She started to go back toward the Mornstab Pass. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes afterward the radiance began to fade. The thunder died down. + The moonlight reappeared, the stone posts and the hillside were again + bright. In a short time the supernatural light had entirely vanished, but + the drum taps still sounded faintly, a muffled rhythm, from behind the + hill. Maskull started violently, and stared around him like a suddenly + awakened sleeper. + </p> + <p> + He saw Sullenbode walking slowly away from him, a few hundred yards off. + At that sight, death entered his heart. He ran after her, calling out.... + She did not look around. When he had lessened the distance between them by + a half, he saw her suddenly stumble and fall. She did not get up again, + but lay motionless where she fell. + </p> + <p> + He flew toward her, and bent over her body. His worst fears were realised. + Life had departed. + </p> + <p> + Beneath its coating of mud, her face bore the vulgar, ghastly Crystalman + grin, but Maskull saw nothing of it. She had never appeared so beautiful + to him as at that moment. + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + He remained beside her for a long time, on his knees. He wept—but, + between his fits of weeping, he raised his head from time to time, and + listened to the distant drum beats. + </p> + <p> + An hour passed—two hours. Teargeld was now in the south-west. + Maskull lifted Sullenbode’s dead body on to his shoulders, and + started to walk toward the Pass. He cared no more for Muspel. He intended + to look for water in which to wash the corpse of his beloved, and earth in + which to bury her. + </p> + <p> + When he had reached the boulder overlooking the landslip, on which they + had sat together, he lowered his burden, and, placing the dead girl on the + stone, seated himself beside her for a time, gazing over toward Barey. + </p> + <p> + After that, he commenced his descent of the Mornstab Pass. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 20. BAREY + </h2> + <p> + The day had already dawned, but it was not yet sunrise when Maskull awoke + from his miserable sleep. He sat up and yawned feebly. The air was cool + and sweet. Far away down the landslip a bird was singing; the song + consisted of only two notes, but it was so plaintive and heartbreaking + that he scarcely knew how to endure it. + </p> + <p> + The eastern sky was a delicate green, crossed by a long, thin band of + chocolate-coloured cloud near the horizon. The atmosphere was blue-tinted, + mysterious, and hazy. Neither Sarclash nor Adage was visible. + </p> + <p> + The saddle of the Pass was five hundred feet above him; he had descended + that distance overnight. The landslip continued downward, like a huge + flying staircase, to the upper slopes of Barey, which lay perhaps fifteen + hundred feet beneath. The surface of the Pass was rough, and the angle was + excessively steep, though not precipitous. It was above a mile across. On + each side of it, east and west, the dark walls of the ridge descended + sheer. At the point where the pass sprang outward they were two thousand + feet from top to bottom, but as the ridge went upward, on the one hand + toward Adage, on the other toward Sarclash, they attained almost + unbelievable heights. Despite the great breadth and solidity of the pass, + Maskull felt as though he were suspended in midair. + </p> + <p> + The patch of broken, rich, brown soil observable not far away marked + Sullenbode’s grave. He had interred her by the light of the moon, + with a long, flat stone for a spade. A little lower down, the white steam + of a hot spring was curling about in the twilight. From where he sat he + was unable to see the pool into which the spring ultimately flowed, but it + was in that pool that he had last night washed first of all the dead girl’s + body, and then his own. + </p> + <p> + He got up, yawned again, stretched himself, and looked around him dully. + For a long time he eyed the grave. The half-darkness changed by + imperceptible degrees to full day; the sun was about to appear. The sky + was nearly cloudless. The whole wonderful extent of the mighty ridge + behind him began to emerge from the morning mist... there was a part of + Sarclash, and the ice-green crest of gigantic Adage itself, which he could + only take in by throwing his head right back. + </p> + <p> + He gazed at everything in weary apathy, like a lost soul. All his desires + were gone forever; he wished to go nowhere, and to do nothing. He thought + he would go to Barey. + </p> + <p> + He went to the warm pool, to wash the sleep out of his eyes. Sitting + beside it, watching the bubbles, was Krag. + </p> + <p> + Maskull thought that he was dreaming. The man was clothed in a skin shirt + and breeches. His face was stern, yellow, and ugly. He eyed Maskull + without smiling or getting up. + </p> + <p> + “Where in the devil’s name have you come from, Krag?” + </p> + <p> + “The great point is, I am here.” + </p> + <p> + “Where’s Nightspore?” + </p> + <p> + “Not far away.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems a hundred years since I saw you. Why did you two leave me + in such a damnable fashion?” + </p> + <p> + “You were strong enough to get through alone.” + </p> + <p> + “So it turned out, but how were you to know?.... Anyway, you’ve + timed it well. It seems I am to die today.” + </p> + <p> + Krag scowled. “You will die this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “If I am to, I shall. But where have you heard it from?” + </p> + <p> + “You are ripe for it. You have run through the gamut. What else is + there to live for?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” said Maskull, uttering a short laugh. “I am + quite ready. I have failed in everything. I only wondered how you knew.... + So now you’ve come to rejoin me. Where are we going?” + </p> + <p> + “Through Barey.” + </p> + <p> + “And what about Nightspore?” + </p> + <p> + Krag jumped to his feet with clumsy agility. “We won’t wait + for him. He’ll be there as soon as we shall.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “At our destination.... Come! The sun’s rising.” + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + As they started clambering down the pass side by side, Branchspell, huge + and white, leaped fiercely into the sky. All the delicacy of the dawn + vanished, and another vulgar day began. They passed some trees and plants, + the leaves of which were all curled up, as if in sleep. + </p> + <p> + Maskull pointed them out to his companion. + </p> + <p> + “How is it the sunshine doesn’t open them?” + </p> + <p> + “Branchspell is a second night to them. Their day is Alppain.” + </p> + <p> + “How long will it be before that sun rises?” + </p> + <p> + “Some time yet.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I live to see it, do you think?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want to?” + </p> + <p> + “At one time I did, but now I’m indifferent.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep in that humour, and you’ll do well. Once for all, there’s + nothing worth seeing on Tormance.” + </p> + <p> + After a few minutes Maskull said, “Why did we come here, then?” + </p> + <p> + “To follow Surtur.” + </p> + <p> + “True. But where is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Closer at hand than you think, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know that he is regarded as a god here, Krag?... There is + supernatural fire, too, which I have been led to believe is somehow + connected with him.... Why do you keep up the mystery? Who and what is + Surtur?” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t disturb yourself about that. You will never know.” + </p> + <p> + “Do <i>you</i> know?” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” snarled Krag. + </p> + <p> + “The devil here is called Krag,” went on Maskull, peering into + his face. + </p> + <p> + “As long as pleasure is worshiped, Krag will always be the devil.” + </p> + <p> + “Here we are, talking face to face, two men together.... What am I + to believe of you?” + </p> + <p> + “Believe your senses. The real devil is Crystalman.” + </p> + <p> + They continued descending the landslip. The sun’s rays had grown + insufferably hot. In front of them, down below in the far distance, + Maskull saw water and land intermingled. It appeared that they were + travelling toward a lake district. + </p> + <p> + “What have you and Nightspore been doing during the last four days, + Krag? What happened to the torpedo?” + </p> + <p> + “You’re just about on the same mental level as a man who sees + a brand-new palace, and asks what has become of the scaffolding.” + </p> + <p> + “What palace have you been building, then?” + </p> + <p> + “We have not been idle,” said Krag. “While you have been + murdering and lovemaking, we have had our work.” + </p> + <p> + “And how have you been made acquainted with my actions?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you’re an open book. Now you’ve got a mortal heart + wound on account of a woman you knew for six hours.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull turned pale. “Sneer away, Krag! If you lived with a woman + for six hundred years and saw her die, that would never touch your leather + heart. You haven’t even the feelings of an insect.” + </p> + <p> + “Behold the child defending its toys!” said Krag, grinning + faintly. + </p> + <p> + Maskull stopped short. “What do you want with me, and why did you + bring me here?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s no use stopping, even for the sake of theatrical effect,” + said Krag, pulling him into motion again. “The distance has got to + be covered, however often we pull up.” + </p> + <p> + When he touched him, Maskull felt a terrible shooting pain through his + heart. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t go on regarding you as a man, Krag. You’re + something more than a man—whether good or evil, I can’t say.” + </p> + <p> + Krag looked yellow and formidable. He did not reply to Maskull’s + remark, but after a pause said, “So you’ve been trying to find + Surtur on your own account, during the intervals between killing and + fondling?” + </p> + <p> + “What was that drumming?” demanded Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “You needn’t look so important. We know you had your ear to + the keyhole. But you could join the assembly, the music was not playing + for you, my friend.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull smiled rather bitterly. “At all events, I listen through no + more keyholes. I have finished with life. I belong to nobody and nothing + any more, from this time forward.” + </p> + <p> + “Brave words, brave words! We shall see. Perhaps Crystalman will + make one more attempt on you. There is still time for one more.” + </p> + <p> + “Now I don’t understand you.” + </p> + <p> + “You think you are thoroughly disillusioned, don’t you? Well, + that may prove to be the last and strongest illusion of all.” + </p> + <p> + The conversation ceased. They reached the foot of the landslip an hour + later. Branchspell was steadily mounting the cloudless sky. It was + approaching Sarclash, and it was an open question whether or not it would + clear its peak. The heat was sweltering. The long, massive, saucer-shaped + ridge behind them, with its terrific precipices, was glowing with bright + morning colours. Adage, towering up many thousands of feet higher still, + guarded the end of it like a lonely Colossus. In front of them, starting + from where they stood, was a cool and enchanting wilderness of little + lakes and forests. The water of the lakes was dark green; the forests were + asleep, waiting for the rising of Alppain. + </p> + <p> + “Are we now in Barey?” asked Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—and there is one of the natives.” + </p> + <p> + There was an ugly glint in his eye as he spoke the words, but Maskull did + not see it. + </p> + <p> + A man was leaning in the shade against one of the first trees, apparently + waiting for them to come up. He was small, dark, and beardless, and was + still in early manhood. He was clothed in a dark blue, loosely flowing + robe, and wore a broad-brimmed slouch hat. His face, which was not + disfigured by any special organs, was pale, earnest, and grave, yet + somehow remarkably pleasing. + </p> + <p> + Before a word was spoken, he warmly grasped Maskull’s hand, but even + while he was in the act of doing so he threw a queer frown at Krag. The + latter responded with a scowling grin. + </p> + <p> + When he opened his mouth to speak, his voice was a vibrating baritone, but + it was at the same time strangely womanish in its modulations and variety + of tone. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve been waiting for you here since sunrise,” he said. + “Welcome to Barey, Maskull! Let’s hope you’ll forget + your sorrows here, you over-tested man.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull stared at him, not without friendliness. “What made you + expect me, and how do you know my name?” + </p> + <p> + The stranger smiled, which made his face very handsome. “I’m + Gangnet. I know most things.” + </p> + <p> + “Haven’t you a greeting for me too—Gangnet?” asked + Krag, thrusting his forbidding features almost into the other’s + face. + </p> + <p> + “I know you, Krag. There are few places where you are welcome.” + </p> + <p> + “And I know you, Gangnet—you man-woman.... Well, we are here + together, and you must make what you can of it. We are going down to the + Ocean.” + </p> + <p> + The smile faded from Gangnet’s face. “I can’t drive you + away, Krag—but I can make you the unwelcome third.” + </p> + <p> + Krag threw back his head, and gave a loud, grating laugh. “That + bargain suits me all right. As long as I have the substance, you may have + the shadow, and much good may it do you.” + </p> + <p> + “Now that it’s all arranged so satisfactorily,” said + Maskull, with a hard smile, “permit me to say that I don’t + desire any society at all at present.... You take too much for granted, + Krag. You have played the false friend once already.... I presume I’m + a free agent?” + </p> + <p> + “To be a free man, one must have a universe of one’s own,” + said Krag, with a jeering look. “What do you say, Gangnet—is + this a free world?” + </p> + <p> + “Freedom from pain and ugliness should be every man’s + privilege,” returned Gangnet tranquilly. “Maskull is quite + within his rights, and if you’ll engage to leave him I’ll do + the same.” + </p> + <p> + “Maskull can change face as often as he likes, but he won’t + get rid of me so easily. Be easy on that point, Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “It doesn’t matter,” muttered Maskull. “Let + everyone join in the procession. In a few hours I shall finally be free, + anyhow, if what they say is true.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll lead the way,” said Gangnet. “You don’t + know this country, of course, Maskull. When we get to the flat lands some + miles farther down, we shall be able to travel by water, but at present we + must walk, I fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you fear—you fear!” broke out Krag, in a + highpitched, scraping voice. “You eternal loller!” + </p> + <p> + Maskull kept looking from one to the other in amazement. There seemed to + be a determined hostility between the two, which indicated an intimate + previous acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + They set off through a wood, keeping close to its border, so that for a + mile or more they were within sight of the long, narrow lake that flowed + beside it. The trees were low and thin; their dolm-coloured leaves were + all folded. There was no underbrush—they walked on clean, brown + earth, A distant waterfall sounded. They were in shade, but the air was + pleasantly warm. There were no insects to irritate them. The bright lake + outside looked cool and poetic. + </p> + <p> + Gangnet pressed Maskull’s arm affectionately. “If the bringing + of you from your world had fallen to me, Maskull, it is here I would have + brought you, and not to the scarlet desert. Then you would have escaped + the dark spots, and Tormance would have appeared beautiful to you.” + </p> + <p> + “And what then, Gangnet? The dark spots would have existed all the + same.” + </p> + <p> + “You could have seen them afterward. It makes all the difference + whether one sees darkness through the light, or brightness through the + shadows.” + </p> + <p> + “A clear eye is the best. Tormance is an ugly world, and I greatly + prefer to know it as it really is.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil made it ugly, not Crystalman. These are Crystalman’s + thoughts, which you see around you. He is nothing but Beauty and + Pleasantness. Even Krag won’t have the effrontery to deny that.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s very nice here,” said Krag, looking around him + malignantly. “One only wants a cushion and half a dozen houris to + complete it.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull disengaged himself from Gangnet. “Last night, when I was + struggling through the mud in the ghastly moonlight—then I thought + the world beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Sullenbode!” said Gangnet, sighing. + </p> + <p> + “What! You knew her?” + </p> + <p> + “I know her through you. By mourning for a noble woman, you show + your own nobility. I think all women are noble.” + </p> + <p> + “There may be millions of noble women, but there’s only one + Sullenbode.” + </p> + <p> + “If Sullenbode can exist,” said Gangnet, “the world + cannot be a bad place.” + </p> + <p> + “Change the subject.... The world’s hard and cruel, and I am + thankful to be leaving it.” + </p> + <p> + “On one point, though, you both agree,” said Krag, smiling + evilly. “Pleasure is good, and the cessation of pleasure is bad.” + </p> + <p> + Gangnet glanced at him coldly. “We know your peculiar theories, + Krag. You are very fond of them, but they are unworkable. The world could + not go on being, without pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + “So Gangnet thinks!” jeered Krag. + </p> + <p> + They came to the end of the wood, and found themselves overlooking a + little cliff. At the foot of it, about fifty feet below, a fresh series of + lakes and forests commenced. Barey appeared to be one big mountain slope, + built by nature into terraces. The lake along whose border they had been + travelling was not banked at the end, but overflowed to the lower level in + half a dozen beautiful, threadlike falls, white and throwing off spray. + The cliff was not perpendicular, and the men found it easy to negotiate. + </p> + <p> + At the base they entered another wood. Here it was much denser, and they + had nothing but trees all around them. A clear brook rippled through the + heart of it; they followed its bank. + </p> + <p> + “It has occurred to me,” said Maskull, addressing Gangnet, + “that Alppain may be my death. Is that so?” + </p> + <p> + “These trees don’t fear Alppain, so why should you? Alppain is + a wonderful, life-bringing sun.” + </p> + <p> + “The reason I ask is—I’ve seen its afterglow, and it + produced such violent sensations that a very little more would have proved + too much.” + </p> + <p> + “Because the forces were evenly balanced. When you see Alppain + itself, it will reign supreme, and there will be no more struggling of + wills inside you.” + </p> + <p> + “And that, I may tell you beforehand, Maskull,” said Krag, + grinning, “is Crystalman’s trump card.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll see. You’ll renounce the world so eagerly that + you’ll want to stay in the world merely to enjoy your sensations.” + </p> + <p> + Gangnet smiled. “Krag, you see, is hard to please. You must neither + enjoy, nor renounce. What <i>are</i> you to do?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull turned toward Krag. “It’s very odd, but I don’t + understand your creed even yet. Are you recommending suicide?” + </p> + <p> + Krag seemed to grow sallower and more repulsive every minute. “What, + because they have left off stroking you?” he exclaimed, laughing and + showing his discoloured teeth. + </p> + <p> + “Whoever you are, and whatever you want,” said Maskull, + “you seem very certain of yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you would like me to blush and stammer like a booby, wouldn’t + you! That would be an excellent way of destroying lies.” + </p> + <p> + Gangnet glanced toward the foot of one of the trees. He stooped and picked + up two or three objects that resembled eggs. + </p> + <p> + “To eat?” asked Maskull, accepting the offered gift. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, eat them; you must be hungry. I want none myself, and one + mustn’t insult Krag by offering him a pleasure—especially such + a low pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull knocked the ends off two of the eggs, and swallowed the liquid + contents. They tasted rather alcoholic. Krag snatched the remaining egg + out of his hand and flung it against a tree trunk, where it broke and + stuck, a splash of slime. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t wait to be asked, Gangnet.... Say, is there a + filthier sight than a smashed pleasure?” + </p> + <p> + Gangnet did not reply, but took Maskull’s arm. + </p> + <p> + After they had alternately walked through forests and descended cliffs and + slopes for upward of two hours, the landscape altered. A steep + mountainside commenced and continued for at least a couple of miles, + during which space the land must have dropped nearly four thousand feet, + at a practically uniform gradient. Maskull had seen nothing like this + immense slide of country anywhere. The hill slope carried an enormous + forest on its back. This forest, however, was different from those they + had hitherto passed through. The leaves of the trees were curled in sleep, + but the boughs were so close and numerous that, but for the fact that they + were translucent, the rays of the sun would have been completely + intercepted. As it was, the whole forest was flooded with light, and this + light, being tinged with the colour of the branches, was a soft and lovely + rose. So gay, feminine, and dawnlike was the illumination, that Maskull’s + spirits immediately started to rise, although he did not wish it. + </p> + <p> + He checked himself, sighed, and grew pensive. + </p> + <p> + “What a place for languishing eyes and necks of ivory, Maskull!” + rasped Krag mockingly. “Why isn’t Sullenbode here?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull gripped him roughly and flung him against the nearest tree. Krag + recovered himself, and burst into a roaring laugh, seeming not a whit + discomposed. + </p> + <p> + “Still what I said—was it true or untrue?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull gazed at him sternly. “You seem to regard yourself as a + necessary evil. I’m under no obligation to go on with you any + farther. I think we had better part.” + </p> + <p> + Krag turned to Gangnet with an air of grotesque mock earnestness. + </p> + <p> + “What do <i>you</i> say—do we part when Maskull pleases, or + when I please?” + </p> + <p> + “Keep your temper, Maskull,” said Gangnet, showing Krag his + back. “I know the man better than you do. Now that he has fastened + onto you there’s only one way of making him lose his hold, by + ignoring him. Despise him—say nothing to him, don’t answer his + questions. If you refuse to recognise his existence, he is as good as not + here.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m beginning to be tired of it all,” said Maskull. + “It seems as if I shall add one more to my murders, before I have + finished.” + </p> + <p> + “I smell murder in the air,” exclaimed Krag, pretending to + sniff. “But whose?” + </p> + <p> + “Do as I say, Maskull. To bandy words with him is to throw oil on + fire.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll say no more to anyone.... When do we get out of this + accursed forest?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s some way yet, but when we’re once out we can take + to the water, and you will be able to rest, and think.” + </p> + <p> + “And brood comfortably over your sufferings,” added Krag. + </p> + <p> + None of the three men said anything more until they emerged into the open + day. The slope of the forest was so steep that they were forced to run, + rather than walk, and this would have prevented any conversation, even if + they had otherwise felt inclined toward it. In less than half an hour they + were through. A flat, open landscape lay stretched in front of them as far + as they could see. + </p> + <p> + Three parts of this country consisted of smooth water. It was a succession + of large, low-shored lakes, divided by narrow strips of tree-covered land. + The lake immediately before them had its small end to the forest. It was + there about a third of a mile wide. The water at the sides and end was + shallow, and choked with dolm-colored rushes; but in the middle, beginning + a few yards from the shore, there was a perceptible current away from + them. In view of this current, it was difficult to decide whether it was a + lake or a river. Some little floating islands were in the shallows. + </p> + <p> + “Is it here that we take to the water?” inquired Maskull. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, here,” answered Gangnet. + </p> + <p> + “But how?” + </p> + <p> + “One of those islands will serve. It only needs to move it into the + stream.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull frowned. “Where will it carry us to?” + </p> + <p> + “Come, get on, get on!” said Krag, laughing uncouthly. “The + morning’s wearing away, and you have to die before noon. We are + going to the Ocean.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are omniscient, Krag, what is my death to be?” + </p> + <p> + “Gangnet will murder you.” + </p> + <p> + “You lie!” said Gangnet. “I wish Maskull nothing but + good.” + </p> + <p> + “At all events, he will be the cause of your death. But what does it + matter? The great point is you are quitting this futile world.... Well, + Gangnet, I see you’re as slack as ever. I suppose I must do the + work.” + </p> + <p> + He jumped into the lake and began to run through the shallow water, + splashing it about. When he came to the nearest island, the water was up + to his thighs. The island was lozenge-shaped, and about fifteen feet from + end to end. It was composed of a sort of light brown peat; there was no + form of living vegetation on its surface. Krag went behind it, and started + shoving it toward the current, apparently without having unduly to exert + himself. When it was within the influence of the stream the others waded + out to him, and all three climbed on. + </p> + <p> + The voyage began. The current was not travelling at more than two miles an + hour. The sun glared down on their heads mercilessly, and there was no + shade or prospect of shade. Maskull sat down near the edge, and + periodically splashed water over his head. Gangnet sat on his haunches + next to him. Krag paced up and down with short, quick steps, like an + animal in a cage. The lake widened out more and more, and the width of the + stream increased in proportion, until they seemed to themselves to be + floating on the bosom of some broad, flowing estuary. + </p> + <p> + Krag suddenly bent over and snatched off Gangnet’s hat, crushing it + together in his hairy fist and throwing it far out into the stream. + </p> + <p> + “Why should you disguise yourself like a woman?” he asked with + a harsh guffaw—“Show Maskull your face. Perhaps he has seen it + somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + Gangnet did remind Maskull of someone, but he could not say of whom. His + dark hair curled down to his neck, his brow was wide, lofty, and noble, + and there was an air of serious sweetness about the whole man that was + strangely appealing to the feelings. + </p> + <p> + “Let Maskull judge,” he said with proud composure, “whether + I have anything to be ashamed of.” + </p> + <p> + “There can be nothing but magnificent thoughts in that head,” + muttered Maskull, staring hard at him. + </p> + <p> + “A capital valuation. Gangnet is the king of poets. But what happens + when poets try to carry through practical enterprises?” + </p> + <p> + “What enterprises?” asked Maskull, in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “What have you got on hand, Gangnet? Tell Maskull.” + </p> + <p> + “There are two forms of practical activity,” replied Gangnet + calmly. “One may either build up, or destroy.” + </p> + <p> + “No, there’s a third species. One may steal—and not even + know one is stealing. One may take the purse and leave the money.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull raised his eyebrows. “Where have you two met before?” + </p> + <p> + “I’m paying Gangnet a visit today, Maskull, but once upon a + time Gangnet paid me a visit.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” + </p> + <p> + “In my home—whatever that is. Gangnet is a common thief.” + </p> + <p> + “You are speaking in riddles, and I don’t understand you. I + don’t know either of you, but it’s clear that if Gangnet is a + poet, you’re a buffoon. Must you go on talking? I want to be quiet.” + </p> + <p> + Krag laughed, but said no more. Presently he lay down at full length, with + his face to the sun, and in a few minutes was fast asleep, and snoring + disagreeably. Maskull kept glancing over at his yellow, repulsive face + with strong disfavour. + </p> + <p> + Two hours passed. The land on either side was more than a mile distant. In + front of them there was no land at all. Behind them, the Lichstorm + Mountains were blotted out from view by a haze that had gathered together. + The sky ahead, just above the horizon, began to be of a strange colour. It + was an intense jale-blue. The whole northern atmosphere was stained with + ulfire. + </p> + <p> + Maskull’s mind grew disturbed. “Alppain is rising, Gangnet.” + </p> + <p> + Gangnet smiled wistfully. “It begins to trouble you?” + </p> + <p> + “It is so solemn—tragical, almost—yet it recalls me to + Earth. Life was no longer important—but this is important.” + </p> + <p> + “Daylight is night to this other daylight. Within half an hour you + will be like a man who has stepped from a dark forest into the open day. + Then you will ask yourself how you could have been blind.” + </p> + <p> + The two men went on watching the blue sunrise. The entire sky in the + north, halfway up to the zenith, was streaked with extraordinary colours, + among which jale and dolm predominated. Just as the principal character of + an ordinary dawn is <i>mystery</i>, the outstanding character of this dawn + was wildness. It did not baffle the understanding, but the heart. Maskull + felt no inarticulate craving to seize and perpetuate the sunrise, and make + it his own. Instead of that, it agitated and tormented him, like the + opening bars of a supernatural symphony. + </p> + <p> + When he looked back to the south, Branchspell’s day had lost its + glare, and he could gaze at the immense white sun without flinching. He + instinctively turned to the north again, as one turns from darkness to + light. + </p> + <p> + “If those were Crystalman’s thoughts that you showed me + before, Gangnet, these must be his feelings. I mean it literally. What I + am feeling now, he must have felt before me.” + </p> + <p> + “He is all <i>feeling</i>, Maskull—don’t you understand + that?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull was feeding greedily on the spectacle before him; he did not + reply. His face was set like a rock, but his eyes were dim with the + beginning of tears. The sky blazed deeper and deeper; it was obvious that + Alppain was about to lift itself above the sea. The island had by this + time floated past the mouth of the estuary. On three sides they were + surrounded by water. The haze crept up behind them and shut out all sight + of land. Krag was still sleeping—an ugly, wrinkled monstrosity. + </p> + <p> + Maskull looked over the side at the flowing water. It had lost its dark + green colour, and was now of a perfect crystal transparency. + </p> + <p> + “Are we already on the Ocean, Gangnet?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then nothing remains except my death.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t think of death, but life.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s growing brighter—at the same time, more sombre. + Krag seems to be fading away....” + </p> + <p> + “There is Alppain!” said Gangnet, touching his arm. + </p> + <p> + The deep, glowing disk of the blue sun peeped above the sea. Maskull was + struck to silence. He was hardly so much looking, as feeling. His emotions + were unutterable. His soul seemed too strong for his body. The great blue + orb rose rapidly out of the water, like an awful eye watching him.... it + shot above the sea with a bound, and Alppain’s day commenced. + </p> + <p> + “What do you feel?” Gangnet still held his arm. + </p> + <p> + “I have set myself against the Infinite,” muttered Maskull. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly his chaos of passions sprang together, and a wonderful idea swept + through his whole being, accompanied by the intensest joy. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Gangnet—I am <i>nothing</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “No, you are nothing.” + </p> + <p> + The mist closed in all around them. Nothing was visible except the two + suns, and a few feet of sea. The shadows of the three men cast by Alppain + were not black, but were composed of white daylight. + </p> + <p> + “Then nothing can hurt me,” said Maskull with a peculiar + smile. + </p> + <p> + Gangnet smiled too. “How could it?” + </p> + <p> + “I have lost my will; I feel as if some foul tumour had been scraped + away, leaving me clean and free.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you now understand life, Maskull?” + </p> + <p> + Gangnet’s face was transfigured with an extraordinary spiritual + beauty; he looked as if he had descended from heaven. + </p> + <p> + “I understand nothing, except that I have no self any more. But this + <i>is</i> life.” + </p> + <p> + “Is Gangnet expatiating on his famous blue sun?” said a + jeering voice above them. Looking up, they saw that Krag had got to his + feet. + </p> + <p> + They both rose. At the same moment the gathering mist began to obscure + Alppain’s disk, changing it from blue to a vivid jale. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with us, Krag?” asked Maskull with simple + composure. + </p> + <p> + Krag looked at him strangely for a few seconds. The water lapped around + them. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you comprehend, Maskull, that your death has arrived?” + </p> + <p> + Maskull made no response. Krag rested an arm lightly on his shoulder, and + suddenly he felt sick and faint. He sank to the ground, near the edge of + the island raft. His heart was thumping heavily and queerly; its beating + reminded him of the drum taps. He gazed languidly at the rippling water, + and it seemed to him as if he could see right <i>through</i> it... away, + away down... to a strange fire.... + </p> + <p> + The water disappeared. The two suns were extinguished. The island was + transformed into a cloud, and Maskull—alone on it—was floating + through the atmosphere.... Down below, it was all fire—the fire of + Muspel. The light mounted higher and higher, until it filled the whole + world.... + </p> + <p> + He floated toward an immense perpendicular cliff of black rock, without + top or bottom. Halfway up it Krag, suspended in midair, was dealing + terrific blows at a blood-red spot with a huge hammer. The rhythmical, + clanging sounds were hideous. + </p> + <p> + Presently Maskull made out that these sounds were the familiar drum beats. + “What are you doing, Krag?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Krag suspended his work, and turned around. + </p> + <p> + “Beating on your heart, Maskull,” was his grinning response. +</p> +<hr /> + <p> + The cliff and Krag vanished. Maskull saw Gangnet struggling in the air—but + it was not Gangnet—it was Crystalman. He seemed to be trying to + escape from the Muspel-fire, which kept surrounding and licking him, + whichever way he turned. He was screaming.... The fire caught him. He + shrieked horribly. Maskull caught one glimpse of a vulgar, slobbering face—and + then that too disappeared. + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + He opened his eyes. The floating island was still faintly illuminated by + Alppain. Krag was standing by his side, but Gangnet was no longer there. + </p> + <p> + “What is this Ocean called?” asked Maskull, bringing out the + words with difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “Surtur’s Ocean.” + </p> + <p> + Maskull nodded, and kept quiet for some time. He rested his face on his + arm. “Where’s Nightspore?” he asked suddenly. + </p> + <p> + Krag bent over him with a grave expression. “You are Nightspore.” + </p> + <p> + The dying man closed his eyes, and smiled. + </p> + <p> + Opening them again, a few moments later, with an effort, he murmured, + “Who are you?” + </p> + <p> + Krag maintained a gloomy silence. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterward a frightful pang passed through Maskull’s heart, + and he died immediately. + </p> + <p> + Krag turned his head around. “The night is really past at last, + Nightspore.... The day is here.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore gazed long and earnestly at Maskull’s body. “Why + was all this necessary?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask Crystalman,” replied Krag sternly. “His world is no + joke. He has a strong clutch—but I have a stronger... Maskull was + his, but Nightspore is mine.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter 21. MUSPEL + </h2> + <p> + The fog thickened so that the two suns wholly disappeared, and all grew as + black as night. Nightspore could no longer see his companion. The water + lapped gently against the side of the island raft. + </p> + <p> + “You say the night is past,” said Nightspore. “But the + night is still here. Am I dead, or alive?” + </p> + <p> + “You are still in Crystalman’s world, but you belong to it no + more. We are approaching Muspel.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore felt a strong, silent throbbing of the air—a rhythmical + pulsation, in four-four time. “There is the drumming,” he + exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Do you understand it, or have you forgotten?” + </p> + <p> + “I half understand it, but I’m all confused.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s evident Crystalman has dug his claws into you pretty + deeply,” said Krag. “The sound comes from Muspel, but the + rhythm is caused by its travelling through Crystalman’s atmosphere. + His nature is rhythm as he loves to call it—or dull, deadly + repetition, as I name it.” + </p> + <p> + “I remember,” said Nightspore, biting his nails in the dark. + </p> + <p> + The throbbing became audible; it now sounded like a distant drum. A small + patch of strange light in the far distance, straight ahead of them, began + faintly to illuminate the floating island and the glassy sea around it. + </p> + <p> + “Do all men escape from that ghastly world, or only I, and a few + like me?” asked Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + “If all escaped, I shouldn’t sweat, my friend... There’s + hard work, and anguish, and the risk of total death, waiting for us + yonder.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore’s heart sank. “Have I not yet finished, then?” + </p> + <p> + “If you wish it. You have got through. But will you wish it?” + </p> + <p> + The drumming grew loud and painful. The light resolved itself into a tiny + oblong of mysterious brightness in a huge wall of night. Krag’s grim + and rocklike features were revealed. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t face rebirth,” said Nightspore. “The + horror of death is nothing to it.” + </p> + <p> + “You will choose.” + </p> + <p> + “I can do nothing. Crystalman is too powerful. I barely escaped with + my own soul.” + </p> + <p> + “You are still stupid with Earth fumes, and see nothing straight,” + said Krag. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore made no reply, but seemed to be trying to recall something. The + water around them was so still, colourless, and transparent, that they + scarcely seemed to be borne up by liquid matter at all. Maskull’s + corpse had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The drumming was now like the clanging of iron. The oblong patch of light + grew much bigger; it burned, fierce and wild. The darkness above, below, + and on either side of it, began to shape itself into the semblance of a + huge, black wall, without bounds. + </p> + <p> + “Is that really a wall we are coming to?” + </p> + <p> + “You will soon find out. What you see is Muspel, and that light is + the gate you have to enter.” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore’s heart beat wildly. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I remember?” he muttered. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you’ll remember.” + </p> + <p> + “Accompany me, Krag, or I shall be lost.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing for me to do in there. I shall wait outside for + you.” + </p> + <p> + “You are returning to the struggle?” demanded Nightspore, + gnawing his fingertips. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare not.” + </p> + <p> + The thunderous clangor of the rhythmical beats struck on his head like + actual blows. The light glared so vividly that he was no longer able to + look at it. It had the startling irregularity of continuous lightning, but + it possessed this further peculiarity—that it seemed somehow to give + out not actual light, but emotion, seen as light. They continued to + approach the wall of darkness, straight toward the door. The glasslike + water flowed right against it, its surface reaching up almost to the + threshold. + </p> + <p> + They could not speak any more; the noise was too deafening. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes they were before the gateway. Nightspore turned his back + and hid his eyes in his two hands, but even then he was blinded by the + light. So passionate were his feelings that his body seemed to enlarge + itself. At every frightful beat of sound, he quivered violently. + </p> + <p> + The entrance was doorless. Krag jumped onto the rocky platform and pulled + Nightspore after him. + </p> + <p> + Once through the gateway, the light vanished. The rhythmical sound—blows + totally ceased. Nightspore dropped his hands.... All was dark and quiet as + an opened tomb. But the air was filled with grim, burning passion, which + was to light and sound what light itself is to opaque colour. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore pressed his hand to his heart. “I don’t know if I + can endure it,” he said, looking toward Krag. He <i>felt</i> his + person far more vividly and distinctly than if he had been able to see + him. + </p> + <p> + “Go in, and lose no time, Nightspore.... Time here is more precious + than on earth. We can’t squander the minutes. There are terrible and + tragic affairs to attend to, which won’t wait for us... Go in at + once. Stop for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Where shall I go to?” muttered Nightspore. “I have + forgotten everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Enter, enter! There is only one way. You can’t mistake it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you bid me go in, if I am to come out again?” + </p> + <p> + “To have your wounds healed.” + </p> + <p> + Almost before the words had left his mouth, Krag sprang back on to the + island raft. Nightspore involuntarily started after him, but at once + recovered himself and remained standing where he was. Krag was completely + invisible; everything outside was black night. + </p> + <p> + The moment he had gone, a feeling shot up in Nightspore’s heart like + a thousand trumpets. + </p> +<hr /> + <p> + Straight in front of him, almost at his feet, was the lower end of a + steep, narrow, circular flight of stone steps. There was no other way + forward. + </p> + <p> + He put his foot on the bottom stair, at the same time peering aloft. He + saw nothing, yet as he proceeded upward every inch of the way was + perceptible to his inner feelings. The staircase was cold, dismal, and + deserted, but it seemed to him, in his exaltation of soul, like a ladder + to heaven. + </p> + <p> + After he had mounted a dozen steps or so, he paused to take breath. Each + step was increasingly difficult to ascend; he felt as though he were + carrying a heavy man on his shoulders. It struck a familiar chord in his + mind. He went on and, ten stairs higher up, came to a window set in a high + embrasure. + </p> + <p> + On to this he clambered, and looked through. The window was of a sort of + glass, but he could see nothing. Coming to him, however, from the world + outside, a disturbance of the atmosphere struck his senses, causing his + blood to run cold. At one moment it resembled a low, mocking, vulgar + laugh, travelling from the ends of the earth; at the next it was like a + rhythmical vibration of the air—the silent, continuous throbbing of + some mighty engine. The two sensations were identical, yet different. They + seemed to be related in the same manner as soul and body. After feeling + them for a long time, Nightspore got down from the embrasure, and + continued his ascent, having meanwhile grown very serious. + </p> + <p> + The climbing became still more laborious, and he was forced to stop at + every third or fourth step, to rest his muscles and regain breath. When he + had mounted another twenty stairs in this way, he came to a second window. + Again he saw nothing. The laughing disturbance of the air, too, had + ceased; but the atmospheric throb was now twice as distinct as before, and + its rhythm had become <i>double</i>. There were two separate pulses; one was in + the time of a march, the other in the time of a waltz. The first was + bitter and petrifying to feel, but the second was gay, enervating, and + horrible. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore spent little time at that window, for he felt that he was on + the eve of a great discovery, and that something far more important + awaited him higher up. He proceeded aloft. The ascent grew more and more + exhausting, so much so that he had frequently to sit down, utterly crushed + by his own dead weight. Still, he got to the third window. + </p> + <p> + He climbed into the embrasure. His feelings translated themselves into + vision, and he saw a sight that caused him to turn pale. A gigantic, + self-luminous sphere was hanging in the sky, occupying nearly the whole of + it. This sphere was composed entirely of two kinds of active beings. There + were a myriad of tiny green corpuscles, varying in size from the very + small to the almost indiscernible. They were not green, but he somehow saw + them so. They were all striving in one direction—toward himself, + toward Muspel, but were too feeble and miniature to make any headway. + Their action produced the marching rhythm he had previously felt, but this + rhythm was not intrinsic in the corpuscles themselves, but was a + consequence of the obstruction they met with. And, surrounding these atoms + of life and light, were far larger whirls of white light that gyrated + hither and thither, carrying the green corpuscles with them wherever they + desired. Their whirling motion was accompanied by the waltzing rhythm. It + seemed to Nightspore that the green atoms were not only being danced about + against their will but were suffering excruciating shame and degradation + in consequence. The larger ones were steadier than the extremely small, a + few were even almost stationary, and one was advancing in the direction it + wished to go. + </p> + <p> + He turned his back to the window, buried his face in his hands, and + searched in the dim recesses of his memory for an explanation of what he + had just seen. Nothing came straight, but horror and wrath began to take + possession of him. + </p> + <p> + On his way upward to the next window, invisible fingers seemed to him to + be squeezing his heart and twisting it about here and there; but he never + dreamed of turning back. His mood was so grim that he did not once permit + himself to pause. Such was his physical distress by the time that he had + clambered into the recess, that for several minutes he could see nothing + at all—the world seemed to be spinning round him rapidly. + </p> + <p> + When at last he looked, he saw the same sphere as before, but now all was + changed on it. It was a world of rocks, minerals, water, plants, animals, + and men. He saw the whole world at one view, yet everything was so + magnified that he could distinguish the smallest details of life. In the + interior of every individual, of every aggregate of individuals, of every + chemical atom, he clearly perceived the presence of the green corpuscles. + But, according to the degree of dignity of the life form, they were + fragmentary or comparatively large. In the crystal, for example, the + green, imprisoned life was so minute as to be scarcely visible; in some + men it was hardly bigger; but in other men and women it was twenty or a + hundred times greater. But, great or small, it played an important part in + every individual. It appeared as if the whirls of white light, which were + the individuals, and plainly showed themselves beneath the enveloping + bodies, were delighted with existence and wished only to enjoy it, but the + green corpuscles were in a condition of eternal discontent, yet, blind and + not knowing which way to turn for liberation, kept changing form, as + though breaking a new path, by way of experiment. Whenever the old + grotesque became metamorphosed into the new grotesque, it was in every + case the direct work of the green atoms, trying to escape toward Muspel, + but encountering immediate opposition. These subdivided sparks of living, + fiery spirit were hopelessly imprisoned in a ghastly mush of soft + pleasure. They were being effeminated and corrupted—that is to say, + <i>absorbed</i> in the foul, sickly enveloping forms. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore felt a sickening shame in his soul as he looked on at that + spectacle. His exaltation had long since vanished. He bit his nails, and + understood why Krag was waiting for him below. + </p> + <p> + He mounted slowly to the fifth window. The pressure of air against him was + as strong as a full gale, divested of violence and irregularity, so that + he was not for an instant suffered to relax his efforts. Nevertheless, not + a breath stirred. + </p> + <p> + Looking through the window, he was startled by a new sight. The sphere was + still there, but between it and the Muspel-world in which he was standing + he perceived a dim, vast shadow, without any distinguishable shape, but + somehow throwing out a scent of disgusting sweetness. Nightspore knew that + it was Crystalman. A flood of fierce light—but it was not light, but + passion—was streaming all the time from Muspel to the Shadow, and + through it. When, however, it emerged on the other side, which was the + sphere, the light was altered in character. It became split, as by a + prism, into the two forms of life which he had previously seen—the + green corpuscles and the whirls. What had been fiery spirit but a moment + ago was now a disgusting mass of crawling, wriggling individuals, each + whirl of pleasure-seeking will having, as nucleus, a fragmentary spark of + living green fire. Nightspore recollected the back rays of Starkness, and + it flashed across him with the certainty of truth that the green sparks + were the back rays, and the whirls the forward rays, of Muspel. The former + were trying desperately to return to their place of origin, but were + overpowered by the brute force of the latter, which wished only to remain + where they were. The individual whirls were jostling and fighting with, + and even devouring, each other. This created pain, but, whatever pain they + felt, it was always pleasure that they sought. Sometimes the green sparks + were strong enough for a moment to move a little way in the direction of + Muspel; the whirls would then accept the movement, not only without demur, + but with pride and pleasure, as if it were their own handiwork—but + they never saw beyond the Shadow, they thought that they were travelling + toward <i>it</i>. The instant the direct movement wearied them, as + contrary to their whirling nature, they fell again to killing, dancing, + and loving. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore had a foreknowledge that the sixth window would prove to be the + last. Nothing would have kept him from ascending to it, for he guessed + that the nature of Crystalman himself would there become manifest. Every + step upward was like a bloody life-and-death struggle. The stairs nailed + him to the ground; the air pressure caused blood to gush from his nose and + ears; his head clanged like an iron bell. When he had fought his way up a + dozen steps, he found himself suddenly at the top; the staircase + terminated in a small, bare chamber of cold stone, possessing a single + window. On the other side of the apartment another short flight of stairs + mounted through a trap, apparently to the roof of the building. Before + ascending these stairs, Nightspore hastened to the window and stared out. + </p> + <p> + The shadow form of Crystalman had drawn much closer to him, and filled the + whole sky, but it was not a shadow of darkness, but a bright shadow. It + had neither shape, nor colour, yet it in some way suggested the delicate + tints of early morning. It was so nebulous that the sphere could be + clearly distinguished through it; in extension, however, it was thick. The + sweet smell emanating from it was strong, loathsome, and terrible; it + seemed to spring from a sort of loose, mocking slime inexpressibly vulgar + and ignorant. + </p> + <p> + The spirit stream from Muspel flashed with complexity and variety. It was + not below individuality, but above it. It was not the One, or the Many, + but something else far beyond either. It approached Crystalman, and + entered his body—if that bright mist could be called a body. It + passed right through him, and the passage caused him the most exquisite + pleasure. <i>The Muspel-stream was Crystalman’s food</i>. The stream + emerged from the other side on to the sphere, in a double condition. Part + of it reappeared intrinsically unaltered, but shivered into a million + fragments. These were the green corpuscles. In passing through Crystalman + they had escaped absorption by reason of their extreme minuteness. The + other part of the stream had not escaped. Its fire had been abstracted, + its cement was withdrawn, and, after being fouled and softened by the + horrible sweetness of the host, it broke into individuals, which <i>were</i> + the whirls of living will. + </p> + <p> + Nightspore shuddered. He comprehended at last how the whole world of will + was doomed to eternal anguish in order that one Being might feel joy. + </p> + <p> + Presently he set foot on the final flight leading to the roof; for he + remembered vaguely that now only that remained. + </p> + <p> + Halfway up, he fainted—but when he recovered consciousness he + persisted as though nothing had happened to him. As soon as his head was + above the trap, breathing the free air, he had the same physical sensation + as a man stepping out of water. He pulled his body up, and stood + expectantly on the stone-floored roof, looking round for his first glimpse + of Muspel. + </p> + <p> + <i>There was nothing</i>. + </p> + <p> + He was standing upon the top of a tower, measuring not above fifteen feet + each way. Darkness was all around him. He sat down on the stone parapet, + with a sinking heart; a heavy foreboding possessed him. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, without seeing or hearing anything, he had the distinct + impression that the darkness around him, on all four sides, was + grinning.... As soon as that happened, he understood that he was wholly + surrounded by Crystalman’s world, and that Muspel consisted of + himself and the stone tower on which he was sitting. + </p> + <p> + Fire flashed in his heart.... Millions upon millions of grotesque, vulgar, + ridiculous, sweetened individuals—once <i>Spirit</i>—were + calling out from their degradation and agony for salvation from Muspel.... + To answer that cry there was only himself... and Krag waiting below... and + Surtur—But where was Surtur? + </p> + <p> + The truth forced itself on him in all its cold, brutal reality. Muspel was + no all-powerful Universe, tolerating from pure indifference the existence + side by side with it of another false world, which had no right to be. + Muspel was fighting for its life—against all that is most shameful + and frightful—against sin masquerading as eternal beauty, against + baseness masquerading as Nature, against the Devil masquerading as God.... + </p> + <p> + Now he understood everything. The moral combat was no mock one, no + Valhalla, where warriors are cut to pieces by day and feast by night; but + a grim death struggle in which what is worse than death—namely, + spiritual death—inevitably awaited the vanquished of Muspel.... By + what means could he hold back from this horrible war! + </p> + <p> + During those moments of anguish, all thoughts of Self—the corruption + of his life on Earth—were scorched out of Nightspore’s soul, + perhaps not for the first time. + </p> + <p> + After sitting a long time, he prepared to descend. Without warning, a + strange, wailing cry swept over the face of the world. Starting in awful + mystery, it ended with such a note of low and sordid mockery that he could + not doubt for a moment whence it originated. It was the voice of + Crystalman. +</p> +<hr /> + <p> +Krag was waiting for him on the island raft. He threw a stern + glance at Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + “Have you seen everything?” + </p> + <p> + “The struggle is hopeless,” muttered Nightspore. + </p> + <p> + “Did I not say I am the stronger?” + </p> + <p> + “You may be the stronger, but he is the mightier.” + </p> + <p> + “I am the stronger and the mightier. Crystalman’s Empire is + but a shadow on the face of Muspel. But nothing will be done without the + bloodiest blows.... What do you mean to do?” + </p> + <p> + Nightspore looked at him strangely. “Are you not Surtur, Krag?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Nightspore in a slow voice, without surprise. + “But what is your name on Earth?” + </p> + <p> + “It is pain.” + </p> + <p> + “That, too, I must have known.” + </p> + <p> + He was silent for a few minutes; then he stepped quietly onto the raft. + Krag pushed off, and they proceeded into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1329 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |