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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4b9e440 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #65690 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65690) diff --git a/old/65690-0.txt b/old/65690-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 8736dfa..0000000 --- a/old/65690-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,949 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Lair of the Dragonbird, by Robert Silverberg - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Lair of the Dragonbird - -Author: Robert Silverberg - -Release Date: June 24, 2021 [eBook #65690] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LAIR OF THE DRAGONBIRD *** - - - - - LAIR OF THE DRAGONBIRD - - By Robert Silverberg - - Nobody on Venus knew if the dragonbird - was flesh and blood or a robot. But one thing - was certain--some men would kill to find out! - - [Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from - Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy - December 1956 - Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that - the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] - - -Dan Elliot sat in the muggy gloom of the Vestend Bar on the outskirts -of Venus City, and grinned at his reflection in the mottled mirror. - -"Congratulations," he said to himself. "You are now the owner of the -_Space Needle II_." - -It had taken him five years, but it was worth it. The insurance money -from the crashed _Space Needle_ had just barely covered the down -payment on the new ship, and it had taken five years to pay for the -rest of it. - -But now--the ship was his. And he was celebrating. The only trouble was -the final payment had nearly left him penniless, and the only place he -could afford to bend an elbow was a dive like the Vestend. - -Suddenly someone lurched against his back, and the drink in his hand -slopped over the bar. - -"Why don't you watch what you're doin' buddy?" a harsh voice said. - -Elliot turned around. "I didn't--" - -"Oh, a wise guy, eh?" - -Customers began to draw around the bickering duo. Elliot sized up his -antagonist--a burly, nondescript man with a seam running down from one -ear to his chin. - -"I'm not looking for trouble," Elliot said. "But if--" - -A fist erupted from nowhere and sent him spinning back against the bar. -He elbowed up and drove a punch into the burly man's stomach, followed -with a ringing blow to the jaw. The other staggered-- - -And a third entered the brawl. Elliot felt a punch rake across his -face, blocked a kick aimed for his groin, and barrelled across the -room, striking out angrily at his assailants. By now the room was -filled with moving, cursing, gesticulating men, while the bartender -ducked to safety. - -Elliot plunged through the mob and found the man who had struck him the -first time. He seized him by the collar and drove him to the floor, -just as someone yelled, "Watch that table!" - -He turned--not nearly in time. The flying table caught the back of his -head with a sickening _thunk_, and he dropped unconscious to the floor. - -A cold rag splashed wetly on his face, and a heavy voice said: "Bring -him out of it. He's not badly hurt." - - * * * * * - -Elliot opened his eyes slowly. He was no longer in the Vestend, but in -a large, well-decorated office. Behind a gleaming-surfaced desk sat a -short, fat man with jowls that jiggled as he spoke, and standing to -his left was a brawny, not-too-intelligent-looking man with a heavy -spacetan. - -"How do you feel, Mr. Elliot?" the fat man asked. - -"All right, I guess." He rubbed the back of his head. "What happened?" - -"You got in a fight. Fortunately Sam, here, got you out." - -Elliot looked at his benefactor. "Thanks, pal." - -Sam shrugged morosely. - -The fat man steepled his fingers and leaned forward solicitously. "Tell -me--aren't you the Daniel Elliot who cracked up a spaceship in the -jungles five years ago?" - -"That's me," Elliot said. - -The fat man nodded. "Mr. Elliot, I understand that you were near -the Venusian Temple of Light--that you actually saw the Dragonbird -with your own eyes. Can you tell me if the thing is a robot or is it -actually alive?" - -Elliot grinned. He had seen the fabulous bird from the jungle, hidden -from the Venusian priests who worshipped it, but even at a distance he -could tell the thing was alive. No robot could have moved with such -sinuous grace. "It's real," he said. - -The fat man smiled unpleasantly. "I had hoped so, Mr. Elliot. I want -that bird. You're the only one who can lead me to it." - -Elliot rose to his feet and glared at the fat man. "Not me, mister. -I don't like the jungle--and I don't like the idea of taking the -Venusian's pet god, either." - -The fat man's eyes grew hard. "Do you know who I am?" - -Elliot shook his head. It was a mistake; his neck was still sore from -the clobbering earlier, and the pain made him wince. - -"You're talking to Housten Blayne," Sam said. - -Elliot stared silently. He knew Housten Blayne. Blayne was the Venusian -Commissioner for the Interplanetary Trade Board. - -"You were in a brawl in a tavern, Mr. Elliot," said Blayne mildly. "I -could revoke your pilot's papers for that. It might even appear that -you were--ah--intoxicated when you smashed up the _Space Needle_. -Naturally we couldn't let you take off in the _Space Needle II_, could -we?" - -Elliot saw the picture then. The fight in the bar had been staged. -Blayne had shrewdly framed him in order to get him to lead him to the -Dragonbird. And the fat man could do everything he said he would. -Elliot was in his pocket. - -"All right, Blayne," Elliot said stiffly. "When do we start?" - -"Tuesday," Blayne said. "And I'd better warn you, Elliot, that we must -protect each other. If I don't come back from this trip, certain papers -in my safe would make things very difficult for you. If we make it, -however, you will be well paid." - -"What does that mean?" - -Blayne smiled. "I believe ten thousand credits will be sufficient. That -is, of course, if we actually _get_ the Dragonbird." - - * * * * * - -They started the next day from North Venus City, Blayne and Elliot. Sam -followed them as far as the boundary line, then waved and turned back. - -The first few days of the journey weren't too bad. The little jeep -went over the mossy undergrowth almost as though a road had been built -for it. It was, Elliot reflected, a hell of a lot better way to travel -than slogging through the Venusian jungle on foot. In four days, they -covered the same ground that had taken Elliot five weeks when he'd -cracked up his ship several hundred miles to the south. - -At night, the two men took shifts, one of them sleeping in the rear -of the jeep and the other standing guard, keeping his eyes peeled -for predators. Here Elliot encountered a temptation that was almost -overpowering. - -It happened the first night, while Blayne slept. Elliot paced slowly -back and forth, on the lookout. Half an hour before his watch was -due to end, he heard a faint chittering sound coming from one of the -swaying whip-trees overhead. - -He glanced up, and swore. One of the grapefruit-sized purple Venusian -spiders was lowering itself stealthily from the overhead branches on -thick, sticky strands of web. It hovered some eight feet above Blayne's -face--the fat, grubby face that looked evil even in sleep. - -Elliot felt perspiration bursting out on himself. It would be so easy -just to let the spider descend, to crawl on Blayne's ugly face, to -inject its venom-- - -No. He fought the temptation, and drew his blaster. A bright spurt of -golden flame split the night, and the spider withered on its web. - -Blayne was awake in an instant. "What was that?" - -"I've just saved your worthless life," Elliot said tonelessly. "Spider. -Came out of the tree. Go back to sleep; you're not on duty for another -half-hour." - -Blayne shuddered, rolled over--and went back to sleep. - -During the day, Elliot drove. They moved further and further into the -tangle of foliage that was the Venusian jungle, while the gray clump of -buildings that was Venus City receded dimly behind them. - -It was hot in the jungle, hot and moist. Elliot's hair plastered -itself to his forehead, sweat trickled into his eyes, steam fogged the -windshield. After a while, he brought the jeep to a halt. - -Blayne wiped sweat from his wobbling chins and looked up. "What's going -on?" - -"You drive," Elliot said. "I'm bushed." - -"No," Blayne said. "You're doing the driving in this outfit. That's -your job--that's what I've hired you for. Get going. Now!" - -Elliot started the jeep up again. He'd been in low straits before, but -this was about the depth in degradation. He had never hated anyone -quite so deeply as he did Blayne--and had never been in so poor a -position to do anything about it. - -Pressure began to build up in him. He was a trained rocket pilot, a man -with skilled reflexes and an essential job. Somehow he'd slipped--and -it had landed him smack under Blayne's thumb. It wasn't an easy pill -to swallow. He would cheerfully have killed the fat man--except that -he knew he'd never fly a spaceship again if he returned to Venus City -without the Commissioner. Blayne had him tied up six ways from Sunday, -and it would do no good to strain at the bonds. - - * * * * * - -On the evening of the fourth day, disaster struck. The jeep was -bouncing over the mossy path between the great slime-covered trees -when, quite suddenly, Elliot spied something rope-like slithering down -a vine directly in the path of the car. - -"_Snake!_" he yelled, and jerked the wheel to one side. The jeep -swerved. - -"Watch what you're doing!" Blayne growled. But it was too late. The -right wheel hit a hidden rock, and the vehicle turned over on its side -with a rending crash. - -Elliot was dazed, but he knew he still had to act fast. He sprang from -the overturned jeep, with Blayne behind him. The tree-snake that had -caused him to swerve was still coming toward them, its white fangs -dripping venom. - -It sprang forward to strike, but Elliot's hand was faster. He closed -his fingers savagely around the reptile's neck. He held the head at -arm's length. - -The snake's twelve-foot body whipped around Elliot's throat and chest, -pinning one arm to his side. The rocket pilot felt the dry, loathsome -odor of the reptile drifting into his nostrils, and retched. He gasped -for air and tightened his fingers on the snake's throat, drawing his -hand together as closely as he could. It was a question of which one -would hold out longer. - -Elliot's eyes began to dim. What the hell was that fat fool Blayne -doing? - -"_Blayne!_" he shouted. - -But Blayne didn't answer. With one desperate surge of power, Elliot -clamped his fingers even tighter. - -Something snapped. The snake gave one convulsive shudder and dropped -its lifeless coils from Elliot's body. He stood up, quivering with -tension. - -As the snake hit the ground, a pencil beam seared the air, burning its -head off. "That's that," Housten Blayne said in relief. - -Elliot whirled to face him. "Why the devil did you stand there? It -could have killed me. Why didn't you use your knife?" - -Blayne shrugged. "You were doing all right. Now do something about the -car, will you?" - -Elliot repressed a vivid curse and turned away. The sight of Blayne -sickened him, and he wished there were some way of exacting the revenge -Blayne merited without forfeiting the cash for the trip. There wasn't. - -He bent and examined the car. "The front axle's broken," he said, -after a moment's scrutiny. "There's nothing much we can do about it out -here." - -"Nothing?" - -"Not unless you want to lash it together with some twigs," Elliot said -acidly. - -"We can't turn back now," Blayne said. "Start loading your pack. We'll -walk the rest of the way. The Dragonbird's lair can't be too far off." - -The bright glow of lust was shining in the fat man's eyes. Elliot -stared at him for a moment, then began packing. - - * * * * * - -A day later, they arrived at the banks of the Khathyl River, a -swirling, slow-moving, wide stream that wound lazily through most of -the continent. - -Elliot and Blayne kept out of sight in the brush. - -"Look out there," Elliot said. He pointed at an island a hundred yards -off shore. - -"What's out that way?" Blayne asked. - -"That's the temple. See the big white building? The natives never come -to this side of the river, by the way--the hunting's better over there." - -"Give me the glasses," Blayne whispered. - -Elliot handed the binoculars over and the fat man stared hungrily at -the island. - -"See anything?" - -"Just natives," Blayne said. He handed back the glasses and Elliot -looked at the little knots of mauve-skinned natives here and there on -the island. - -"Don't they have any guards?" - -Elliot shook his head. "No. They stick to their belief that the -Dragonbird will protect them from any invaders." - -"Good," Blayne said. "So much the simpler for us. When do we get -moving?" - -Elliot glanced at the man at his side, saw the desire on Blayne's face, -the greed of the hunter. "Don't be impatient," he said. "It's almost -noon now. Keep your glasses trained on the temple. Unless they've -changed the program, the Dragonbird will make an appearance at noon." - -The minutes ticked past slowly. Blayne kept glancing at his watch and -looking eagerly out across the water toward the island. - -At the instant the second-hand of the watch brushed past the "12," -there was a sudden boom, as of a huge kettledrum, and the sound -reverberated hollowly out over the river. A group of natives, carrying -a dark-hued animal the size of a small sheep, marched in orderly -procession toward the temple. They laid the animal on an altar before -the door. - -Another muffled boom followed. - -"Here it comes," Elliot murmured. - -The natives stepped back reverently, and the doors of the temple slowly -swung outward. - -The Dragonbird appeared. - -Blayne's astonished gasp was so loud that Elliot looked around -apprehensively. "It's _beautiful_," the fat man exclaimed. "More lovely -than I'd ever dreamed." - -"It is," Elliot said grimly. He took the glasses from Blayne's -trembling fingers and focused them on the island. - -The Dragonbird was walking with dignity across the little square -before the altar. It stood almost the height of a man, half-bird, -half-reptile, walking on powerful claws tipped with diamond-sharp, -gleaming talons. The brilliant sunlight glinted off its metallic -feathers, played over its shining plumage, lent brightness to the -shimmering row of scales that covered its long, swan-like neck. - -"Give me back the glasses," Blayne said. He snatched them and stared. -"My God, what a beauty! He'll make a perfect trophy!" - -"_Trophy?_" Elliot recoiled in amazement. "Trophy! I thought you were -going to capture it." - -"Don't be a fool! How could we take a live bird the size of that one -back through the jungle? We'd need a cage of chrome steel. No, I'm -going to shoot it. We can take the head and skin back--that'll be -enough." - -Elliot scowled, and felt sick. The Dragonbird--a trophy! The concept -disgusted him. He looked away, toward the island. - -The Dragonbird had begun to feed on the small animal. It was ripping -into it viciously with its talons and powerful beak. - -"It'll be easy," Blayne went on. "I'll put a bullet through the bird so -as not to ruin it, and then we'll use ray guns on the natives to get -rid of them." - -"You'll _what_?" - -"They'll never know what hit them. It's merciful that way. Lord, what a -lovely creature that is!" - -Blayne raised his rifle and took careful aim. - - * * * * * - -The rifle hung there a long moment, as Elliot watched Blayne's pudgy -finger tightening on the trigger. Then he lowered it. - -"No," he said. "I don't trust my aim. I might ruin the bird, and I'd -never forgive myself." - -He handed the gun to Elliot. Elliot took it reluctantly, feeling the -coolness of the barrel, feeling the heaviness of the stock. "_You_ -shoot it," Blayne said. - -"No I won't," Elliot retorted. "We said nothing about--" - -"That doesn't matter," said Blayne blandly. "I'm not asking you to -shoot the bird. I'm _ordering_ you to." - -Hot arrows of rage danced before Elliot's eyes. He saw the -Dragonbird--now feasting on its sacrifice--saw that beautiful, noble -head pierced by a rocketing lump of metal, pictured the smoking rifle -in his hands--and he could barely check the impulse to swing the rifle -and bash in Blayne's bloated skull. - -"I won't do it," he said. "I will not shoot that bird." - -"You're a fool, Elliot. You know that if we don't get the bird, you -don't get paid. Why don't you--" - -"_I won't do it!_" - -"Very well," said Blayne coldly. "I can't waste further time arguing -with you. The bird may go back inside the temple any minute. Give me -the gun. I'll do it myself--and I'll settle with you later." - -Silently, Elliot returned the gun to the fat man. Blayne took it, -cocked it, sighted along the barrel. A second time, his finger began to -tighten on the trigger. - -Suddenly, in a flash of bitter insight, Elliot realized he could never -live with himself again if he allowed that finger to close on the -trigger. No matter what the cost to himself, he couldn't let this fat -butcher kill one of the most beautiful things that had ever lived, -as--as a _trophy_. - -All the pent-up rage that had been building inside him since his first -meeting with Blayne exploded. Realizing exactly what the significance -of his action was, he threw up his hand and slammed it hard against the -barrel of the rifle just as Blayne fired. - -The shot cracked out, breaking the silence, and a native fell. Blayne -looked at him in astonishment. - -"You fool!" he shouted. - -The fat man leaped up, swinging the rifle around in a buzzing arc -toward Elliot. The pilot side-stepped, and the butt whistled through -the air inches above his head. Blayne, off-balance after the swing, -fell away to one side, and Elliot sprang at him. - - * * * * * - -The fat man sank to one knee under Elliot's attack, but he turned out -to be stronger than the rocket man had thought--under the coating of -fat was solid muscle. Grunting, Blayne forced himself upward and hurled -Elliot away from him. - -Livid hate sparkled in Blayne's eyes, and Elliot knew that his own face -was an angry mask. This was going to be a battle to the death, here on -the banks of this sluggish Venusian river. - -The two men circled warily around each other. Blayne swung out one -apelike arm in a tentative offensive gesture, and Elliot danced -backward. - -"You know what'll happen," Blayne shouted. "You'll rot on Venus for the -rest of your life if I don't get back!" - -"I'll take that chance, Blayne. I can't let you kill that bird." - -He put his head down and bulled into Blayne's midsection, ignoring -the rain of blows that descended on his neck and shoulders. He forced -Blayne back toward the water's edge, only to have to let go when the -other's fingers clawed into his throat. He pulled away, and Blayne's -fingers left bright red streaks on Elliot's flesh. Blood mingled with -sweat. A cloud of Venusian gnats descended on them, humming gently -around their heads. - -Blayne's fist smashed into Elliot's stomach, but the pilot shook off -the blow and landed one in the bowl of lard that cushioned the other's -intestines. Blayne coughed and stepped backward. - -Elliot leaped for him and wrapped his arms around Blayne, barely -managing to encircle the fat man's body. Then, slowly, he lifted the -struggling Blayne from the ground. - -"Here ... we ... go...." he said, as he heaved the Commissioner's bulk -upward. He got Blayne as far off the ground as he could, and started to -dash him to the ground again, when the other broke Elliot's grasp. - -Elliot let him go and he fell heavily. Instantly the pilot was upon -him, and the two rolled one over the other down the side of the bank -toward the river. Just at the river's edge, Elliot managed to check -their fall and broke loose. Blayne was on his feet again in an instant. - -Elliot's first punch crashed through Blayne's guard. The fat man reeled -backward, lost his footing, and toppled off the embankment into the -quiet water below, shouting wildly as he fell. As he struck, he shot up -a torrent of water that splashed over Elliot's feet. - -Suddenly the water was quiet no longer. There was a swirl beneath the -river's surface, and Blayne's body became the center of a tangle of -dark saurian shapes. Blayne screamed just once before the razor-sharp -teeth dragged him beneath the water. A red stain formed and drifted -slowly down the sluggish stream, and then the water was quiet once -again. - - * * * * * - -Elliot stood on the riverbank, gasping heavily as he fought to recover -his breath, and mopped away the blanket of gnats that had adhered -to him during the fight. He watched the streaks of red drifting -downstream, and knew that his own life was forfeit now for Blayne's. - -He shook his head and turned away. There was nothing else he could have -done. He started to walk slowly back away from the river. - -There was a rustling sound in the air above him. He looked up, into -the blazing sun, and a moment later was crouching in a huddled ball -on the ground. The Dragonbird was dropping gently toward him. Elliot -remembered only too well what those gleaming talons had done to the -sacrificial animal strapped to the altar. - -And then-- - -_Do not be afraid_, a calm, silent voice said. _You have done me a -great service, Daniel Elliot._ - -The Dragonbird settled lightly to the ground, and Elliot saw deep -intelligence glowing in the creature's golden eyes. It seemed almost as -if the thing could read his mind. - -_I can read your mind, Daniel Elliot_, came the telepathic reply. - -"You--you're intelligent, then?" - -There was a touch of sorrow in the mental voice as the bird said: _I -am the last of my race. We were the rulers of Venus long before your -ancestors had discovered the use of fire. But--_ - -After a pause, the bird continued. _Well, no matter. What happened does -not concern you. I permit myself to be worshipped by these natives. -They bring me food and keep me comfortable, and in return, I hypnotize -their enemies and keep their small island safe. It is a pleasant life, -and I am becoming old._ - -"How old?" Elliot asked. - -_Several thousand of your years_, the Dragonbird replied. - -"And you--" - -The Dragonbird silenced him. _No, Daniel Elliot; I do not want to -answer questions. I am solely concerned with the debt I owe you for -saving my life. This Blayne held your future in threat. I think I can -aid you and punish him doubly by foiling his plans._ - -_Don't be surprised by anything you see._ - -The Dragonbird wavered a little, and suddenly it was a bird no longer. -Standing before Elliot, fat, ugly face and all, was-- - -Housten Blayne! - -"Don't look so surprised, Elliot," came Blayne's snarling voice. "You'd -be surprised what a little high-powered hypnosis can do." - -Elliot rubbed his eyes and looked again. It was still Blayne, a smug -smile on his heavy lips. - -"I'm going to reward you," said Blayne's voice. "You and I will take -the late Mr. Blayne for every credit he's got, and we'll get those -papers out of his safe." - -"But--you mean you'll take Blayne's place?" Elliot asked, feeling as if -he were in a dream. - -"Temporarily." The fat figure of Blayne wavered and became the -Dragonbird again. - -_Get on my back, Daniel Elliot._ - -Moments later, they were soaring high in the sky, heading toward Venus -City. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LAIR OF THE DRAGONBIRD *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Lair of the Dragonbird</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Robert Silverberg</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: June 24, 2021 [eBook #65690]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LAIR OF THE DRAGONBIRD ***</div> - -<div class="titlepage"> - - -<h1>LAIR OF THE DRAGONBIRD</h1> - -<h2>By Robert Silverberg</h2> - -<p>Nobody on Venus knew if the dragonbird<br /> -was flesh and blood or a robot. But one thing<br /> -was certain—some men would kill to find out!</p> - -<p>[Transcriber's Note: This etext was produced from<br /> -Imagination Stories of Science and Fantasy<br /> -December 1956<br /> -Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that<br /> -the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p>Dan Elliot sat in the muggy gloom of the Vestend Bar on the outskirts -of Venus City, and grinned at his reflection in the mottled mirror.</p> - -<p>"Congratulations," he said to himself. "You are now the owner of the -<i>Space Needle II</i>."</p> - -<p>It had taken him five years, but it was worth it. The insurance money -from the crashed <i>Space Needle</i> had just barely covered the down -payment on the new ship, and it had taken five years to pay for the -rest of it.</p> - -<p>But now—the ship was his. And he was celebrating. The only trouble was -the final payment had nearly left him penniless, and the only place he -could afford to bend an elbow was a dive like the Vestend.</p> - -<p>Suddenly someone lurched against his back, and the drink in his hand -slopped over the bar.</p> - -<p>"Why don't you watch what you're doin' buddy?" a harsh voice said.</p> - -<p>Elliot turned around. "I didn't—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, a wise guy, eh?"</p> - -<p>Customers began to draw around the bickering duo. Elliot sized up his -antagonist—a burly, nondescript man with a seam running down from one -ear to his chin.</p> - -<p>"I'm not looking for trouble," Elliot said. "But if—"</p> - -<p>A fist erupted from nowhere and sent him spinning back against the bar. -He elbowed up and drove a punch into the burly man's stomach, followed -with a ringing blow to the jaw. The other staggered—</p> - -<p>And a third entered the brawl. Elliot felt a punch rake across his -face, blocked a kick aimed for his groin, and barrelled across the -room, striking out angrily at his assailants. By now the room was -filled with moving, cursing, gesticulating men, while the bartender -ducked to safety.</p> - -<p>Elliot plunged through the mob and found the man who had struck him the -first time. He seized him by the collar and drove him to the floor, -just as someone yelled, "Watch that table!"</p> - -<p>He turned—not nearly in time. The flying table caught the back of his -head with a sickening <i>thunk</i>, and he dropped unconscious to the floor.</p> - -<p>A cold rag splashed wetly on his face, and a heavy voice said: "Bring -him out of it. He's not badly hurt."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Elliot opened his eyes slowly. He was no longer in the Vestend, but in -a large, well-decorated office. Behind a gleaming-surfaced desk sat a -short, fat man with jowls that jiggled as he spoke, and standing to -his left was a brawny, not-too-intelligent-looking man with a heavy -spacetan.</p> - -<p>"How do you feel, Mr. Elliot?" the fat man asked.</p> - -<p>"All right, I guess." He rubbed the back of his head. "What happened?"</p> - -<p>"You got in a fight. Fortunately Sam, here, got you out."</p> - -<p>Elliot looked at his benefactor. "Thanks, pal."</p> - -<p>Sam shrugged morosely.</p> - -<p>The fat man steepled his fingers and leaned forward solicitously. "Tell -me—aren't you the Daniel Elliot who cracked up a spaceship in the -jungles five years ago?"</p> - -<p>"That's me," Elliot said.</p> - -<p>The fat man nodded. "Mr. Elliot, I understand that you were near -the Venusian Temple of Light—that you actually saw the Dragonbird -with your own eyes. Can you tell me if the thing is a robot or is it -actually alive?"</p> - -<p>Elliot grinned. He had seen the fabulous bird from the jungle, hidden -from the Venusian priests who worshipped it, but even at a distance he -could tell the thing was alive. No robot could have moved with such -sinuous grace. "It's real," he said.</p> - -<p>The fat man smiled unpleasantly. "I had hoped so, Mr. Elliot. I want -that bird. You're the only one who can lead me to it."</p> - -<p>Elliot rose to his feet and glared at the fat man. "Not me, mister. -I don't like the jungle—and I don't like the idea of taking the -Venusian's pet god, either."</p> - -<p>The fat man's eyes grew hard. "Do you know who I am?"</p> - -<p>Elliot shook his head. It was a mistake; his neck was still sore from -the clobbering earlier, and the pain made him wince.</p> - -<p>"You're talking to Housten Blayne," Sam said.</p> - -<p>Elliot stared silently. He knew Housten Blayne. Blayne was the Venusian -Commissioner for the Interplanetary Trade Board.</p> - -<p>"You were in a brawl in a tavern, Mr. Elliot," said Blayne mildly. "I -could revoke your pilot's papers for that. It might even appear that -you were—ah—intoxicated when you smashed up the <i>Space Needle</i>. -Naturally we couldn't let you take off in the <i>Space Needle II</i>, could -we?"</p> - -<p>Elliot saw the picture then. The fight in the bar had been staged. -Blayne had shrewdly framed him in order to get him to lead him to the -Dragonbird. And the fat man could do everything he said he would. -Elliot was in his pocket.</p> - -<p>"All right, Blayne," Elliot said stiffly. "When do we start?"</p> - -<p>"Tuesday," Blayne said. "And I'd better warn you, Elliot, that we must -protect each other. If I don't come back from this trip, certain papers -in my safe would make things very difficult for you. If we make it, -however, you will be well paid."</p> - -<p>"What does that mean?"</p> - -<p>Blayne smiled. "I believe ten thousand credits will be sufficient. That -is, of course, if we actually <i>get</i> the Dragonbird."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>They started the next day from North Venus City, Blayne and Elliot. Sam -followed them as far as the boundary line, then waved and turned back.</p> - -<p>The first few days of the journey weren't too bad. The little jeep -went over the mossy undergrowth almost as though a road had been built -for it. It was, Elliot reflected, a hell of a lot better way to travel -than slogging through the Venusian jungle on foot. In four days, they -covered the same ground that had taken Elliot five weeks when he'd -cracked up his ship several hundred miles to the south.</p> - -<p>At night, the two men took shifts, one of them sleeping in the rear -of the jeep and the other standing guard, keeping his eyes peeled -for predators. Here Elliot encountered a temptation that was almost -overpowering.</p> - -<p>It happened the first night, while Blayne slept. Elliot paced slowly -back and forth, on the lookout. Half an hour before his watch was -due to end, he heard a faint chittering sound coming from one of the -swaying whip-trees overhead.</p> - -<p>He glanced up, and swore. One of the grapefruit-sized purple Venusian -spiders was lowering itself stealthily from the overhead branches on -thick, sticky strands of web. It hovered some eight feet above Blayne's -face—the fat, grubby face that looked evil even in sleep.</p> - -<p>Elliot felt perspiration bursting out on himself. It would be so easy -just to let the spider descend, to crawl on Blayne's ugly face, to -inject its venom—</p> - -<p>No. He fought the temptation, and drew his blaster. A bright spurt of -golden flame split the night, and the spider withered on its web.</p> - -<p>Blayne was awake in an instant. "What was that?"</p> - -<p>"I've just saved your worthless life," Elliot said tonelessly. "Spider. -Came out of the tree. Go back to sleep; you're not on duty for another -half-hour."</p> - -<p>Blayne shuddered, rolled over—and went back to sleep.</p> - -<p>During the day, Elliot drove. They moved further and further into the -tangle of foliage that was the Venusian jungle, while the gray clump of -buildings that was Venus City receded dimly behind them.</p> - -<p>It was hot in the jungle, hot and moist. Elliot's hair plastered -itself to his forehead, sweat trickled into his eyes, steam fogged the -windshield. After a while, he brought the jeep to a halt.</p> - -<p>Blayne wiped sweat from his wobbling chins and looked up. "What's going -on?"</p> - -<p>"You drive," Elliot said. "I'm bushed."</p> - -<p>"No," Blayne said. "You're doing the driving in this outfit. That's -your job—that's what I've hired you for. Get going. Now!"</p> - -<p>Elliot started the jeep up again. He'd been in low straits before, but -this was about the depth in degradation. He had never hated anyone -quite so deeply as he did Blayne—and had never been in so poor a -position to do anything about it.</p> - -<p>Pressure began to build up in him. He was a trained rocket pilot, a man -with skilled reflexes and an essential job. Somehow he'd slipped—and -it had landed him smack under Blayne's thumb. It wasn't an easy pill -to swallow. He would cheerfully have killed the fat man—except that -he knew he'd never fly a spaceship again if he returned to Venus City -without the Commissioner. Blayne had him tied up six ways from Sunday, -and it would do no good to strain at the bonds.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>On the evening of the fourth day, disaster struck. The jeep was -bouncing over the mossy path between the great slime-covered trees -when, quite suddenly, Elliot spied something rope-like slithering down -a vine directly in the path of the car.</p> - -<p>"<i>Snake!</i>" he yelled, and jerked the wheel to one side. The jeep -swerved.</p> - -<p>"Watch what you're doing!" Blayne growled. But it was too late. The -right wheel hit a hidden rock, and the vehicle turned over on its side -with a rending crash.</p> - -<p>Elliot was dazed, but he knew he still had to act fast. He sprang from -the overturned jeep, with Blayne behind him. The tree-snake that had -caused him to swerve was still coming toward them, its white fangs -dripping venom.</p> - -<p>It sprang forward to strike, but Elliot's hand was faster. He closed -his fingers savagely around the reptile's neck. He held the head at -arm's length.</p> - -<p>The snake's twelve-foot body whipped around Elliot's throat and chest, -pinning one arm to his side. The rocket pilot felt the dry, loathsome -odor of the reptile drifting into his nostrils, and retched. He gasped -for air and tightened his fingers on the snake's throat, drawing his -hand together as closely as he could. It was a question of which one -would hold out longer.</p> - -<p>Elliot's eyes began to dim. What the hell was that fat fool Blayne -doing?</p> - -<p>"<i>Blayne!</i>" he shouted.</p> - -<p>But Blayne didn't answer. With one desperate surge of power, Elliot -clamped his fingers even tighter.</p> - -<p>Something snapped. The snake gave one convulsive shudder and dropped -its lifeless coils from Elliot's body. He stood up, quivering with -tension.</p> - -<p>As the snake hit the ground, a pencil beam seared the air, burning its -head off. "That's that," Housten Blayne said in relief.</p> - -<p>Elliot whirled to face him. "Why the devil did you stand there? It -could have killed me. Why didn't you use your knife?"</p> - -<p>Blayne shrugged. "You were doing all right. Now do something about the -car, will you?"</p> - -<p>Elliot repressed a vivid curse and turned away. The sight of Blayne -sickened him, and he wished there were some way of exacting the revenge -Blayne merited without forfeiting the cash for the trip. There wasn't.</p> - -<p>He bent and examined the car. "The front axle's broken," he said, -after a moment's scrutiny. "There's nothing much we can do about it out -here."</p> - -<p>"Nothing?"</p> - -<p>"Not unless you want to lash it together with some twigs," Elliot said -acidly.</p> - -<p>"We can't turn back now," Blayne said. "Start loading your pack. We'll -walk the rest of the way. The Dragonbird's lair can't be too far off."</p> - -<p>The bright glow of lust was shining in the fat man's eyes. Elliot -stared at him for a moment, then began packing.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>A day later, they arrived at the banks of the Khathyl River, a -swirling, slow-moving, wide stream that wound lazily through most of -the continent.</p> - -<p>Elliot and Blayne kept out of sight in the brush.</p> - -<p>"Look out there," Elliot said. He pointed at an island a hundred yards -off shore.</p> - -<p>"What's out that way?" Blayne asked.</p> - -<p>"That's the temple. See the big white building? The natives never come -to this side of the river, by the way—the hunting's better over there."</p> - -<p>"Give me the glasses," Blayne whispered.</p> - -<p>Elliot handed the binoculars over and the fat man stared hungrily at -the island.</p> - -<p>"See anything?"</p> - -<p>"Just natives," Blayne said. He handed back the glasses and Elliot -looked at the little knots of mauve-skinned natives here and there on -the island.</p> - -<p>"Don't they have any guards?"</p> - -<p>Elliot shook his head. "No. They stick to their belief that the -Dragonbird will protect them from any invaders."</p> - -<p>"Good," Blayne said. "So much the simpler for us. When do we get -moving?"</p> - -<p>Elliot glanced at the man at his side, saw the desire on Blayne's face, -the greed of the hunter. "Don't be impatient," he said. "It's almost -noon now. Keep your glasses trained on the temple. Unless they've -changed the program, the Dragonbird will make an appearance at noon."</p> - -<p>The minutes ticked past slowly. Blayne kept glancing at his watch and -looking eagerly out across the water toward the island.</p> - -<p>At the instant the second-hand of the watch brushed past the "12," -there was a sudden boom, as of a huge kettledrum, and the sound -reverberated hollowly out over the river. A group of natives, carrying -a dark-hued animal the size of a small sheep, marched in orderly -procession toward the temple. They laid the animal on an altar before -the door.</p> - -<p>Another muffled boom followed.</p> - -<p>"Here it comes," Elliot murmured.</p> - -<p>The natives stepped back reverently, and the doors of the temple slowly -swung outward.</p> - -<p>The Dragonbird appeared.</p> - -<p>Blayne's astonished gasp was so loud that Elliot looked around -apprehensively. "It's <i>beautiful</i>," the fat man exclaimed. "More lovely -than I'd ever dreamed."</p> - -<p>"It is," Elliot said grimly. He took the glasses from Blayne's -trembling fingers and focused them on the island.</p> - -<p>The Dragonbird was walking with dignity across the little square -before the altar. It stood almost the height of a man, half-bird, -half-reptile, walking on powerful claws tipped with diamond-sharp, -gleaming talons. The brilliant sunlight glinted off its metallic -feathers, played over its shining plumage, lent brightness to the -shimmering row of scales that covered its long, swan-like neck.</p> - -<p>"Give me back the glasses," Blayne said. He snatched them and stared. -"My God, what a beauty! He'll make a perfect trophy!"</p> - -<p>"<i>Trophy?</i>" Elliot recoiled in amazement. "Trophy! I thought you were -going to capture it."</p> - -<p>"Don't be a fool! How could we take a live bird the size of that one -back through the jungle? We'd need a cage of chrome steel. No, I'm -going to shoot it. We can take the head and skin back—that'll be -enough."</p> - -<p>Elliot scowled, and felt sick. The Dragonbird—a trophy! The concept -disgusted him. He looked away, toward the island.</p> - -<p>The Dragonbird had begun to feed on the small animal. It was ripping -into it viciously with its talons and powerful beak.</p> - -<p>"It'll be easy," Blayne went on. "I'll put a bullet through the bird so -as not to ruin it, and then we'll use ray guns on the natives to get -rid of them."</p> - -<p>"You'll <i>what</i>?"</p> - -<p>"They'll never know what hit them. It's merciful that way. Lord, what a -lovely creature that is!"</p> - -<p>Blayne raised his rifle and took careful aim.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The rifle hung there a long moment, as Elliot watched Blayne's pudgy -finger tightening on the trigger. Then he lowered it.</p> - -<p>"No," he said. "I don't trust my aim. I might ruin the bird, and I'd -never forgive myself."</p> - -<p>He handed the gun to Elliot. Elliot took it reluctantly, feeling the -coolness of the barrel, feeling the heaviness of the stock. "<i>You</i> -shoot it," Blayne said.</p> - -<p>"No I won't," Elliot retorted. "We said nothing about—"</p> - -<p>"That doesn't matter," said Blayne blandly. "I'm not asking you to -shoot the bird. I'm <i>ordering</i> you to."</p> - -<p>Hot arrows of rage danced before Elliot's eyes. He saw the -Dragonbird—now feasting on its sacrifice—saw that beautiful, noble -head pierced by a rocketing lump of metal, pictured the smoking rifle -in his hands—and he could barely check the impulse to swing the rifle -and bash in Blayne's bloated skull.</p> - -<p>"I won't do it," he said. "I will not shoot that bird."</p> - -<p>"You're a fool, Elliot. You know that if we don't get the bird, you -don't get paid. Why don't you—"</p> - -<p>"<i>I won't do it!</i>"</p> - -<p>"Very well," said Blayne coldly. "I can't waste further time arguing -with you. The bird may go back inside the temple any minute. Give me -the gun. I'll do it myself—and I'll settle with you later."</p> - -<p>Silently, Elliot returned the gun to the fat man. Blayne took it, -cocked it, sighted along the barrel. A second time, his finger began to -tighten on the trigger.</p> - -<p>Suddenly, in a flash of bitter insight, Elliot realized he could never -live with himself again if he allowed that finger to close on the -trigger. No matter what the cost to himself, he couldn't let this fat -butcher kill one of the most beautiful things that had ever lived, -as—as a <i>trophy</i>.</p> - -<p>All the pent-up rage that had been building inside him since his first -meeting with Blayne exploded. Realizing exactly what the significance -of his action was, he threw up his hand and slammed it hard against the -barrel of the rifle just as Blayne fired.</p> - -<p>The shot cracked out, breaking the silence, and a native fell. Blayne -looked at him in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"You fool!" he shouted.</p> - -<p>The fat man leaped up, swinging the rifle around in a buzzing arc -toward Elliot. The pilot side-stepped, and the butt whistled through -the air inches above his head. Blayne, off-balance after the swing, -fell away to one side, and Elliot sprang at him.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>The fat man sank to one knee under Elliot's attack, but he turned out -to be stronger than the rocket man had thought—under the coating of -fat was solid muscle. Grunting, Blayne forced himself upward and hurled -Elliot away from him.</p> - -<p>Livid hate sparkled in Blayne's eyes, and Elliot knew that his own face -was an angry mask. This was going to be a battle to the death, here on -the banks of this sluggish Venusian river.</p> - -<p>The two men circled warily around each other. Blayne swung out one -apelike arm in a tentative offensive gesture, and Elliot danced -backward.</p> - -<p>"You know what'll happen," Blayne shouted. "You'll rot on Venus for the -rest of your life if I don't get back!"</p> - -<p>"I'll take that chance, Blayne. I can't let you kill that bird."</p> - -<p>He put his head down and bulled into Blayne's midsection, ignoring -the rain of blows that descended on his neck and shoulders. He forced -Blayne back toward the water's edge, only to have to let go when the -other's fingers clawed into his throat. He pulled away, and Blayne's -fingers left bright red streaks on Elliot's flesh. Blood mingled with -sweat. A cloud of Venusian gnats descended on them, humming gently -around their heads.</p> - -<p>Blayne's fist smashed into Elliot's stomach, but the pilot shook off -the blow and landed one in the bowl of lard that cushioned the other's -intestines. Blayne coughed and stepped backward.</p> - -<p>Elliot leaped for him and wrapped his arms around Blayne, barely -managing to encircle the fat man's body. Then, slowly, he lifted the -struggling Blayne from the ground.</p> - -<p>"Here ... we ... go...." he said, as he heaved the Commissioner's bulk -upward. He got Blayne as far off the ground as he could, and started to -dash him to the ground again, when the other broke Elliot's grasp.</p> - -<p>Elliot let him go and he fell heavily. Instantly the pilot was upon -him, and the two rolled one over the other down the side of the bank -toward the river. Just at the river's edge, Elliot managed to check -their fall and broke loose. Blayne was on his feet again in an instant.</p> - -<p>Elliot's first punch crashed through Blayne's guard. The fat man reeled -backward, lost his footing, and toppled off the embankment into the -quiet water below, shouting wildly as he fell. As he struck, he shot up -a torrent of water that splashed over Elliot's feet.</p> - -<p>Suddenly the water was quiet no longer. There was a swirl beneath the -river's surface, and Blayne's body became the center of a tangle of -dark saurian shapes. Blayne screamed just once before the razor-sharp -teeth dragged him beneath the water. A red stain formed and drifted -slowly down the sluggish stream, and then the water was quiet once -again.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Elliot stood on the riverbank, gasping heavily as he fought to recover -his breath, and mopped away the blanket of gnats that had adhered -to him during the fight. He watched the streaks of red drifting -downstream, and knew that his own life was forfeit now for Blayne's.</p> - -<p>He shook his head and turned away. There was nothing else he could have -done. He started to walk slowly back away from the river.</p> - -<p>There was a rustling sound in the air above him. He looked up, into -the blazing sun, and a moment later was crouching in a huddled ball -on the ground. The Dragonbird was dropping gently toward him. Elliot -remembered only too well what those gleaming talons had done to the -sacrificial animal strapped to the altar.</p> - -<p>And then—</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter"> - <img src="images/illus.jpg" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><i>Do not be afraid</i>, a calm, silent voice said. <i>You have done me a -great service, Daniel Elliot.</i></p> - -<p>The Dragonbird settled lightly to the ground, and Elliot saw deep -intelligence glowing in the creature's golden eyes. It seemed almost as -if the thing could read his mind.</p> - -<p><i>I can read your mind, Daniel Elliot</i>, came the telepathic reply.</p> - -<p>"You—you're intelligent, then?"</p> - -<p>There was a touch of sorrow in the mental voice as the bird said: <i>I -am the last of my race. We were the rulers of Venus long before your -ancestors had discovered the use of fire. But—</i></p> - -<p>After a pause, the bird continued. <i>Well, no matter. What happened does -not concern you. I permit myself to be worshipped by these natives. -They bring me food and keep me comfortable, and in return, I hypnotize -their enemies and keep their small island safe. It is a pleasant life, -and I am becoming old.</i></p> - -<p>"How old?" Elliot asked.</p> - -<p><i>Several thousand of your years</i>, the Dragonbird replied.</p> - -<p>"And you—"</p> - -<p>The Dragonbird silenced him. <i>No, Daniel Elliot; I do not want to -answer questions. I am solely concerned with the debt I owe you for -saving my life. This Blayne held your future in threat. I think I can -aid you and punish him doubly by foiling his plans.</i></p> - -<p><i>Don't be surprised by anything you see.</i></p> - -<p>The Dragonbird wavered a little, and suddenly it was a bird no longer. -Standing before Elliot, fat, ugly face and all, was—</p> - -<p>Housten Blayne!</p> - -<p>"Don't look so surprised, Elliot," came Blayne's snarling voice. "You'd -be surprised what a little high-powered hypnosis can do."</p> - -<p>Elliot rubbed his eyes and looked again. It was still Blayne, a smug -smile on his heavy lips.</p> - -<p>"I'm going to reward you," said Blayne's voice. "You and I will take -the late Mr. Blayne for every credit he's got, and we'll get those -papers out of his safe."</p> - -<p>"But—you mean you'll take Blayne's place?" Elliot asked, feeling as if -he were in a dream.</p> - -<p>"Temporarily." The fat figure of Blayne wavered and became the -Dragonbird again.</p> - -<p><i>Get on my back, Daniel Elliot.</i></p> - -<p>Moments later, they were soaring high in the sky, heading toward Venus -City.</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LAIR OF THE DRAGONBIRD ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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