Part 34 (1/2)
”To begin with,” Tharn said, ”it would be wise to have three or four more hear my plan They in turn can pass the details on to the rest of the prisoners Those across the hall ed We shall need every et”
Vulcar said, ”Let me pick the four”
Soon the former captain was back, his selections close at his heels
Tharn and Katon rose to ood men,” Vulcar said ”I know them all They are ready to follow your lead
”This one--” He indicated a short, squat s and head, ”--is Brutan He likes to fight”
Unexpectedly Brutan grinned ”Yes,” he said in a deep, harsh voice, ”I like to fight I will fight anybody I will fight you!”
Tharn grinned back at hi likeable about this rock-like Sepharian
”This,” continued Vulcar, ”is Rotark He is not afraid to die”
Rotark was tall and very thin, with a long, sorrowful face ”Why should I be afraid?” he asked in lugubrious tones ”There is no pleasure in living Soon we shall all be dead”
Next, Vulcar jerked a thu, very handsoly clean and spotless in contrast to those of the others His thick blond hair was neatly pushed back froh, rounded forehead
”He is Gorlat,” said Vulcar ”He does not like to fight, but will do so to keep fro killed Few
”Brosan, here, you already know”
Tharn nodded He rerin exposing yellowed, broken teeth
The cave-man came directly to the point
”We are supposed to die in the arena for the amusement of Pryak and the people of Sephar ToIt would be better if Pryak and his priests were the ones to die
”I think that can be arranged Listen, and when I am done, let me knohat you think ofAnd while he awaited their reaction, they looked at one another in silence, while broad san to steal across their faces Even Rotark's lips twitched in approval
”Good!” said Brutan the laconic
”Even though we fail,” said Rotark , but his smile arded the cave-man with respect, deeply impressed with the plan he had offered They realized the force of this barbarian's personality--that intangible requisite of all ould be leaders--had grasped the i their loyalty and unstinted support
”When shall we tell the others?” Brosan asked
”Go a them now,” Tharn advised ”Explain our plan briefly, but cover every point Warn theuards Everything depends upon absolute secrecy”
It was on the following day that the great Gaan