Part 24 (1/2)

”If that's what they're hunting”--there was amus.e.m.e.nt in Ashe's tone--”they won't find much. The Foanna have better locks than their enemies have keys. You heard Ynlan before we left--any secrets left will remain secrets.”

”But there's bait--bait for a trap!” argued Ross.

”You're right!” To the younger man's joy Ashe's enthusiasm was plain.

”And if the Baldies could be led to believe that what they wanted was obtainable with just a little more effort, or the right tools--”

”The trap could net bigger catch than just underlings!” Ross's thought matched Ashe's. ”Why, it might even pull in the VIP directing the whole operation! How can we set it up, and do we have time?”

”The trap would have to be of Foanna setting; our part would come after it was sprung.” Ashe was thoughtful again. ”But it is the only move which we can make at present with any hope of success. And it will only work if the Foanna are willing.”

”Have to be done quickly,” Ross pointed out.

”Yes, I'll see.” Ashe was a dark figure against the thin light of the companionway as he slid back the cabin door. ”If Ynvalda agrees....” As he went out Ross was right behind him.

The Foanna had been given, by their own choice, quarters on the bow deck of the cruiser where sailcloth had been used to form a tent. Not that any of the awe-stricken Rovers would venture too near them. Ashe reached for the flap of the fabric and a lilting voice called:

”You seek us, Gordoon?”

”This is important.”

”Yes, it is important, for the thought which brings you both has merit.

Enter then, brothers!”

The flap was looped aside and before them was a swirling of mist? ... light? ... sheets of pale color? Ross could not have described what he saw--save if the Foanna were there, he could not distinguish them from the rippling of their hair, the melting film of their robes.

”So, younger brother, you think that which was our home and our treasure box has now become a trap for the confounding of those who believe we are a threat to them?”

Somehow Ross was not surprised that they knew about his idea before he had said a word, before Ashe had given any explanations. Their omniscience was only a small portion of their other talents.

”Yes.”

”And why do you believe so? We swear to you that the coast folk can not be driven into those parts of the castle which mean the most, any more than our sea gate can be breached unless we will it so.”

”Yet I swam through the sea gate, and the sub was there also.” Ross knew again a flash of--was it pleasure?--at being able to state this fact.

There _were_ c.h.i.n.ks in the Foanna defenses.

”Again the truth. You have that within you, young brother, which is both a lack and a s.h.i.+eld. True also that this underseas s.h.i.+p entered after you. Perhaps it has a s.h.i.+eld as part of it; perhaps those from the stars have their own protection. But they can not reach the heart of what they wish, not unless we open the doors for them. It is your belief, younger brother, that they still strive to force such doors?”

”Yes. Knowing there is something to be learned, they will try for it.

They will not dare not to.” Ross was very certain on that point. His encounters with the Baldies had not led to any real understanding. But the way they had wiped out the line of Russian time stations made him sure that they dealt thoroughly with any situation they considered a threat.

From the prisoners taken at Kyn Add they had learned the invaders believed the Foanna their enemies here, even though the Old Ones had not repulsed them or their activities. Therefore, it followed that, having taken the stronghold, the Baldies would endeavor to rip open every one of its secrets.

”A trap with good bait--”

Ross wondered which one of the Foanna said that. To see nothing but the swirls of mist-color, listen to disembodied voices from it, was disconcerting. Part of the stage dressing, he decided, for building their prestige with the other races with whom they dealt. Three women alone would have to b.u.t.tress their authority with such trappings.

”Ah, younger brother, indeed you are beginning to understand us!”