The Web and the Stars Read Free Page A

Acey, was growing suspicious of that promise. Eshaz’s focus seemed to be elsewhere.
    As time passed, Acey went to increasing lengths to avoid the comforts of the orbital center. Seeming to make a game out of it, he not only slept on the carpet instead of the bed; he refused to eat in the gourmet dining room, accepting only leftovers or slightly stale food. In addition, he wouldn’t go anywhere near the very tempting amenities of the center, not the pools, spas, game rooms, or performing arts chambers.
    At first Dux thought his cousin was going too far, but then he began to understand. The two of them would have to leave soon, and Acey’s way of handling the overabundance of luxury was easiest for him. In contrast, Dux fully accepted the fact that their stay would not endure, but he went for the full treatment anyway, to “broaden his life experiences.” For him, this made complete sense. So, each day Dux luxuriated in the pools and spas, permitting a beautiful Jimlat masseuse to give him treatments. He gorged himself on fine foods, and gained two kilos a day.
    One afternoon as he headed for the main performance hall, Dux saw Eshaz approaching, lumbering along the corridor with his heavy strides. “Where is Acey?” the Tulyan asked. His scaly bronze skin glistened. He wore a tan cloak with a circle design on the lapel, which seemed to be his formal attire when working on important matters with the Council.
    “Hey, Eshaz,” the teenager called out, cheerily. “I don’t know. Maybe he’s walking on nails somewhere.” He spoke of Acey’s behavior in a humorous way, then noticed that the big reptilian looked upset about something.
    Eshaz wouldn’t tell him anything until they located Acey, who was sitting in the back of the main kitchen, eating with the workers. Acey, in a large chair at the head of a long opawood table, had been spinning grand yarns, embellishing stories of his adventures on board a treasure ship, taking his listeners to distant, exotic lands in their imaginations. The workers, all of whom were Tulyan, nodded their heads politely, but did not look that impressed. Acey, not seeming to notice their reactions, rambled on, looking like a child propped up on pillows in the Tulyan chair. He stopped when his cousin and Eshaz entered the room.
    Seeing Eshaz, one of the most honored web caretakers, the kitchen helpers all stood and bowed respectfully. Eshaz bowed in return, then led the boys to a private dining room, where he ordered tea. When the beverages were delivered and the doors closed, he peered at the pair through slitted eyes, and said, “You young men are in my safekeeping for the moment. I trust you are being treated well here?”
    “Like royalty,” Dux said. “I’ve been using every facility. They make you feel like a prince here.”
    “That is our custom,” Eshaz said. “We are a simple people, but we understand the needs of other races, such as your own.”
    “When can we leave?” Acey asked. “I know. Soon, soon.”
    “You are anxious to continue your adventures, I see,” Eshaz said. “I can understand that, and I apologize for not being able to spend more time with you. But that will change one day.” He hesitated, as if avoiding the annoying word “soon,” then said to Acey, “It seems odd for a Human not to enjoy the comforts we offer. Are you ascetic for religious reasons? You follow the Way of Jainuddah, perhaps?”
    In a sharp tone, Acey responded, “I’m not sure what you mean, but I don’t have any religion. I just do what feels best to me.”
    “Ah yes, Human viscerality,” the Tulyan said, nodding. He paused. Then: “I am saddened to inform you that four merchant prince planets, including the capital world of Timian One, have been destroyed by the Mutatis. As a result, Doge Lorenzo has set up a new base of operations on Canopa, where he is presently engaged in warfare against Noah’s Guardians.” For security reasons, Eshaz did not tell them exactly how he