Barry Longyear - Circusworld 1 - Circusworld

VIP免费

2024-12-14 0 0 319.2KB 117 页 5.9玖币

侵权投诉

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

CIRCUS WORLD

A Berkley Book / published by arrangement with the author

PRINTING HISTORY

Berkley edition / January 1981

Davis Publications, Inc.

1979 by Davis Publications, Inc.

Cover illustration by John Rush. This book may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by

mimeograph or

any other means, without permission.

For information address: Berkley Publishing Corporation,

200 Madison Avenue, New York, New York-10016.

ISBN: 0-425-04709-1 A BERKLEY BOOK ® TM 757,375

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

DEDICATION

Book dedications are an inadequate but cheap way of attempting to pay off debts. "The Tryouts" was

the first story I ever sold. With the interest of George H. Scithers in the story's premise, and

the pitiful bit of leverage of my first sale, I proposed to George a series of stories that would

constitute an episodic novel. In the process of purchasing these, and other stories, George had

placed into Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine's inventory approximately 150,000 words worth

of my stories before "The Tryouts" appeared in the November-December 1978 issue of lA's sfm. This

kind of commitment doesn't come cheap, and is not done without risk. But. it happens. New writers

take note. Therefore, to the man who bought them, and to the man who paid for them, Circus World

is gratefully dedicated to:

George H. Scithers Editor, Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine

and

Joel Davis President & Publisher, Davis Publications, Inc.

Contents

1 The Tryouts

15 The Magician's Apprentice

56 The Second Law

86 Proud Rider

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Ba...rcus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (1 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

112 Dueling Clowns

118 The Quest

147 Priest Of The Bamboo

The Trvouts

The stranger sat cross-legged on the sand staring at the vent from which the natural fire of the

planet Momus illuminated the small wayside depression on the road to Tarzak. His black hood was

pulled forward leaving only twin dancing flames reflected from unblinking eyes*as evidence of a

face. As a light breeze rose from the desert, bringing the heavy smell of sulphur from the fire, a

portly figure dressed in grey robe and apron stepped between the rocks into the firelight. He

raised his hand and motioned toward a place near the flames.

"The fire is free," answered the black-hooded stranger. The newcomer squatted next to the flames,

pulled a wad of dough from his pack and placed it on a rock close to the fire. In moments the

sweet smell of cobit bread drove the odor of sulphur from the depression.

"Care you for some cobit, stranger?"

"For half, two movills. No more."

"Two? Why, it would distress me no more to hand out my bread for nothing."

"In which case, I would gladly take all."

"Three."

"Two."

The man in grey broke the cobit and handed half to the black-robed stranger who handed back two

copper beads. The bargaining hadn't been in earnest; only enough to satisfy custom. Finishing his

cobit first, the one in grey tapped himself on his chest. "I am Aarel the mason. Have you news?"

Aarel jingled his money pouch. The one in black shook his head. "But, you wear the newsteller's

black."

"True, Aarel, but I apprentice only. However, my master will be along directly."

"What fortune! A master newsteller at the fire! Is he known?"

"No,"

Aarel shrugged. "I am not one to discourage youth. Is this his first news?"

"No, but only small ones until now. His news tonight will play Tarzak, he thinks."

Aarel raised an eyebrow. "Tarzak? I hope his is the enthusiasm of experience rather than youth."

"My very words, Aarel."

They sat in silence watching the flames until two other men, wearing the tan robes of merchants,

entered the circle of firelight.

"Ho, Aarel!" called the taller of the two.

"Parak," the mason answered, then, nodding at Parak's companion, "Jum."

Parak pointed at th£ fire. "It costs nothing, join us," said Aarel.

The merchants squatted close to the flames, each placing wads of cobit dough on the hot rocks.

After some social bargaining and exchange, the four travelers sat munching cobit. Parak produced a

wine flask, they bargained further, then passed around the flask while Parak pocketed his movills.

"It has been a weary trek from the Deeplands." He cocked his head toward the black-robed stranger

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Ba...rcus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (2 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

and asked Aarel, "Has he news?"

"His master has news he believes will play Tarzak, and he should be here soon."

"Tarzak, eh?" Parak rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "Has the apprentice introduced it?"

"No."

At that moment they all turned to see another black-hooded figure enter the firelight and gesture

toward the flames. "No copper for the flames, newsteller," said Parak. "Are you the master of this

apprentice?"

"Yes. I am Boosthit of the Farransetti newstellers." Boosthit seated himself by the flames and

cooked cobit, which, after rapid and impatient bargaining, was quickly gulped by the eager

travelers. The master newsteller finished his cobit and brushed the crumbs from his robe. Turning

to the travelers, he asked, "Is news to your liking tonight?"

Aarel squinted and tossed his purse in the air and caught it. "I can meet a good price for good

news, Boosthit. But, I admit, your name is unfamiliar to me. We get few Farransetti this way."

"I agree," said Parak. "Could you tell us a little about it to enable us to judge the fairness of

your price?"

Boosthit held up his hand, palm outward, and shook his head. "The Farransetti do not introduce."

"Why so?" asked Jum.

"We believe small glimpses of the whole are devoid of the grace of logical construction."

Aarel shrugged and held up his palms. "How, then, do we judge the price?"

"What would you pay for excellent news?"

The mason and the two merchants thought deeply.

"Twenty movills," answered Aarel, "but only for excellent news."

"I would pay twenty-five.-," said F§rak. "That is a fair price in Tarzak for excellent."

"I agree," said Jum, "twenty-five."

Aarel wagged a finger at the merchants. "But, friends, we are not in Tarzak. Do we not deserve

credit for trudging out here on the road to hear Boosthit's news?"

Parak smiled. "You are a bandit, Aarel. The newsteller has trudged just as far to tell us the

news, and we would be on the road in any event."

Aarel shrugged. "Very well, twenty-five movills."

Boosthit nodded. "Hear me then. I will give my news at that price in advance, but no money back."

"But, what if...?"

"I must finish my offer, Aarel. Twenty-five movills apiece in advance, or hold onto your coppers

and pay me double that price at the conclusion of my news, if you judge it to be excellent."

Aarel's mouth opened in amazement. "It is an honor to meet a newsteller capable of making such an

offer." Parak and Jum nodded in agreement. "We will hold our coppers."

Boosthit arranged his robe, closed his eyes and began. "This news is of Lord Ashly Allenby,

special ambassador to Momus from the Ninth Quadrant Federation of Habitable Planets. His mission:

one of grave importance to his government, and to the people of the planet Momus. His journey: one

of great heroics and high comedy."

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Ba...rcus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (3 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

"A peculiar opening," said Aarel, "but it captures the attention. The hint of serious events

relating to Momus is the true hook, am I correct?"

"I agree, Aarel," said Parak, "and what could it be that interests the Federation in Momus? We

have no trade for

them, and we refuse to serve them. What could Lord Al-lenby's mission be? Jum?"

"It is the promise of comedy that intrigues me, but, nonetheless, the opening captures the

attention. I had heard the Farransetti were experimenting with openings devoid of prayers and

tributes, and many think this radical. But, having heard such an opening tonight, I approve."

Boosthit waited a moment, then continued. "On Earth, the ancient parent planet, high within the

tall, gleaming spires of the Federation complex, Lord Allenby was called to meet with the Council

of Seven.

"'Allenby,' said the council president, 'you are made special ambassador to Momus, with all of the

rights and privileges of an ambassador of the first rank.'

'"I am most honored,' replied Allenby. Lord Allenby stood fair tall as he accepted his charge, his

pleasant features composed and dignified, his uniform uncluttered and tasteful."

Jum held up a hand. "Boosthit, is that the extent of the hero's description?"

"Yes."

Aarel scratched his chin. "We are used to lengthier descriptions. Is there a reason for this

brevity?"

"Perhaps," Parak interrupted, "it is to let us fill in the description ourselves. Would a mistaken

image affect the truth of your news, Boosthit?"

"No."

Aarel frowned. "That is radical, no doubt." He closed his eyes. "But, I can see an image. Yes, I

can see him."

"And I," said Jum.

"And I," said Parak.

Boosthit cleared his throat. "Allenby was confused, since a planet of Momus's stature hardly rates

an ambassador of the first rank." Aarel, Parak and Jum nodded.

"This is true," said Parak. "What could the Council of Seven have in mind to make such an

appointment?" Aarel and Jum shook their heads,

"Allenby asked the reason for this," continued Boosthit, "and this is the president's answer:

'Momus lies just upon the boundary of the Ninth and Tenth quadrants. In actuality, it is closer to

the main population centers of the Tenth than

it is to ours. We have learned that the Tenth Quadrant Federation plans to occupy Momus to use as

a forward base from which to launch their invasion of the entire Ninth Quadrant.'"

Aarel, Parak and Jum gasped. "But Momus has no defense against a military force," said Parak.

"This is grave indeed," said Aarel.

"But," said Jum, "what, then, could the mission be?"

"Lord Allenby asked this question, also," said Boosthit. "The president told Allenby that his

mission was to establish relations between the Ninth Federation and Momus for the purpose of

mutual defense against the coming invasion."

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Ba...rcus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (4 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

"A worthy mission," remarked Aarel. "I think sufficient to motivate the hero. What do you say

Parak?"

"It would appear so. Do you agree Jum?"

Jum rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Allenby is only told of the threat. In the actuality, not the

telling, is the real threat, and, therefore, sufficient motivation. I shall reserve judgment."

Boosthit waited until it was silent enough to hear the hissing of the flames. "Lord Allenby could

not prepare for his mission; there was no time. He had to make all possible speed to Momus to warn

us of the threat, which was difficult since there are no regular routes to Momus. A Federation

cruiser brought Allenby as far as the Capella system, but had to turn back because of power

problems. Stranded on Capella's fifth planet, awaiting passage on a freighter reported to be

heading in this direction, Lord Allenby's baggage was stolen, as well as his money and his

Federation transportation pass."

Aarel shook his head. "All he could do, then, would be to wait for the return of the Federation

cruiser, is this not true?"

"It would appear so," answered Parak. "A sad day for Momus, except there's something wrong. Jum?"

"Indeed there is, Parak. Such news would be pointless and futile. No newsteller, Fararisetti or

otherwise, would bother with such a tale, much less inflict us with it. Perhaps the hero is made

of stern stuff and will complete his mission?"

"But how?" Parak shook his head. "He cannot travel without money or his pass."

Boosthit smiled. "Lord Allenby, not the kind to be defeated by chance circumstance, set himself

the task of continuing his journey. At the Federation consulate, he demanded transportation; but

the consul, in turn, required verification of Allenby's mission before he would authorize the

release of a ship or money. Allenby was furious, since it would take many weeks for verification

to come from Earth; but the consul was within his rights and could not be swayed.

"Allenby haunted the spaceport, the consulate and even exporting establishments trying to get

transportation, but was unsuccessful until he caught wind of an opening on a freighter for a cargo

handler. Selling his uniform and medals, he purchased ordinary clothing and secured able-bod-ided

spacer papers from the Federation consulate. Then he signed on with the Starwind, which was

scheduled to pass near Momus on its way to trade with the Tenth Quadrant."

"I think I see his plan," said Aarel. "It is daring, but it is also dishonest."

Parak shook his head. "The mission outweighs the act, Aarel. Besides, the Federation would pay for

the stolen lifeboat, would it not?"

"Perhaps. What say you, Jum?"

"I will relent on the motivation; I think it is sufficient."

Boosthit leaned toward the fire, spreading his arms. "As you guessed, Lord Allenby took a lifeboat

from the freighter as it passed abreast of Momus, but the range was not ideal. After covering the

distance, establishing an orbit for pickup was out of the question. He decided'to break atmosphere

and go for a hard landing as soon as he arrived. To do otherwise would cost both his life and the

mission, as he was low on air.

"He had hoped to assume manual control after achieving flight, in order to put down near a large

city, but he lost consciousness before reaching our outer atmosphere. As chance would have it,

however, the boat's automatic system put Allenby down near Kuumic on the edge of the Great Desert.

He wandered the desert for two days until he chanced to meet Garok the cobit gatherer."

"Hah!" Aarel exclaimed. "I know Garok—the thief."

"I have heard of him," said Parak. "A spirited bargainer, Garok."

"Allenby said to Garok, 'Say, fellow, can you point me in the direction of Tarzak?'" Boosthit

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Ba...rcus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (5 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

smiled and suppressed a chuckle. "Garok tapped his purse and said, 'What is this information worth

to you, stranger?'

"Allenby, coming from a rich world where such information is as free as the fire, was very

confused. 'You demand payment for such a thing? Absurd!'

"Garok began walking away, but thinking better of it, came back and explained. 'What I say now,

stranger, has no value to me and I let you have it for free. I know where Tarzak lies, and you do

not.'

'"So much,' said Allenby 'could be deduced from my question.'

'"That's why it is of no value. But, the direction of Tarzak is of value to you, is it not?'

"'Of course.'

"'Then, it is of value to me.' Again, Garok tapped his purse. Lord Allenby had little left over

from the sale of his uniform, and he felt in his pocket for the scraps of paper they use for

money."

Aarel grabbed his ribs and laughed until he gasped for air. Parak and Jum shook their heads and

chuckled.

"Allenby held out one of the scraps at Garok, who took it and examined it closely. 'What is this?'

'"Money. That's what you wanted, isn't it?'

"Garok handed the scrap back, and said, 'Stranger, how long have you been in the desert? The paper

itself might have a value, except for its being covered with ink.' Garok opened his purse and

brought forth a single moville. 'This is money, stranger.'

"'Well, then, fellow, where can I get my money converted into yours?' Garok tapped his purse.

Allenby was perplexed. 'You would charge for that information, too?'

" 'Is the information of value?'

'"Yes, but...' Garok kept tapping his purse. As he turned to leave, Allenby had one remaining try.

'Tell me, fellow, would you accept something of value in exchange for the information?'

"'Barter?'

"'Yes.'

"Garok rubbed his chin, then fingered a fold of Lord Allenby's utility suit. 'This would do.'

"Allenby was outraged. 'Not that! I landed here in a ship's lifeboat. Would that have value to

you?' And, Garok was interested. The boat's fuel and supplies were exhausted, and the ship itself

was inoperable, but the furnishings were intact as well as the wiring and other materials. Garok

made an offer of one hundred movills, and Allenby accepted."

Aarel snorted. "I said Garok was a thief. I wouldn't have parted with it for less than four

hundred. Parak?"

"I was thinking the same thing, although my price would have been higher. Jum, does this make our

hero a fool?"

"I think not. The boat had served its purpose and no longer had any value to Lord Allenby.

Besides, if I was stuck in Kuumic and didn't know the direction to Tarzak, I might have even taken

a lesser amount." Aarel and Parak pondered Jum's remarks, then nodded.

"Garok counted out a hundred movills," continued Boos-thit, "and handed them to Allenby. Allenby

took two of the coppers and handed them back to Garok. 'Now, can you tell me the way to Tarzak?'

Garok pointed the direction and reached into his own purse to pay for Allenby's information

concerning the location of the lifeboat.

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Ba...rcus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (6 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

" 'Where is the lifeboat, stranger?' Allenby didn't notice Garok's hand in his purse, and he

truthfully pointed the way to1 the lifeboat. Garok assumed, since no payment was demanded, that

the information was worthless. Therefore, he turned in the opposite direction and struck out to

find and take possession of his new purchase. It is said that Garok still wanders Momus looking

for his lifeboat, and if he maintains his direction, he will eventually find it."

"No more, Boosthit," gasped Aarel. Parak and Jum rolled in the sand laughing. "No more! Let us

rest!"

After more cobit and wine, Aarel rose to present and resolve a complicated stonecutting problem in

pantomime, followed by Parak's mummery of a wedding ceremony he had supplied with gifts at a price

that drew admiration from the travelers. Jum recited a comic poem concerning his efforts to marry

the daughter of a cheese merchant. Exchanges were made, and silence settled around the fire as

they waited expectantly for Boosthit to continue his news.

"Lord Allenby's journey to Tarzak was one of privation and hardship, not knowing that just under

his feet fat cobit

roots slept, waiting to be milked. Instead, he visited the fires along the road, buying cobit from

other travelers, until he ran out of movills."

"Boosthit, had this Allenby no act?" Parak frowned and shook his head. "Had he nothing of value?"

"He had the news of his mission, Parak, but this he kept to himself."

"Why?" asked Aarel.

"Why, indeed?" asked Jum.

"It is curious, but it is the custom among Allenby's people to play information .pf that sort only

before governments. He was waiting until reaching Tarzak," Boosthit laughed, "to play it before

our government!" The travelers laughed and shook their heads. "Yes, it was not until he hired

himself out to a priest as a beast of burden in exchange for cobit and information that he learned

Momus has no government."

"A sorry fellow," said Aarel, chuckling.

Parak nodded. "Yes, and can such a character be the hero around which excellent news transpires? I

fear for your fee, Boosthit."

Jum held up his hand. "You are too hasty, Parak. Think. Would any of us do better, or as well, on

ancient Earth, Allenby's planet? As Boosthit said, the information is for no charge, but I have

heard that the fire is not! Would we appear any less foolish if someone asked us coppers for

fire?"

"But, Jum, is it not part of the diplomat's skill to be jrsed on where he is sent?"

"Only recall Boosthit's opening, Parak." Jum closed his eyes. "In the second part covering

Allenby's trip to Momus: "Lord Allenby could not prepare for his mission; there was no time.'"

"Ah, yes," said Parak, "I stand corrected."

"And I," agreed Aarel.

Boosthit nodded and smiled. "Allenby carried the priest's pack and paraphernalia, and the priest

told him of our freedom. From the priest, and from other travelers along the road, he learned that

for Momus as a planet to agree to something, half of each town must petition for a meeting, then

half of all the towns must vote and agree, for this is the law.

"Allenby remarked to the priest, 'Momus doesn't have many laws, does it?'

"'Only one,' answered the priest, 'which is our law for making laws. It suffices.'

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Ba...rcus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (7 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

"Lord Allenby, coming from a planet which has millions of laws, was perplexed. 'If Momus needed a

new law,' he asked the priest, Tiow would one go about it?'

"To move the people in each town to petition for a meeting, the law must be something the people

want. Before they can want it, they must be aware of it.'

"Allenby nodded at this wisdom, and said, 'Since I have yet to see so much as a wheeled vehicle in

my travels on Momus, I don't suppose the planet sports anything resembling mass broadcasting

media."

Boosthit laughed with the other travelers. "'Ever since the first settlers of Momus were stranded

here, we have communicated with art,' said the priest to Allenby. 'It was many Earth years before

the skies of Momus saw another starship, and by then we were numerous, satisfied with our lot, and

with our customs.'

" 'And mass media, I take it, is not art.'

"'I suppose it could have been,' answered the priest, 'except no one knew how to build a radio. In

any event, it was not their way.'

"Allenby's doubts concerning the success of his mission grew. "The original settlers of Momus,' he

said to the priest, 'what were their occupations?'

"'Why, there were many. Acrobats, mimes, storytellers, clowns, razzle-dazzle operators...'

" 'It was a circus ship?'

"'Not just a circus ship,' answered the priest, 'but O'Hara's Greatest Shows, the finest

collection of artists and games in the entire quadrant.'"

Boosthit allowed the travelers a moment of silent prayer. When they raised their heads, Aarel

rubbed his chin and thought deeply. "I do not understand, Boosthit, why the hero needs a new law.

It would seem sufficient for the Ninth Federation to occupy Momus itself without fanfare. This

would serve their objective, and we would be powerless to stop them."

"And," said Parak, "once Momus learned of the threat from the Tenth Quadrant, we would not

object."

"The law does seem unnecessary," Jum concluded. Boosthit held up his hands. "It is complicated,

friends, but I shall explain. There is the Great Law of the Ninth Federation, which is actually a

collection of many laws. It decrees that the protection of the federation cannot be extended to a

planet that has not asked for it. Because of our one law for making laws, Momus is considered a

governed society. If the Ninth Federation occupied Momus without our consent, the Tenth Federation

would coinsider that an invasion, because of their laws. This, too, would violate even greater

laws that govern all the quadrants..."

Parak held his hands overtiis ears. "It is clear to me why our ancestors chose to remain on

Momus!"

"That is true," Aarel agreed. "Would it not be easier for the Ninth and Tenth Quadrants to change

their laws?"

"Impossible," answered Jum. "The objectives of the two quadrants differ. They could not agree.

Boosthit, this means that the hero must resolve his mission with the laws that already exist?"

"That is true."

"Which also means he must move the people of Momus to pass another law."

"True, as well, Jum. Allenby asked the priest how this could be done, and the priest told him to

wait. 'We will sit at the fire this night, and you shall see how. I have heard a newsteller, Lett

of the Dofstaffl, will entertain.'

"That night, Lord Allenby saw the work of his first newsteller. Lett performed well and fattened

his purse. Afterward, Allenby asked the priest, 'Is this how the news \s communicated?' "'Yes.'

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Ba...rcus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (8 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

" 'Doesn't it strike you as a trifle inefficient?' "'Bah! Art is not to be judged by efficiency!'

'"But, what if there were news that should be commu-ated to all of the people quickly?' " 'You

weary me with your endless questions! What kind of news could it be that would be of such

immediacy?'

'"I have such news,' answered Allenby. 'Would you listen to it?'

"The priest took his things from Allenby. 'Stranger,' he said, 'your price of endless answers to

endless questions to carry my things is high enough. But, to sit and listen to a

frustrated newstelleY? You take me for a fool!' With that, the priest left Allenby by the fire and

hurried off into the night."

"Aarel looked into the fire and frowned. "I see the hero's problem, Boosthit, for even I would

have acted as did the priest. I would not have listened."

"Nor I," said Parak. "Even though he has news of importance, I would not have listened."

Jum rubbed his hands together, then pointed at his fellow travelers. "The hero is the thing of

importance here. Lord Allenby, an ambassador of the first rank, reduced to a beast of burden in an

attempt at accomplishing his mission. Will he continue his struggle to bring his news to the

people of Momus, or will he be defeated letting Momus fall to the evil designs of the Tenth

Federation?" They turned toward Boosthit and saw that he had pulled his hood over his eyes. Bowing

their heads, they moaned softly.

"For three nights, Lord Allenby stayed at the fire, trying to tell his news, meeting with failure

with each new group of travelers. After failing on the fourth night, Allenby was defeated. He

bartered his wedding ring for a card trick from a wandering magician, and using this trick he kept

himself in movills until he reached Tarzak, where he planned to find transportation to Earth.

"While awaiting the rare ship that comes to Momus, Allenby purchased two more card tricks and an

illusion. With these he paid for his town lodgings, meals and clothing, and began saving for his

passage back to Earth. It was during this period that Lord Allenby chanced to hear of Vyson of the

Dofstaffl newstellers, playing his news at the Great Square in Tarzak." Boosthit removed the hood

from his eyes.

Aarel smiled. "Will the great Vyson inspire Allenby?"

"I heard Vyson play the burning of Tarzak years ago," said Parak. "I was inspired to petition in

the town to form the fire company."

"Yes," said Jum, "I heard just an apprentice licensed to repeat Vyson's news, and was inspired to

petition for a fire company in my town of Miira. Yes, that was good news."

"Indeed," said Boosthit, "Allenby was inspired, but not by Vyson's news, which concerned the

second eruption of the Arcadia Volcano. What caught Allenby's attention was the number of

newstellers and apprentice newstellers among

the listeners. After Vyson finished, the newstellers gathered around to bid for licenses to repeat

his news. I was among those attempting to get through the listeners in order to bid, when I was

stopped by Lord Allenby.

'"Unhand me, trickster,' I said, for he wore the black and scarlet of the magicians. 'I must get

to the bidding.' He released me, but try as I might, I could not get close to Vyson before he

closed the bidding. Times had not gone well with me and I was desperate for news that I could take

on the road. With this opportunity lost, I turned to look for the trickster to vent my anger. I

found him standing behind me. 'See what you've done? News that played in Tarzak, but I can't

repeat it because you made me miss the bidding.'

"Allenby pointed at the newstellers clustered around Vyson. 'They will repeat Vyson's news?'

'"Of course.'

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Ba...rcus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (9 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt

"'But the people of Tarzak have already heard.it.'

"'They won't repeat it in Tarzak, fool. They will take it on the road and play it in other towns.

Some newstellers will issue second licenses to unknown and apprentice news-tellers. In days,

Arcadia's eruption will be all over Momus.'

" 'Can't you get one of those second licenses?'

"I admit I was exasperated with this nitwit trickster, and told him so, for even children know

there are no coppers in a second license. 'I am a master newsteller, trickster. I do not second

license, nor do I pick up fireside gossip and play it for news. My news must have played Tarzak!'

"'News that plays Tarzak will spread, then?'

"'Of course. You tire me; go away.'

"Allenby stood there a moment, watching the clamor of newstellers running off with their new

licenses, then he turned back to me. 'Newsteller,' he said, 'how much would you charge to hear my

story—a story that will play Tarzak, if done properly. *

"I laughed. 'Trickster, there are not enough coppers on Momus to entice me to endure your amateur

efforts.' He tossed his purse at me, and when I caught it, I could feel the weight of over five

hundred movills in it. As I said, I had been on desperate times. 'Very well,' I said, tucking the

purse into my belt, 'but be brief.'

"Allenby told me his tale, and it was raw, clumsy and presented in bad order. But, I saw in it the

potential for greatness—possibly news that would play Tarzak.

"'Can you play this in Tarzak now?' he asked me.

"Of course not. It must be worked on, polished, and then taken on the road to see how it plays. If

we do well on the road, then we may try Tarzak.' Allenby rubbed his eyes, sighed, and nodded.

Aarel, his eyes wide, turned toward the apprentice news-teller. "But, then..."

"Yes, friends," said Boosthit, "I would like to present Lord Ashly Allenby, special ambassador to

Momus from the Ninth Quadrant Federation of Habitable Planets."

The apprentice stood and pushed the robe back from his face. "Oh, excellent, Boosthit!" Aarel

exclaimed.

"Yes, excellent, indeed!" said Parak. Allenby turned to Jum.

"And you?"

"Oh, yes. Excellent, most excellent."

Allenby reached within his newsteller's robe and withdrew an empty sack. "In which case, friends,

that will be fifty coppers apiece."

As they trudged through the dark on the road toward Tarzak, Allenby said to Boosthit, "We were

judged excellent and brought twice the price. I think we are ready for Tarzak. I don't see why we

should play any more fires."

"There are still a few things that need to be worked out, Allenby. Your escape in the lifeboat was

too easily guessed. I'll have to rework that."

"Humph!" They walked along in silence for a piece, then Allenby spoke. "Boosthit."

"Yes?"

"Since we will be on the road a bit longer, perhaps there is something we could do about my

presentation as a comic character. Don't you think if the news were a little more

serious..."

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20B...cus%20World%203%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txt (10 of 117) [2/2/03 11:53:46 PM]

文档加载中……请稍候！
如果长时间未打开，您也可以点击刷新试试。

下载文档到电脑，查找使用更方便

5.9 玖币 0人已下载

立即下载 VIP免费下载

摘要：

file:///F|/rah/Barry%20Longyear/Longyear,%20Barry%20-%20Circus%20World%23%20-%20Circus%20World%20UC.txtCIRCUSWORLDABerkleyBook/publishedbyarrangementwiththeauthorPRINTINGHISTORYBerkleyedition/January1981Allrightsreserved.Copyright©1981byBarryB.Longyear."TheTryouts,"copyright©1978byDavisPublication...

展开>> 收起<<

Barry Longyear - Circusworld 1 - Circusworld.pdf

共117页,预览24页

还剩页未读，继续阅读

声明：本站为文档C2C交易模式，即用户上传的文档直接被用户下载，本站只是中间服务平台，本站所有文档下载所得的收益归上传人(含作者)所有。玖贝云文库仅提供信息存储空间，仅对用户上传内容的表现方式做保护处理，对上载内容本身不做任何修改或编辑。若文档所含内容侵犯了您的版权或隐私，请立即通知玖贝云文库，我们立即给予删除！

Barry Longyear - Circusworld 1 - Circusworld

相关推荐

开通VIP享超值会员特权

作者详情

相关内容

热门标签

举报选择: