Crystal Doors #1 by Kevin J. Anderson, Rebecca Moesta Read Free Book Online Page B

them, forcing these great thinkers of the deep to devise spells and tactics against us.”
    “In other words, they’re like hostage weapons scientists,” Gwen said.
    “Sorta sounds that way,” Vic agreed. “I watched a TV special about how the Nazis forced scientists to make weapons for Hitler during World War II, even though they didn’t want to.”
    Lyssandra watched the artificial walker turn the corner and disappear down the street. “Sage Polup escaped from the guarded anemonite beds and came to us. One of our divers found him in the harbor a year ago, pleading for asylum. Polup warned us of a growing threat to Elantya. The merlons mean to remove this island from their oceans. From time to time they have destroyed our docks, shredded our fishing nets, and damaged our ships. They intend to move against us again… and soon.”
    “Let me get this straight,” Vic said. “You’re being threatened… by mermaids?”
    “Merlons.”
The young woman touched his arm, and paused a moment to read his thoughts. “I can see in your mind a picture of what you are thinking, and you could not be more wrong. The merlons are far more horrific than anything you can imagine.”
    “Closer to the Creature from the Black Lagoon, then?” Vic said.
    Lyssandra wore a troubled expression. “Ah, I see now. Yes, that is closer to reality. Sage Polup advises the Pentumvirate,our governing council of five leaders, but he spends most of his time teaching.”
    “In other words, a visiting professor,” Gwen said.
    “A jellyfish professor driving a robot!” Vic chuckled. “Am I the only one who finds that funny?”
    The telepathic girl’s eyes were solemn. “Would you truly judge him by his appearance rather than by his mind? That is not our way, Viccus. Elantya is an egalitarian city, and the Citadel welcomes students and instructors of any race or species from all the worlds linked by crystal doors — medical specialists and weather readers from Chian, shamans and tribal musicians from Afirik, philosophers and mathematicians from Grogypt. Students come to learn the complexities of intelligent life in all its forms. You will see this for yourself. While you are in Elantya, it would be simplest to let you stay in student rooms at the Citadel. Perhaps you two will learn from us and add to our reservoir of knowledge by telling us of your world, where things are different?”
    “Oh, it’s different there, all right,” Gwen said.
    “Then you will fit in well. We each carry special knowledge. Scholars and scientists, mystics and philosophers, come from different civilizations to practice their arts, to share their learning, and to see other points of view.”
    Vic pointed to the sky. “Ooh — look!”
    Looking up, Gwen spotted a rectangle of purple cloth fringed with gold tassels sailing among the scoop-powered gliders. A young man in billowy pantaloons, a white silk shirt, and short vest rode cross-legged atop the carpet, guiding it along.
    “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Vic whooped with delight. He nudged his cousin. “Five bucks says we’re about to meet Aladdin.”
    “A flying carpet?” Gwen put her hands on her hips. “That’s impossible.”
    “Why is it more impossible than any other design of glider or aircraft?” Lyssandra said. She waved to the young man on the flying carpet, and he came around to land in front of them.
    “Because… because it just is,” Gwen insisted.
    “You must learn to dispense with your preconceptions, Gwenya.”

9
     
    AFTER THE EMBROIDERED RUG settled on the flagstones with a flurry of gold tassels, the boy stood up and brushed off his fancy clothes. He ran a critical eye over the interpreter. “You are looking very tired today, Lyssandra. Bad dreams again?”
    Lyssandra studied the ground at her feet. “Shipwrecks… all night. It seemed so real, so familiar. I’d rather not discuss it.”
    He shrugged and looked instead at Gwen and Vic. “A new pair of novs?”
    “These