Maske: Thaery by Jack Vance Read Free Book Online

still.
    “Oh what can the man be saying?” cried Sune softly. “Is he a strochane 17 ? Look how his eyes glow!”
    “He is undoubtedly a peculiar person.”
    A gong-sound reverberated down from the cupola. Nai the Hever uttered a final few words and somewhat reluctantly turned away from Jubal Droad. Ignoring Mieltrude’s signal, he went back to his place on the rostrum.
    Mieltrude and Sune sat staring fixedly ahead, ignoring Jubal as if he were a noxious odor.
    The Nunciant uttered a set of ritual exclamations, and again Ramus Ymph stepped forward. The Nunciant addressed him: “Three Servants, by their benevolent restraint, have spared you the arduous exertions of the Servantry. Nai the Hever remains to be consulted. From his special knowledge of your strengths he will form his decision. You may now address to him whatever remarks you deem proper.”
    Ramus Ymph, after a perfunctory salute to the audience, turned toward Nai the Hever, his manner still airily confident. “I need not enlarge upon the attributes of the perfect Servant. Certain of our Servants exemplify one virtue or another: Ambish is cautious as a rock; Myrus is noted for frugal economy; Neuptras for his sensitivity and discrimination; but only in Nai the Hever do all these elements attain a full development. If I am urged, I hope to emulate this noble gentleman’s method, in order to provide continuity for what I consider inspired Servantry. Either I am of the proper mettle or I am not; Nai the Hever, who has honored me with his acquaintance, knows. His integrity warrants a correct decision. I expect and deserve no more than this.” Ramus Ymph, so saying, threw back his head and stood waiting.
    In a thin clear voice Nai the Hever said: “I can only hope, at best, to approach Ramus Ymph’s exalted version of myself. He himself is of course a gentleman of remarkable attributes: and we cannot afford to waste his talents. I have deliberated long and painfully, and I now feel that we should urge Ramus Ymph into a new and special category, that of extraordinary counsel, where he can operate with flexible scope.
    If I urged Ramus Ymph into the Servantry I would limit his efficacy, and I will not do so. He can function far more usefully as our advisor, our eyes and ears. Speaking for the Servantry, I offer him our great gratitude for deigning to appear before us.”
    Ramus Ymph’s jaw slackened. He stood a long instant after Nai had finished speaking, then he made a formal gesture, turned on his heel and departed the rostrum with a sweep and swing of his black cutaway cape. The Nunciant came forth to utter a valediction; from the balcony the Unctator called down a blessing.
    Mieltrude and Sune sat stunned and limp. Sune turned a lambent glance toward Jubal. “What could he have said?”
    Mieltrude suggested tersely: “Why don’t you ask him?”
    Sune hesitated, then turned to Jubal: “Well then, what did you tell Nai the Hever?”
    “I explained my opinion of Ramus Ymph; he saw fit to take my advice.” Jubal bowed politely. “My excuses; I will now depart.”
    The girls glumly watched him leave the booth. Nai the Hever presently joined them. Looking around the box, he asked, “Where is the Glint?”
    “He departed. Has he not done enough harm? If nothing else, he has spoiled our fête.”
    “He left no word, no message? Why did you not keep him here? But no matter. I will find him tomorrow.
    A warning now, to both of you!” He fixed each in turn with a glittering silver-gray glance. “Discuss these matters with no one, specifically those of your friends who are directly concerned in the day’s events.”
    Sune’s mouth drooped; she seemed subdued and crestfallen. Mieltrude gave a glacial shrug and looked away. “I am bewildered by what I have seen and heard. I seldom discuss what I do not understand.”
    “In that case,” said Nai the Hever, “I will not trouble to elucidate.”

Chapter 4
    Jubal Droad fled the Parloury as if it were a