The Malacia Tapestry by Brian W. Aldiss Read Free Book Online Page A

alleys behind, until I found myself again in the gloom of the Court of the Dark Eye.
    A group of men, all dingily dressed, stood in the darkest recesses of the court; there were women among them, old and young. They turned guiltily as I entered. One of them came forward, carrying a stout stick; it was the apprentice I had met, Bonihatch.
    â€˜What do you want?’
    â€˜I need to speak to Bengtsohn.’
    â€˜We’re busy. There’s a meeting, can’t you see? Shove off, as you did before.’
    But Bengtsohn moved up behind him, saying mildly, ‘It’s siesta and we talk of pigeon racing, de Chirolo. What do you wish from me? You left me abruptly enough.’
    I gave him a bow. ‘My apologies for that discourtesy. I had a mission.’
    â€˜Thus it seemed.’
    â€˜I am interested in the work you offered me, if you would be kind enough to tell me what exactly you require.’
    â€˜Come back this evening. I have business now. I will then talk with you.’
    I looked at Bonihatch, who stood ready with his stick.
    â€˜I may have become a monk by evening, but I’ll see what I can manage.’
    Love, what a power it is! Nothing but love could have induced me to enter that dreary court three times in one day – and what dedication I showed, for the lady had revealed herself to be uncertain-tempered, vain, and I know not what else besides. Also irresistible.
    How wise one feels to be a fool of love!
    â€˜Even a fool can do this job,’ Bengtsohn said. ‘Is why All-People indicated an actor, I suppose.’
    By night, moving behind smoky lanterns in intermittent shadow, Bengtsohn looked almost sinister, his sunken eyes sometimes hiding, sometimes glittering, in their sockets. His long fingers were talon-like as he wove his explanation.
    â€˜I told how I have discovered the method to mercurize real views through the zahnoscope, so that they have become implanted on glass slides. My ambition is to tell a story by such methods. People I need, actors. A simple story to begin. Big acorns from little oaks grow. I will mercurize the actors against real or painted settings. The product will be of an extraordinary originality and cause certain consequences. You shall be one from the four characters in the simple drama. The scenes of the drama will be emblazoned on glass far more faithfully than what artist could ever depict. This will be the real image, painted by light – light, that great natural force what is free for all, rich and poor alike.’
    Keen to make him look a little less inspired, I said, ‘It will only be like a stage play with the action stopped, and paralysis suddenly overtaking everyone.’
    â€˜You players are so ephemeral, your actions sketched in the air and then gone, the whole thing forgotten when the final curtain will come down. But when you are mercurized through the zahnoscope, why, then your actions become imperishable, your drama continuous. I will not mind wagering that the drama what you will enact for me will still be viewed by connoisseurs after you yourself will have grown old and died, young Perian!’
    At that, I had to laugh. He was cutting an absurd figure, stroking an old japanned magic lantern with fluted chimney as he spoke, as if he expected a genie to emerge.
    â€˜And what is this great drama you wish me to perform? Are we to put Sophocles or Seneca on glass?’
    He came closer. Then he took a turn away. Then he returned, and clutched my hands in his. Then he dropped my hands and raised his to the sky.
    â€˜Perian, my life is beset with difficulties and hedged by enemies. Let there be trust between us, as well as business also.’
    â€˜You told me when we met that you had enemies and the State had eyes.’ The proposition was somehow more reasonable here in the stuffy darkness of his workshop than it had appeared in the sunlit street.
    â€˜We must each trust each. We are both in a same situation