CHAPTER 13

Karn drained his goblet, then set it down firmly upon the polished wooden table. "I think perhaps your relationship with my sister needs some polishing."

Tarak nodded. "I'm afraid I must agree. It does seem that she is not yet ready for a total commitment."

Karn grinned. "In any event, I do not think that she will soon forget you. None have taunted her with such a wit, or with such indifference."

"I have spent long hours suffering painfully the insults and wiles of To-Rok Foss," Tarak replied. "His wit is as sharp as his sword, and I am afraid that it was somewhat infectious."

"You do know Foss, Then," Barkan interjected, "as Pusk claimed?"

Tarak nodded.

"What do you think of the To-Rok?" queried Barkan.

Tarak met his inquiring gaze. "He is my friend. He who would injure Foss will find Tarak in his path."

Barkan relaxed, obviously pleased.

"He is a great man," the Tark said, "and many think he should be Tarkan, I among them. As you probably know, Foss commanded the military forces of all Neros once, and was more respected than even the Tarkan. Jaren was jealous, of course, and after isolating the city he stripped Foss of his rank and power. If Foss had resisted, civil war would have erupted, and desiring to prevent such strife, Foss acquiesced, because of his love for our city."

Barkan paused, shaking his heard. "It was a mistake, however. Foss was loved by the people, and could have usurped the throne without much blood spilled. Now Jaren strangles our city, and Foss is banished to the countryside. No other man exists who might challenge the Tarkan, for only O-Rok Abar approaches Foss in the esteem of our people, and he too is kept isolated."

"Foss indicated that Abar ruled jointly with him over the Nerosian military," Tarak said.

"They were both of equal rank," replied Barkan, "but Foss was supreme. Abar is a great leader, but has no taste for the complex responsibilities of supreme command. He could, of course, command if needed, but he has always preferred to spend most of his time warring in the field, battling the forest wroks, or seeking areas where disputes had arisen between Neros and bordering nations." "His primary objective", Barkan smiled, " often seemed to consist of planning new methods of causing embarrassment to Foss."

Karn joined Barkan's grin, and Tarak remembered the incident between the two warriors at the gate.

"I have seen something of his methods," he said, and proceeded to relate to them the incident between Foss and Abar which occurred at the Gates of Neros.

Barkan chuckled. "It has been too long since Nerosians last savored an embarrassment of Foss, at the hands of Abar." His eyes twinkled with amusement. "No matter how high became their positions within our city, Abar never lost his passion for tormenting Foss. Together they rose in power. Always Foss strived for a semblance of quiet dignity within his command, and always was he thwarted by Abar.

The people, citizens and warriors alike, were greatly amused at the scenario, and generally Foss accepted it with good humor."

Tarak was interested, for this was a side of the To-Rok he had not known about, and he pressed Barkan for examples.

The Tark chuckled. "Though Abar had no desire to command, or aspire to the position of Foss, he continually complained to the contrary. Often he charged that Foss was unfit to command, and that one day Abar would strangle the Rok in the streets of Neros, and thus take his power.

He insulted Foss publicly, declared him a coward, and ridiculed nearly every program Foss initiated, no matter how beneficial its intended and perceived result. He would refuse to sign joint proclamations, important papers which Foss in exasperation would execute by forging Abar's signature."

"Abar, of course, would then go into the streets, proclaiming the illegality of that particular proclamation, and screaming that Foss should be imprisoned, and he, Abar, installed as sole Commanding Rok."

Tarak looked up in amazement. "Did this not cause dissension within the military?"

Barkan shook his head, laughing. "No. Everyone knew the two men were inseparable, and had known each other since childhood. Abar was not taken seriously, but to the delight of the entire city his antics caused Foss a great deal of embarrassment, yet did not disrupt overly much the workings of government.

Foss, naturally enough, often found his proceedings turned to shambles, but except for a few incidents managed to retain his composure."

"What other acts occurred between the two?" prompted Tarak, fascinated by Barkan's rendition.

"Abar once arranged to have Foss kidnapped and drugged. This was accomplished by Abar's personal guard. When Foss awoke he found himself chained across the back of a slaver's drif, gagged and naked. By the time he managed to work the gag free he had been beaten several times by the slaver, who had become angry by his newly acquired property's struggles.

Finally Foss impressed upon the poor fellow that his cargo was no ordinary slave, and the slaver begged for mercy, explaining that he had been told that the captive was a deserting soldier, who had been reduced to slavery and sold, as punishment."

"The slaver explained that Rok Abar himself had conducted the transaction, and thus the slaver had naturally assumed all was as claimed."

"Foss forgave the man, since his explanation was obviously sincere, and the Rok then began to make his way slowly back to the city, barefoot and naked but for a slave's garment he had appropriated from his erstwhile owner. A foolish soldier had tried unknowingly to stop him at the bridge, and had received a broken jaw for his efforts in defending his city by excluding such undesirable characters as the ragged, enraged man who sought entrance that night."

"Others recognized the Rok, of course, and many were the smiles and giggles which followed him as he strode through the city, tattered and dusty, toward the palace. So baleful was his look as he approached the palace gates that the guard merely looked the other way as he walked past. On into the palace he came, into the military command quarters, and there Foss saw Abar sitting at the high, broad table where they both had previously sat, each in a broad-backed chair, and together ruled the defenses of Neros."

"Now only one chair remained, and Abar sat there, frowning. Upon seeing Foss, Abar had abruptly risen and demanded to know who had let this slave into his quarters, and loudly chastised the intruder for staining the polished floor with his bloody feet."

Tarak grinned as he tried to picture the stately Foss in such a condition, then listened again as Barkan continued.

"At this point in time Foss had completely lost his temper, and striding forth, he had snatched up a sword which lay there upon the table. Abar too drew his blade, and the men met near the center of the table, one richly dressed, the other bloody, tired, and blinded with rage."

"At the first stroke, of course, Foss' blade had sheared off at the hilt, for Abar had foreseen the moment and had planted the sword purposely upon the table. Confronted with this new setback Foss had stopped, and had looked with resignation at his useless sword, while Abar made threatening gestures, and demanded that Foss kneel and swear homage and fidelity, upon pain of death."

"Foss then seemed to go berserk, and charged Abar with his bare hands. Abar had tried to run, but Foss had caught him halfway across the chamber, and administered a beating to the Rok which was not forgotten by those who witnessed it."

"Abar, who was laughing uncontrollably at the time, had been thus unable to defend himself, and was a bloody mess by the time Foss had expended his fury; so much so that he was consigned by his physicians to bed for three days. Still, Abar has always sworn that he got the better of the deal, and Foss has never been able to forget that particular day."

"I shall have to mention it to him," said Tarak.

"Be prepared to retreat quickly when you do. Ask him also about the time Abar arranged for several large, man-starved kitchen girls to be let into Foss' sleeping quarters, telling them beforehand that the man inside was a deranged but unbelievably lustful man, who lived only to satisfy women. Abar locked the door behind them, and listened to the pandemonium from outside the door, along with several guests he had invited for the occasion."

"At other times, and more than once during a formal ceremony, Abar would physically assault Foss, throwing him to the floor, and screaming insults and threats. Always Foss kept a wary eye upon the Rok, but eventually his vigilance would lapse, and Abar rarely missed an opportunity."

Barkan shook his head. "Only their great friendship, coupled with Foss' own somewhat absurd sense of humor, prevented Foss from either strangling Abar or resigning his post....or perhaps both. Both men are loved by all Nerosians."

"Neros was a happy city then, Tarak, " said Karn. "It was open and free, and many foreign citizens traveled to our city, and from Neros to other cities. I myself have visited Senta, Kalnor, and Car."

"Each city has its own peculiarities and customs, and often differ markedly in their laws as well. Such exchange was good for Neros as it was for the other cities."

Karn paused. "Forgive my curiosity, Tarak, but like our Administrator, I too am curious as to your origins. If you do not wish to satisfy my curiosity, however, I shall understand."

Tarak was shaking his head, still amused by the stories of Foss. He looked candidly at Karn, who met his gaze with friendly eyes.

"I was raised in the mountains, and held captive by a man named Gonor, and his assistant, Brona." He looked at Karn. "They were from Elur, I understand, but whether they still maintain contact with that city I do not know."

"I have never been to Elur," Karn replied, "for it is very far away. It is reputed, however, to be a magnificent place."

"I shall travel there, some day," said Tarak, and one day I shall renew my acquaintance with Gonor and Brona, whether in Elur or wherever I may find them."

Karn noticed the fire which smoldered within Tarak's eves as he stated these names. "You have no idea of your heritage, then?"

Tarak shook his head. "I was too young when I was taken from my parents." He shrugged. "It does not matter. My only friends are here, in Neros. I shall visit other cities in time, but I am young, and am in no hurry to depart from your city. Perhaps I can help the cause of a friend?"

"Help him to do what?" queried Karn. He was still curious as to Tarak's background, but obviously Tarak did not intend to reveal more of his past, and Karn dropped the matter for the moment.

"I cannot say. You are my friends, and have welcomed me into your presence, as did Foss. What I know of the To-Rok's plans, however, shall remain with me."

"We, too, are friends of Foss," answered Barkan. "Still, your caution is admirable. Perhaps you could arrange a meeting with him, however. Tell him that Barkan-Pan-Cormoran invites him to visit."

"That I shall gladly do."

Karn interrupted. "Tarak, you should know that Pusk will attempt to have you arrested. The streets will not be safe, for your description will have been circulated throughout Jaren's forces. If you will accept the hospitality of the House of Cormoran, however, you shall enjoy a measure of safety, unless Jaren himself demands your arrest."

Tarak laughed, and raised his hands. "No, my friends, I think that I shall survive without your pampering. I have been in Neros for only two days, and have much yet to see. Your offer is kind, but tonight I must see Foss, and tell him what a fool he must have looked as Rok of Neros."

"We shall expect a visit soon, however, my friend," said Karn, "and in preparation I shall drill my sister vigorously in the domestic arts. I am certain it will please her greatly."

"I shall be happy to visit the House of Cormoran. Happier, I surmise, than your sister will be at my coming."

Barkan smiled. "She is an intelligent girl, notwithstanding her tantrums. She has much to learn about men, however. I think perhaps she might learn a few things of value from your `barbaric' ways."

"I think perhaps I might learn much, also."

Tarak drained his goblet, and rose. "I must depart now, for undoubtedly your Administrator has already directed that I be arrested, as you have warned, and I would prefer to avoid such an incident."

Karn nodded. "Remember that the House of Cormoran is always open to you. Word will be left at our gates to admit you immediately, should you find yourself in need of safety. Ask anyone in the city for its location, for our House is known to all citizens of Neros."

Barkan rose, and raised his hand. "I have enjoyed this meeting, Tarak. Your presence somehow bolsters my faith, though you are a stranger to our city, and are for that reason should be less powerful than are we. There is a certain manner or quality about you...."

Tarak laughed. "I am only a barbarian, Barkan, as your daughter so aptly described me. Should I find myself in a position whereby I might be able to aid your cause, however, I shall certainly try to help."

For a long moment the three men stood, warmed by each other's presence. Then Tarak nodded, grinned suddenly, and turned to leave. After he was gone, Barkan and Karn watched the empty door silently.

"He is a strange man," Karn said, after a moment.

Barkan nodded. "He is a great man, my son. Barbarian or not. I have known many great men, but in him I sense qualities which I have never sensed before. He is a barbarian at present, but should he survive the perils of our city, I think the world shall know his name."