False Horizon - Alex Archer [47]
“What about the tropical environment?” Annja asked. “How is it that immediately outside this place it is freezing cold and yet, in here, there are plants and birds that would usually grow in a much more equatorial climate?”
“We are positioned directly over a series of hot springs and vents that feed a luxurious warm air current up through the soil,” Guge said. “The air here is what nourishes this place and the hot springs help us irrigate the entire valley, keeping it in optimal growing conditions.”
Tuk looked at Mike again, but still the big man didn’t speak. He seemed utterly enraptured with everything that was being said.
Annja, for her part, still seemed mystified. Tuk supposed that was because she was a scientist and naturally cynical about stuff like this. Of course, there was a difference between being skeptical of a legend and actually witnessing the legend itself.
“I can’t explain it all away so easily,” Annja said after another minute. “But the fact remains, we’re here and this place is absolutely amazing.”
“And most importantly,” Vanya said, “our son has returned. Now he can assume his rightful place as heir to the throne of Guge.”
Tuk looked at his mother. “I’m to be the king of this land?”
“That is how it is written, my son, yes.”
Tuk looked at his father and saw now that time had aged the old man terribly. Tuk couldn’t even begin to calculate how old his father was.
Guge smiled at him. “We have been waiting a very long time for your return, my son. I am a tired old man. And your mother is tired, as well.”
Vanya laughed. “Not nearly so now that my son has returned. But we are weary of ruling. It is time for a new generation to take over and guide our people onward through time and history.”
Tuk couldn’t believe it. Yesterday, he’d been a small man of no consequence who worked as a tracker for criminals and spies. Today, he was to be the king of a legendary kingdom.
Annja bowed her head. “Congratulations, Tuk.”
“Thank you.” Tuk frowned. Life certainly was a strange thing. “I still have a lot of questions about all of this,” he said to his parents.
Guge held up his hand. “In time, my son. In time. For now, the people of your kingdom are excited to see you again. And they have prepared an elaborate feast in your honor.”
“Already?”
Mike smiled. “I kind of mentioned you to them when they brought me here. Once I saw how small they were, I couldn’t help but let them know about you.”
Vanya nodded. “And I believe they have been working steadily ever since it became apparent that you might finally be coming back after all these years. It wouldn’t do to disappoint them now.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Tuk said. But he felt bad that the people of this place worked so hard for the likes of him. It didn’t seem right somehow.
Guge patted Tuk’s thigh. “I can see the trouble in your face, my son. You haven’t put anyone out, if that’s what you’re thinking. This is a time of celebration and as such, the work that goes on is not considered toil as much as a chance to revel in the fact that you have returned to the kingdom.”
“I guess so.”
Vanya nodded. “A feast is being laid out down below.” She turned to Annja and Mike. “You are, of course, more than welcome to join us.”
Annja bowed her head again. “Thank you very much.”
Mike nodded. “I could eat a horse.”
Vanya looked horrified. “Why would you do a thing like that?”
Annja elbowed Mike. “It’s merely an expression meant to convey extreme hunger, Your Highness,” he said.
Vanya laughed again. “Oh, I see. Very well.” She looked at Guge. “Shall we descend and join our people?”
Guge held up his hand and pointed at Annja. “You had a question a few minutes ago. About the yeti.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I’d like to see them again if that’s possible.”
“Of course it is possible,