Pathways - Jeri Taylor [183]
The Elders seemed flummoxed by the events. They convened regularly, often staying up well into the night cycle, the lights from their offices the only lights seen in the Assembly hall. It was after two weeks of this that Toscat summoned Kes.
This time she stayed on her feet rather than get swallowed into the voluptuous cushions of Toscat’s couch. The plump little man looked haggard; the jowls of his cheeks seemed to sag a little more than before, and the skin beneath his eyes was yellowish, signifying a lack of sleep.
“We know the Caretaker is sending us these aliens for a purpose, but we are unable to comprehend what that purpose might be. We have cared for them to the best of our ability, but so far, every one of them has died. We are failing the Caretaker.” This was interesting news, but didn’t explain just why he had summoned Kes. She held her tongue and waited. Toscat paced away from her, hands clasped behind his back.
The next seemed difficult for him to say; she was sure she heard his voice catch a few times. But it didn’t matter, because what he said was so exciting that she scarcely cared what he sounded like. “It has occurred to us . . . that is, the possibility has been broached . . . that the Caretaker was for some reason unhappy that you were not granted permission to read the old texts. Not that I give this theory any credence, mind you, but others have posited it, and it’s been agreed that we dare not risk offending the Caretaker, even unintentionally.” He paused, gazing out the window. They both heard the characteristic shimmery ringing which had become so familiar, and knew that more aliens had arrived.
“The Elders have decided that you may study the writings. Perhaps that will appease the Caretaker. Perhaps you will find in those texts some revelation that will explain why he is sending these beings to us.”
Kes’s heart was pounding so loudly that her ears were pulsating. She was going to be able to read about their past! For once she felt a twinge of gratitude toward the Caretaker, whoever or whatever he was, for having such a profound influence on the Elders. If they hadn’t been so nervous about him, she might never have won the right to read the ancient records.
“Come with me,” continued Toscat, “and you can begin immediately.” He turned and walked from the room, followed closely by Kes. They proceeded down the corridor to a tiny room Kes had never realized was there, as it was hidden by a door that had been made to resemble the wall. They entered the room, the doors closed—and then Kes’s stomach almost jumped into her throat as the little room began to descend!
She turned to Toscat, eyes wide with surprise. “It’s a conveyance chamber,” he explained. “The only one in the city. It leads to the vaults.”
This adventure was becoming more intriguing all the time. Vaults! Buried deep below the Assembly hall—who would have thought it? Kes took several deep breaths to calm herself, but she couldn’t quell the excitement that possessed her.
They exited the chamber and walked down a long, dimly lit hallway until they reached its terminus. There Toscat put his hand on the wall in a particular location and the wall swung open—another concealed door. Toscat stepped through and gestured for Kes to follow him.
The room had an unusual smell to it, a mustiness that Kes found appealing. It was the scent of history, and its odor was intoxicating. She looked around her to see the walls of the room lined with bookshelves, all of which contained bound books of various sizes and thicknesses. Some looked relatively new and unused; others were clearly ancient, the covers cracked and shriveled from age. In the center of the room stood a square table with two chairs precisely placed at either end, suggesting that they were rarely, if ever, used. Kes walked immediately to the section containing what she perceived to be the oldest of the books.
“Those are the earliest of the writings,” said Toscat without emotion, which was surprising to Kes, who was so excited