“By now she’ll have heard about this ship and will know what I intend to do. We mustn’t return to Airlee.”
“No: that wouldn’t be safe. But I have a better plan.”
* * *
The little village in which they landed was only a dozen miles from Airlee, but Alvin was surprised to see how greatly it differed in architecture and setting. The houses were several stories in height and had been built along the curve of a lake, looking out across the water. A large number of brightly colored vessels were floating at anchor along the shore: they fascinated Alvin, who had never heard of such things and wondered what they were for.
He waited in the ship while Theon went to see his friends. It was amusing to watch the consternation and amazement of the people crowding round, unaware of the fact that he was observing them from inside the machine. Theon was gone only a few minutes and had some difficulty in reaching the airlock through the inquisitive crowds. He breathed a sigh of relief as the door closed behind him.
“Mother will get the message in two or three minutes. I’ve not said where we’re going, but she’ll guess quickly enough. And I’ve got some news that will interest you.”
“What is it?”
“The Central Council is going to hold talks with Diaspar.”
“What!”
“It’s perfectly true, though the announcement hasn’t been made yet. That sort of thing can’t be kept secret.”