The Time Trap Read Online Free

furs, Erech grinned wryly.
    “I thought the metal men had you. But you’re not safe yet. Unless you want to take your chances with the Master—”
    “Why should he harm me?” Mason asked, without much assurance.
    “Well, there was another man who came as you did, out of nothing—a man named Murdach. He’s in the vaults, chained and captive. I don’t know why. True, Greddar Klon may not chain you —”
    “I’d rather not make the experiment,” Mason said. “But doesn’t the Master know I’m here?”
    “He isn’t sure. Nirvor won’t betray you, for that would mean betraying herself. I think you can hide in Al Bekr for a while, anyway. It’s easy to find a white camel in a herd, but if it’s dyed brown—” The Sumerian got up, found a length of cloth and a light cloak. “You’d best wear these.”
    Mason nodded. “When in Rome,” he observed, but the other only stared. Then he remembered—Rome would not be born for thousands of years. Quickly Mason stripped, fashioned himself a loin-cloth, threw the cloak over his shoulders. Erech handed him a dagger. “I have no better weapon,” he apologized. “My scimitar I need myself.”
    He led the way out into the passage, talking as he walked. “As for the Master, I don’t know where he came from. Once Al Bekr was a paradise. Then Greddar Klon came, and with his magic enslaved us all. I was visiting Al Bekr when he arrived, having had occasion to flee Nippur.” Diabolic mirth tinged his grim face for a moment.
    “When my caravan got here, Alasa ruled. Then suddenly Greddar Klon came. I did not see that. Some say he sprang out of empty air, in broad daylight. He made himself ruler, took Alasa as hostage, and keeps her imprisoned. He has made this into a city of fear. Look about you!” Erech flung out an arm at the green-lit corridor. “Al Bekr was not unduly beautiful before, but now it’s like living underground with devils! Well, cities are no places for men anyway. If I—but none can escape. Some have tried, and died. Greddar Klon’s slaves are everywhere.”
    The passage broadened. Behind them came quick footsteps. Mason felt the Sumerian nudge him. Racing past came a metal robot. If it saw them, it gave no heed. From the distance came the thudding tramp of many feet. The clanging note of a bell rang out.
    Erech cursed. His eyes rolled, as though seeking a way of escape. More robots passed them. Mason gripped his dagger.
    “No!” The Sumerian seized his wrist, pulled his hand from the weapon. His voice was low and urgent. “There’s danger, but we may escape. Come!” He quickened his footsteps.
    The metal men moved on, arm-tentacles swinging, bulging eyes astare. The clatter of their footsteps filled the passage. The bell clanged out again.
    “It summons the city to the Council Room,” Erech said. “All must be there. We’ve no chance to find a hiding place for you now. We must wait…”
    Five minutes later they emerged into a great high-ceilinged room. It was vast, awe-inspiring in its bare hugeness. It was of white stone, windowless, lit with the inevitable green-glowing bars. Tunnel mouths ringed the walls. A multitude of men and women, a few children, were pouring from the passages.
    Guided by Erech, Mason joined the rest. At one end of the great chamber was a raised dais, bare save for a silvery metal ovoid that hung in the air, apparently without support. It was perhaps seven feet long. Strangely it reminded Mason of a coffin. At sight of it he felt Erech grow tense beside him.
    The room was filling with a surging multitude, brown-faced, furtive-eyed. They spoke in hushed tones among themselves, casting occasional quick glances toward the dais. To Mason it was strange indeed to hear the low mutterings of a language which no longer existed save among a few scholars—in his time, at least.
    From the high ceiling a black disk dropped. Its descent was arrested, and it hung swaying above the crowd. The whisperings died into