“Return—bah!” Erech grunted. “I am tired of Al Bekr, Ma-zhon. Also I am tired of my world. This world of yours, now—I should like to see it. And I should like to be with you. But—” He hesitated, an odd look in the pale eyes. “But I serve you, Alasa. If you wish me to go back to Al Bekr—why, I shall keep faith. But, by El-lil, Ma-zhon is a man to cleave to!”
“I think you are right,” the girl said. “But what does Mason think of this?”
For answer Mason took a step forward, gripped the Sumerian’s brown hands. “We have fought well together,” he said, “and we would have died together. All that I have is yours, Erech. If you come with me, I do not think you’ll regret it.”
“And I?” Alasa broke in. Mason turned.
“You will go back to Al Bekr, I suppose,” he said, a dull ache in his throat at the thought of losing the girl. “I know how to work the time-ship. I can—”
“Oh, Kent—you fool!” Alasa murmured. “We too have fought together and would have died together. My people are safe in Al Bekr now. Nothing draws me back there. But—would you let me join you and Erech?”
For answer Mason took Alasa into his arms. “Let you! It’s the only thing I want. But I didn’t dare ask—”
The girl gave a little chuckle as she leaned her bronze curls against Mason’s shoulder. “I would not have let you escape me, Kent. Never fear that!”
The Sumerian gave a deep-throated laugh. “Come, Ma-zhon! Let us start. I am anxious to see this world of yours.”
“Okay,” Mason smiled. “And if you don’t like it—well, we still have the time-ship. Perhaps…”
He didn’t finish. He touched the instrument panel, and the veil of blackness dropped down.
And Alasa kissed him.
THE END
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The Time Trap Page 12
