despise us, and we return them the
favor."

I did not reply, but my heart seemed to throb in sympathy with the Zerv
attempt to free the beautiful creature from her living tomb.

"Could she turn the tables for the Zervs if they had succeeded?"

"I really don't know," answered Genner, opening a door and motioning me
into the apartment. "These are my quarters. There is plenty of room, the
place is usually empty of all but slaves. I seldom sleep here myself,
preferring more congenial and less lonesome sleeping accommodations. I
think you will find it comfortable. I will see you at the evening meal
time."

As I walked in, the door closed and I heard the lock click. I was a
"guest" with reservations.

Curiously I examined the place, the unreadable books kept in niches
behind transparent sections of the wall, the strange furnishings, at
once exotic and comfortless to me. The books I could not get at, finding
no way to open the transparent panels which seemed an integral part of
the wall. I could not feel comfortable in the seats and lounges, as they
were very low, requiring an oriental squat at which I am not adept. I
compromised by stretching out along a hard couch raised some six inches
above the floor. There were no gadgets to tinker with, the place was to
me barren of necessary appurtenances ... strange people, indeed.

As I was dozing off, the lock clicked in the door, and I sat up,
startled to see Wananda glide in and close the door quickly behind her.
She was alone, and there was something furtive about her.

"Welcome to my abode, beautiful one."

The woman smiled, an almost human smile; reserved, yet with an
unexpected warmth. I waited with intense curiosity for her explanation
of her visit.

"I come to you for aid, for I can talk to none of my own. I am in
trouble which perhaps no one but you could remedy. Will you give me your
honor, will you do what I ask without question, will you be my friend?"

I was taken aback that this apparently powerful personage should be
seeking aid of me, a prisoner. I answered:

"I see no reason why you should not trust me, as I know no one here to
betray you to. But are you not the supreme power here? Why should you
want my aid?"

"Because you do not understand my position does not mean that I am not
in trouble. These Jivros are difficult allies for one with blood in her
veins. I was raised to be a ruler. The Jivro priests were my tutors and
my administrators before I ca