Free A Paradox in Retrograde by John Faherty

seating area cut
into the face of the rock where a selection of sumptuous fruits,
cheese and bread awaited them. There was even a carafe of coffee. Grunhuf never at a loss for words was impressed by the
treatment, but suspected it was not all for their benefit. Despite
his suspicions he bowed his head in appreciation. "I thank you
Lady Xora for your gracious hospitality. I'm sure I speak for both
of us when I say, we are much obliged." The pair easily found
their seats and began to make themselves comfortable. She
bowed her head and made her departure. While quietly watching
the sunlight play among the white linen drapery, and table covers,
they with few words spoken between them proceeded to indulge
their appetites. Their meal was accompanied by an array of intoxicating sound made by the wind chimes and the rustling of the
palm trees in the warm breeze rising from the sea.
    Xora arrived to Ananda's chamber door just as he stepped
through the threshold. She could do little to helpherself from admiring how handsome and well he now appeared. He greeted her
as she stood waiting, "Good morn Lady Xora, did yourest well?"
He had caught her eye and he couldn't help but take notice of her
long unblinking glance. For a second she had forgotten to speak.
"My lady, are you alright?"
    Shaken from her distraction she apologized. "Please, forgive me
for my rude behavior. I did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable. It's just that you have most unusual features."
    "Is my appearance unattractive?"
"Good heavens no, quite the contrary I'm afraid."
    He accepted this answer without further question as he too
thought these peoples appearance was somewhat different than
his own. "Please let me introduce you to some important people
who have come to greet you?"
    "Lady Xora, forgive me however I would like as soon as possible
to return to the crystal room. I feel there are yet untapped answers
to my origins hidden within."
    "We will have you there presently. However in the meantime
these are no ordinary guests. I must insist you meet with them,
and then I promise you, we shall return to work in the crystal
room."
    "It would seem you have me at a disadvantage, I will comply."
"Good, now come this way."
He followed her as she made her way down the garden path toward the reception area.
    Grunhuf and Landaus were enjoying the view as well as the
meal. Grunhuf saw them approaching. Feeling he should speak
his mind before their encounter, he leaned into Landaus close
enough so no one could hear what he had to say. Landaus pretended not to hear him as he spoke. "Landaus, how much of the
story told by this supposed time traveler do you believe? I for
one don't believe a word of it. How likely is it that a man could
remain sleeping for thousands of years? I think it's more likely
that we are the unwitting accomplices of a yet unidentified charlatan." Landaus under pressure from the governor tokeep a lid
on things chose the words of his response carefully. "Grunhuf, it
surprises me that a man of your station would mirehimself in
sordid speculation when what evidence we need is before us."
He turned and looked at him squarely before he continued. "Let
me ask you again this time more directly. Do you think it wise
to open up your office to ridicule or censure? Let me remind you
how delicate this situation could potentially be. The last thing I
need is loose talk. The first thing we need to do is to discreetly
get the bottom of exactly who this man is, and why is he here.
For all we know he could be exactly as he says he is. So you
must keep an open mind. If however, what he has to say is true,
then everything our culture is built upon may come unraveled.
Do you follow me?"
"Yes, I believe I do."
    Their conversation had abruptly ended as Grunhuf and Landaus
were joined in the sea side overlook by Ananda and Xora. They
entered from the marble pathway. Grunhuf and Landaus stood to
greet them. With a regal confidence Ananda enteredinto the
open air reception room