An android hurdled the rail. Thor stepped forward, swung his axe. The keen edge bit through hair and skull. Thor grunted, "This is the opening move, Aava. I'll find a gambit to beat you. I'll checkmate you yet." The axe bit and dug at climbing androids, toppling them. Thor aimed always at the heads, for that was swift annihilation. Android after android dropped under the slashing impact of the double-edged Viking weapon. Thor used it with a full swing, letting the weight of his body add the impetus, learning that the perfect balance of the axe was manageable with a twist of the wrist. His hand on the ivory haft changed course and the edge drove home; it swerved, and the axe dipped under a sword to cut upwards through a jaw. He spoke no more to Aava, though he felt the blazing green gaze fastened on him where he held the Viking deck. He used his wits for fighting. After a while Thor dropped the tip of the axe to the deck and grinned at Aava, "You didn't send enough androids. Take a look!" He held the ruby at arm's length above his head. The deck and sides of the ship were littered with sprawled bodies, with broken springs and gears spilling from crushed and severed heads. Aava sighed, "It is hard, using androids. They are good servants, but they lack one thing. They lack initiative. They can't think." Thor brought the ruby down, grinning mirthlessly into its depths. "How long have you lived, Aava?" "I am immortal. I always was." "You will die, some day. I will kill you, myself." "Nothing can kill me, Thor." "I will." "Nothing can kill--" Aava checked. Thor felt the cunning of the green fire, beating up through the crystal layers of the jewel. He whispered, "Nothing can kill--_what?_ What are you, Aava? What is your secret?" "You will never learn." Thor shrugged and knelt. With his fingers he pried up a rotting board. There was a beam-joint beneath it. Thor placed the ruby in the crotch of the joint and stared down at the jewel, knowing the wild rage of Aava. "I must leave you here--in darkness, Aava. I can't take you with me. If I did, you would see all I am going to do to whip you. You understand that?" "Thor, be my friend!" He shook his head, "I cannot. I do not trust you, Aava." "The androids were not to fight you--" "Yet they did." Thor checked, peered closer. The purple hue of the ruby was fading. The gem was tenantless. Aava was gone. Thor stood up and kicked the plank into place. He filled his lungs with crisp air. He knew what he must do. He had to learn all he could about Aava. If Gordon and the others could not help him-- There was always the Discoverer! Thor dropped over the longboat side and went striding off into the grasslands. * * * * * It was night when he found the campfire, Karola came running, hearing his shout, her yellow hair streaming behind her. Thor caught her, held her close. He thought of Stalyl, and there was remorse and tenderness in his kiss.