Page 85 - The Perpetrations of Captain Kaga

Claiming the Vegimal Property

Unfortunately his map was not topographical; his path in the dark
took him over high rocks and sandy bottoms, impeded his progress
considerably. Cursing, he realized that he should have retraced the
Molgoza’s route, since they would have taken the easiest way
possible. But it was too late to change course; day broke just before
he reached his destination.
He stopped the Terrall and got down, tired and aching. The
Vegimal clump turned their torsos in unison to look at him. They had
most of their limbs planted in the ground, evidently to derive the
maximum nourishment from their less-than-desirable location.
“Greetings,” said Captain Kaga wearily. “Have you seen my friend?
He’s an alien, somewhat shorter and rounder than me.”
“You may approach,” said the largest of the group, who was
stationed in front of the others. “I am King Akarak, supreme ruler of
all Miglig.”
“Oh.” said Kaga, stopping in his tracks. “Well, uh, Your Majesty,
it’s very important that I find him. You see—”
“Never mind,” said King Akarak imperiously. “I’ll tell you what I
told him. You aliens have been banished from my kingdom, did you
know that? I thought you would have heard by now, but royal
decrees don’t get out into the provinces very rapidly these days.
Perhaps I shall move the court closer to your base so you will get the
message. Or will you take care of it yourself and save me a trip?”
Captain Kaga’s patience snapped. “Where is he?” he shouted.
“What have you done with him? If I don’t find him soon, you’ll be
king of a slag heap!”
“Such rudeness!” said one of the court.
“Disgusting, these aliens!” exclaimed another.
The king hushed them and turned back to Captain Kaga. “Your
fellow alien also became annoying. He demanded to know where to
find the Igmalavex. I told him and he left.”
I seem to have heard of that group before, thought Kaga. Aloud he
said, “Who are the Igmalavex? And where are they located on this
island?”
“They are the ancients of my kingdom,” replied the Vegimal
monarch. “Their roots have never been pulled up. There are but
three of them left, out on the edge of the world, in that direction.”
He pointed regally with one free limb.
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