THE STAR GODS WERE PLAYING A GAME

"Some sleeping rugs, perhaps? Or a finely worked bronze jar from the East?"

The stranger nodded. "Possibly. But I would like to look a while if I may."

Musa stepped aside, waving a hand. "You are more than welcome, friend," he assented. "Perhaps some of my poor goods may strike your fancy."

Little did Musa know that this man, Lanko, was a member of the Philosophical Corp, guarding this planet. Little did Musa know that he'd once known Lanko -- but his memory had been erased.

It was a rich and fabulous world of oceans and deserts and dreams. It was an experimental world, ruled by benign watchers.

But greedy men had found the world -- The Players -- had found this world of riches and wished to use a game of power to make it their own.