Star of Gypsies
Yakoub is the king of the Rom, the ancient Gypsy race of humans who have evolved from the days of caravans into lords of the spaceways, the only pilots capable of steering ships safely between the many worlds of the galaxy. Convinced that his people have lost their way, and determined to return them to their ancestral home of Romany Star, Yakoub has "retired" that they might realize their need of him. Living in exile on an icy world, he is visited by three companions (some only in astral form) who each entreat him to return and take up his throne. But when the king comes out of retirement, he finds himself embroiled in a power struggle, not only over the Romany throne, but over the fate of the entire galactic empire as well. Told as a rollicking first person narrative, Star of Gypsies is a charming and imaginative Space Opera adventure recounted in classic Silverberg style.