“It was too hot today,” she murmured, her mouth searching for his.
No more talk, he sent between the small bites and kisses. Let’s seal our betrothal.
*
Kaid threaded his way through the packed inn till he reached the table at the back where Rulla sat waiting for him.
“What the hell are you doing requesting leave at the Tempie in Valsgarth?” he demanded, his voice low and angry as he sat down opposite him.
“Gently, Kaid,” he said, pushing a spirit glass over to him. “Have this and calm down. I didn’t ask for Valsgarth, Lijou posted me here. I expect he hopes to make use of me at some point.”
Kaid gave a low growl of annoyance.
“Have your drink,” said Rulla, edging it closer to him. “I know you’re off duty or you wouldn’t be here. It’s Chemerian M’ikkoe. You still like it, don’t you?”
Kaid glowered at him and picked the drink up. “You still haven’t told me why you’re here.”
“I figured that Ghezu will only tell you what he wants you to know considering you’re working freelance. With me here, too, he reckons it gives him the edge over you, so I’m more likely to find out what he’s up to.” He lifted his glass and took a drink.
“I’m also in the Temple,” he continued, putting the glass down again. “We know Lijou plays both ends against the middle and if he’s after information on what Ghezu’s up to, he’ll ask me since I’m now officially attached to him as a lay Brother.”
Kaid grunted, allowing his brow to relax and took a mouthful of the drink. “It’ll do as a cover,” he said. “Now tell me what you’re really doing here.”
Rulla sat forward, leaning low across the table. “I told you on the Khalossa, Kaid,” he said, his voice almost a whisper. “Some of us hear the God calling. If you’re going to keep them safe, out of the hands of both Esken and the Brotherhood, then you can’t do it alone. It’s too much for one person.”
“Who says that’s what I’m doing?”
“Stop messing around, Kaid! You wouldn’t do Ghezu’s dirty work for him ever again, nor would you let the likes of Lijou or Esken call your tune. So what’s left? All I need to know is where we’re going.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Kaid, taking another mouthful of his drink. “We’re not going anywhere.”
“What are your plans, Kaid, because whatever they are, I’m going to be part of them. There were a lot of us who disagreed with Ghezu’s actions back…”
Kaid slammed the glass on the table, sending the contents slopping over the side. “Forget that day!” he said angrily. “It’s gone, over and done with.” More quietly, “I have, Rulla. I’ve no desire or need to pull Ghezu down. Leave the Brotherhood out of this. I’m no longer an active part of it.”
“So you’ve got no plans yet?” Rulla nodded slowly. “Then you’d better get some together, Kaid, because you’ve already got a following.”
Kaid looked up sharply at him, eyes narrowing, ears swiveling forward so he missed nothing. “What d’you mean?” he demanded.
“Exactly what I said. If you haven’t realized it by now, then you’re slipping, my friend. There’s Garras for a start. Then what about those two lads from the Khalossa that you brought with you? Meral and Sevrin? Saw them today. Can’t you see it’s the old days starting all over again?”
“Don’t be ridiculous!” he snapped.
“Am I? Like I said, Kaid, you better start finalizing your plans.” He drank the last of his ale and stood up to leave. “Remember, you’ve got me inside the Brotherhood and the Temple now. You’ve got a following, whether or not you want us, we’re there.”
He reached out for Rulla, pulling him back down. “Sit down, for the God’s sake! You can’t help me, you’re still in the Brotherhood, still subject to your oath to Ghezu! You know what the penalty is if you break it. Don’t be a fool, Rulla!”
Rulla let himself be pulled down again. “Do you remember our oath?” he asked.
“Of course I remember it,” growled Kaid. “I still try to live by it.”
“How can you do that, when you’re no longer one of the Brotherhood?”
“I keep my oath to the God.”
“Exactly. The basis of our oath is to Vartra, not Ghezu. How does it go? ‘I swear that for the rest of my life I will follow the God’s calling, and abide by the rules of the Brotherhood. To this end I renounce all Clan ties. From now till I die, my family is of the Brotherhood at Dzahai Stronghold.’ “
“What’s your point, Rulla?”
“Merely that I can follow my oath from outside the Brotherhood, too, if our move is made public enough. Now I really do have to go, Kaid. Ghyan is expecting me back. I did tell you that I’ve asked to study comparative religions, didn’t I? Particularly the Keissian one. I’ll be getting in touch with your Liegen in a day or two.”
Kaid sat on for a while after Rulla had left. He had a lot of thinking to do. An old mirror had been held up in front of him again and he wasn’t sure he liked the image in it.
Chapter 14
True to his word, Kusac rose early the next morning and, leaving Carrie still asleep, went through to the lounge to contact his father. He had no real idea of what he was going to say beyond the fact that he had no intention of marrying Rala. What he did next depended on his father’s reaction.
Approaching the desk, he saw the message light was blinking urgently. With a sense of resignation, he sat down and keyed in the replay. It told him that because of problems in the peace talks with Earth, his father’s presence on the Rhyaki was essential. His mother was due home that day, but until then he, Kusac, was in charge of the Clan and all messages would be relayed to his comm. Groaning, he checked the time. Kaid would definitely be awake. Contacting him, he asked him to deal with any incoming calls for the time being.
Switching off the comm, he rubbed his hands across his ears, frustrated at the delay. Having nerved himself up to talk to his father, it was annoying to find that he was gone for several weeks. He padded back to the bedroom, slipping quietly into the warmth of their bed. As he lay down beside her, from the depths of sleep Carrie sensed his return and moved closer to him, matching her body to his. Her hand reached back seeking his, bringing it forward to wrap around herself.
He slid his tail across her legs, feeling the slight movement from her that told him she’d relaxed again. Since the night of their dream, she’d waken suddenly with a start, needing to see and touch him immediately to reassure herself he was still there. Beside him the light glowed faintly for her as it did every night. For himself, every morning that he woke and found her there was a wonder he was afraid wouldn’t last.
His eyes began to close as he relaxed into the familiar touch and smell of her body against his.
*
As soon as Rhyasha reached her home on the estate, she sent a message to the guild requesting her daughter’s presence immediately.
Taizia was there within the hour. “Mother, it’s good to see you,” she said, greeting her with a hug. Fetching one of the large floor cushions, she planted it and herself by her mother’s feet.
“It’s good to be home again,” Rhyasha said. “C’shar?”
“Please. How are the talks with Keiss going?”
“They’re complete,” said Rhyasha with satisfaction, handing her a mug. “Even if I do say so myself, your father couldn’t have done a better job. We had some interesting news before I left. There’s been no sign of that Valtegan ship yet, and all attempts to find their home world have come up blank. However, the Chemerians have suddenly gone absolutely paranoid— even for them— about what they term ‘our enemy’ being a threat to their worlds. Considering the distances involved between us and them, we’re wondering if they know something that we don’t. I left Vrail dealing with it. If he finds out anything, he’ll let me know.” She stopped to pick up one of the biscuits beside her.
“Now tell me about your father. I hear he’s headed ou
t to Earth. What’s happening there?”
“The Terrans are reluctant to send us any telepaths. They say they haven’t got any, so Father’s on his way there armed with a copy of Carrie’s encyclopedia. You remember, it’s that book of knowledge you lent me your access code for. It lists the various centers of learning where they’ve been studying the Terran Talents for years.”
“I remember. Well, your father’s sure to enjoy himself,” she said dryly. “He always did like the cut and thrust of the diplomatic world. How’s your brother and his Leska? Are they well? How are they settling in on Shola?”
“Don’t you mean his betrothed?” said Taizia, eyeing her mother over the top of her mug as she took a sip of her drink. “Carrie gave him a torc yesterday.”
Rhyasha nodded. “I expected she would. Has Kusac spoken to your father about it yet?”
“Not to my knowledge. You got my message about Rala?”
Rhyasha frowned. “Yes, I did. I’ve never been happy about your father’s choice, now I’m utterly convinced she’s wrong for him. The stupidity of her trying that old trick on Kusac! Neither her tantrums nor her ingenuous act will have any effect on him, the opposite in fact, thank the Gods!”
“Frankly, I’m glad. I never did like the idea of having Rala living here as my sister,” said Taizia.
Her mother sat and sipped her drink, amber eyes taking on a faraway look. “I knew Kusac’s marriage with Rala would give him very little emotional satisfaction and I’d just about given up hope of him ever finding a female he could care for. Then he finds Carrie.” She sighed and her eyes refocused on her daughter.
Taizia leaned forward and took her mother’s hand, stroking the soft golden fur. “Strange as it may sound, she’s right for him. You know he’s always enjoyed his studies. Well, now he has a lifetime to devote to studying his Leska’s species.”
“What about her, though? Do you think she cares as much for him?”
Taizia laughed, giving her mother’s hand a gentle squeeze. “She’s as besotted with him as he is with her! Never fear, they’ll be happy, given half a chance,” she said, her tone becoming more somber.
“You’ve reminded me why I sent for you,” said Rhyasha, businesslike once more. “I’ve been trying to look ahead and decide what’s best for the Clan in the long run. Kusac has two choices. To marry Rala, or not to marry her. If he decides to disobey his father and the Council by not marrying her, I’ll have no option but to declare him outcast from the Clan. I’m sure he intends to break the contract; therefore, we have to find some reason for it to be dissolved before he does.”
“I know,” said Taizia quietly. “I’ve already been thinking along the same lines.”
Rhyasha hesitated. “There is something else that has to be taken into consideration. If he does marry Carrie, he can’t remain my heir. You’ll have to be named.”
Her daughter sat there in stunned silence. “No,” she said at last. “I refuse.”
“You can’t. We need a marriage which will give the Clan heirs. Kusac’s marriage to Carrie obviously won’t, and since she’s also his Leska, the duty falls to you.”
“I don’t want my brother’s position,” Taizia said. “Why must he lose it? He can lead the Clan just as easily with an alien wife as he can with a Sholan one.”
“He can’t provide heirs, you know that.”
“Then name my children his heirs!” she exclaimed, “but don’t take the heirship away from him! It’s been done before— in Grandfather’s time— why not now?”
“Kusac would gladly give it up,” Rhyasha said dryly.
“I’m sure he would, but he’s been brought up to lead the Clan one day, I haven’t. I know nothing about it.”
“You’ve as much common sense— if not more— than Kusac. Very well, if that’s what you want,” she sighed. “I’ll name your future children as Kusac’s heirs. I’d love to know why the Gods should bond him into a sterile link. I just hope he can cope with it. Since he’s now behaving like any other competitive, virile male, he’ll be experiencing the pull toward persuading her to have his cubs.”
“He’ll cope,” said Taizia. “He learned the painful way to control his aggression, as we all did. He’ll probably work harder to compensate. Anyway, the physical shape of Terran females makes them appear to be pregnant all the time. That may in itself be enough.”
“Maybe,” said Rhyasha. “Meanwhile, we need to find at least one good reason for the marriage contract to Rala to be dissolved. I won’t let him be pushed into breaking the Clan laws.”
“Surely his Link to Carrie is reason enough. Do you know how close they are?”
“I’ve a fair idea,” admitted Rhyasha. “Enough to be very concerned as to the effects on both Carrie and Kusac if he had to pair with Rala to provide heirs. But his link isn’t a good enough reason for the Council or for your father.”
Taizia glanced up at her mother. “Frankly, I don’t think he’d be capable of pairing with Rala because of the totality of his Link with Carrie. What about using Rala’s behavior at the guild as a valid reason?”
“I intend to do that anyway,” said Rhyasha, her voice becoming hard. “That’s what happens when a female is brought up almost exclusively by a doting father who refuses to listen to his female relatives’ advice! I hope to change your father’s opinion on the grounds that in complete defiance of guild rules, she is mentally manipulating people around her, and attempted to do the same to Kusac at a time when she knew he was vulnerable. Those certainly are acceptable grounds for annulling a marriage contract.”
“I told you that Meral came to find me so I could accompany them to Rala’s home. I can certainly testify as to her attitude then. She was projecting a most vile temper all the way back to her father’s estate.”
“That will certainly help. Another worry of mine is concerned with Carrie. If he does intend to marry her within our Clan system, then she must have an escort when he isn’t with her. Despite the fact there’s no need to protect her honor until the wedding, all the proprieties must be seen to be followed. I don’t want the Clan council to have any grounds for demanding an annulment.”
Taizia grinned. “That’s the first thing we’ve discussed today where the news is good,” she said. “I’ve just realized how clever Kusac has been. He had Kaid escorting us yesterday.”
Rhyasha looked thoughtfully at her daughter. “Did he? Then he is more perceptive than I thought. Do you realize who Kaid is?”
Her daughter frowned. “What do you mean? He’s Kusac’s adjutant, isn’t he?”
“That, too, but he is one of the Brothers of Vartra.”
“Ye Gods!” swore Taizia, her eyes widening in surprise. “She couldn’t have a more acceptable escort, but why a Brother?”
“There was an attempt on her life while they were on the Khalossa.”
“But why?”
“Dissident survivors from the two dead colonies who didn’t want the treaty with Earth.”
“I knew nothing about this. Tell me more,” she said, taking another drink of her c’shar and pulling a face as she realized it was now cold.
*
Myak was waiting for him when he came out of the scouter.
“Captain Garras, Commander Raguul wishes to see you. If you would accompany me?”
Garras padded alongside Myak, too tired to be curious. What he wanted was a shower, food, and his bed. Food and sleep would do.
The Commander looked up as they entered. “I don’t know when I’ve had a tour of duty so full of surprises,” he said, picking up a small sealed package and holding it out to him. “The Brotherhood has reactivated your status. Your orders are in here, as is the location of your new posting.”
Garras took the package. “Thank you, sir,” he murmured, too astonished to really take in what was happening.
“Your transport is waiting in the central docking bay. You leave immediately.” Raguul nodded toward his adjutant. “Myak had your personal effects packed. Th
ey’ve already been loaded.”
Raguul waited a moment for a response from Garras. When none was forthcoming, he spoke again. “Good-bye, Captain Garras. Doubtless your next appointment will be more interesting than the routine patrols you’ve been flying here,” he said with heavy sarcasm.
“Yes, sir,” said Garras, finally putting the anonymous envelope into a pocket and turning to leave.
*
Garras stopped dead in his tracks as he entered the bay. Crouched in the center with the fuel and oxygen lines being disconnected was a Stealth fighter. Dressed in the active service grays of his guild, the Captain stood by the side of his craft keeping a watchful eye on the maintenance crew.
He turned as he heard Garras approach. “Captain Garras,” he said, ears dipping in acknowledgement of the other’s superior grade. “If you’d like to board, sir, you’ll find a uniform and food waiting for you in the cabin area. I’ll be with you as soon as I’m finished here.”
Garras nodded, letting his eyes rove over the sleek craft, in no hurry to board yet.
“Beautiful, isn’t she?” The young Captain’s mouth opened in a proud grin. “You can travel up front with me if you like, or you can sleep in the cabin. It’s a two man craft but with the space to squeeze in one passenger if necessary. My colleague flew the outward flight, so he’ll probably bed down after takeoff.”
“Regretfully, so will I,” said Garras, finally finding his voice. “I’ve just come off duty myself.” He turned and headed for the steps up to the hatch.
The inside of the craft was compact. The cabin had a table surrounded by three bench seats which obviously doubled as very narrow beds. Set in the wall was a heater unit and in the cupboard above it he found a variety of meal and hot drink packages. Dried protein strips and concentrated emergency rations were in abundance, too.
“Captain Garras?” came a voice from the flight deck.
“Yes?”
“Welcome aboard, sir. Help yourself to a meal. We’ll be another ten minutes or so before we lift off. Blankets are stored under the benches along with the safety restraints.”
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