“Of course,” said Kusac. “Thank you. You can bring in our breakfast now,” he said to the attendant as T’Chebbi stepped back out of sight.
Carrie sniffed the air, then followed the tray to its destination on the lounge table. The attendant put it down and hurriedly disappeared, glad to leave the proximity of their guard.
Two jugs sat on the tray amidst the bread and sliced meats. Sniffing again, Carrie lifted the lid of the larger jug.
“Coffee! I thought I smelled it! There’s a note here for you,” she said, passing it over to him before pouring out two mugs of the steaming drink.
Kusac read it and put it down on the table. “A peace offering from my father.”
“Does it actually say it’s a peace offering?”
“No, but…”
“Then we can drink it,” she said, taking a large mouthful. “Come and get some breakfast before I eat it all.” She picked up a chunk of newly baked bread and a knife. “Did you grow up here?” she asked, spreading the dressing on it.
“Yes and no,” he replied, piling several slices of meat on his plate. “I went to the guild as a day student until I was sixteen, then the more intensive work began and I had to live in.” He looked over at Carrie with narrowed eyes, the merest slit of black showing in the amber.
“As homes go, I wasn’t here much, despite the fact that I was fairly close to my parents. Neither of us have really had much of a home life, have we?”
“Was your mother’s an arranged marriage?” she asked, changing the subject as she sat down.
“They all are in our family. Not out there amongst the Clan,” he said, waving an arm in the direction of the bedroom. “They’re free to choose, but in here, it’s different.”
“Tell me about Rala.” She felt his surprise and gave a small laugh. “Know the enemy,” she said. She couldn’t keep the touch of bitterness out of her voice though she knew it distressed him.
He flicked an ear, dipping his head to one side. “What’s to tell? She’s a couple of years younger than me, brought up by her father and spoiled to the point where if she doesn’t get what she wants, she throws tantrums. I dislike her intensely. She isn’t Talented, but her bloodlines match well with mine. They— both families-expect to strengthen our telepathic gift until it breeds true for every child in every generation.”
“I thought both your sisters were Talented.”
“They are, but last generation, my mother’s, of four children only she was a telepath. She was one of her generation’s candidates for the position my father was finally awarded, Lord of the Clans. She has one of the most powerful Talents around, almost the equal of my father.”
“Until now,” said Carrie sardonically, helping herself to more meat.
Kusac frowned, then picked up her thought. “The gestalt? Yes, it’s far more powerful, but to what end? So far it has initiated some minor body changes in us, and made you briefly appear Sholan. That isn’t exactly useful.”
“Oh, ye of little faith,” she said grinning at him. “I’m sure there will be a use for it yet. Wait and see.”
*
As the fifth hour approached, Kusac became more and more withdrawn. He was only too acutely aware of Carrie’s fear that somehow this meeting could make him change his mind about Rala.
“Believe me, it’s not what I want,” he said, holding her close before she left for Taizia’s room. As she returned the hug and pressed her face against his, he winced.
“What is it?” she asked anxiously, letting him go.
He touched his cheekbone gently with a forefinger. “I think one of your fists made contact there last night,” he said ruefully.
“Serves you right,” she said unsympathetically.
*
Taizia was waiting for her. She gave Carrie a shrewd look. “I don’t need any talent to know you want to see Rala,” she said, taking her by the hand and leading her over to the doorway.
Like theirs, her room had a balcony, but a much narrower one that overlooked the gardens at the back of the house. Below they could see Kusac’s parents lounging under the shade of the tree where they’d sat the day before. Beyond them a path led to the less formal area of garden, screened from the house by trees and bushes.
“He’ll probably take her over there,” said Taizia, pointing to the path. “Whatever he says, he won’t want our parents overhearing him. Sit down on the floor and keep your head back or they’ll see us,” she advised, demonstrating.
“Won’t they sense us?”
Taizia shook her head. “No. They’ll be shielding themselves from casual contacts. Most people do.”
Within a few minutes, Kusac’s parents were joined by a female elaborately dressed in a long, embroidered robe of blue and gold that contrasted prettily with her pale gray fur. At each step, the panels of the robe separated to show a brief glimpse of her legs. She was accompanied by a taller male dressed in dark blue edged with the Telepath Guild purple.
There was an ease and a proprietary air about her attitude as she graciously accepted Konis’ and Rhyasha’s greeting before she settled down in one of the chairs.
“Typical,” said Taizia with a low growl. “Overdressed as usual. That’s her brother with her. He’s quite nice.”
Carrie leaned forward, trying to assess every detail of the female’s appearance, but right now she knew her judgment was flawed. She turned to Taizia, annoyed at her inability to be objective.
“Is she attractive, young, what? Tell me,” she demanded.
Taizia raised her eye ridges, making her eyes appear even larger. “You really have got it as bad as Kusac, haven’t you?” she said with a chuckle. Instinctively she put her hand on Carrie’s arm.
“She’s reasonably pretty, about two years younger than Kusac, and can turn on the charm when she wishes. It doesn’t fool a telepath, though. All that is only as deep as her fur, and no one knows it better than Kusac.”
Carrie glanced down again. Kusac had joined them by now, and she watched him greet Rala with stiff formality. He hadn’t dressed for the occasion, she noticed with a sharp pleasure. He was still wearing yesterday’s olive-colored short tabard. The terminals at the ends of his torc gleamed against the short fur at his throat.
“And Kusac?” she asked. “How does he compare with other males?”
Taizia laughed, pulling her to her feet and away from the doorway. “You ask me that when you’ve been on the Khalossa with all those hundreds of males? He’d have broken many hearts if he’d shown an interest in females at the guild. Come to think of it,” she said, shutting the door behind her, “he broke several because of his lack of interest.”
“How can he prefer me to someone like her, his own kind, who can give him all the things I can’t?” she asked, stopping dead. “I don’t understand it.”
“Why did you turn your back on the Terrans for my brother?” countered Taizia. “What did he have that they lacked?”
“I knew him, really knew him, inside and out,” Carrie faltered. “And he’s different,” she said defensively.
Taizia gave a bark of laughter, pulling her forward again. “He is definitely different from your Terrans! And you are just as different for him. Come on, Meral and Kaid are waiting for us at the aircar.”
“Where are we going?” she asked, as Taizia led her downstairs and out a side entrance to where the family aircars were garaged.
“Somewhere we won’t be bothered.” said Taizia firmly, pushing her toward the waiting vehicle.
As soon as they sat down, Meral closed the hatch and took off, heading toward the coast.
“I’m making for a little cove where we’ll be undisturbed,” he said, turning to grin at them.
“And what would you be needing an isolated cove for?” asked Taizia archly.
“Come with me tomorrow when I’m off duty and I’ll show you,” he said persuasively.
“I might, if I have time,” she said, grinning back. “First we have business to attend to. W
here did you put that bag?”
“Over there, in the back,” he said, indicating the direction with a backward jerk of an ear.
“Come with me, Carrie,” said Taizia, getting up and heading between the seats to the rear.
“What’s going on?” demanded Kaid suspiciously.
“You’ll find out when I’ve told Carrie,” she replied, crouching down beside the bag and unfastening it. From its depths she pulled out a book. “This was the only solution Mother and I could come up with, if you’re prepared to try it,” she said, leafing through the pages until she came to the place she wanted.
“This book contains a history of our family,” she said quietly, “and the item we want happened about two hundred years ago. This is why it was declared unlawful to Challenge a telepath.” She passed the open book to Carrie. “Here, read it for yourself.”
Carrie scanned the page, going back to read it more carefully. At length she looked up at Taizia. “As far as I can see, you’re suggesting that as Kusac’s Leska, I can Challenge Rala for the right to marry him.”
Taizia nodded. “Before you say anything, Rala isn’t a telepath, and there’s no law that says a telepath can’t issue a Challenge.”
“Liegena, the whole idea is dangerous in the extreme,” said Kaid. “Have nothing to do with it.”
Carrie took a deep breath, ignoring Kaid. “A couple of points, Taizia. I saw Kusac Challenged by Guynor. I can’t fight like that, I haven’t got the claws or the strength to do it,” she said. “Second, your ancestor died. I’ve no intention of risking our lives.”
“You don’t need claws, it isn’t like the males’ Challenges; it’s a ritual one, so you use weapons. A special long knife and a small round shield. And it’s only to first blood, not to the death.”
“Then how did Kadulah die?”
“She was accidentally killed by her opponent. Khadulah, being a telepath, had never learned to fight. Her opponent, on the other hand, had. A blow that would only have taken first blood became a death blow when Khadulah panicked and turned onto the blade. Female’s Challenges are fought by Champions now. Warriors like Meral will fight for their family or their lover if they issue a Challenge,” Taizia explained. “This Challenge,” she tapped the page, “has to be fought by the two interested parties, so it does carry a small element of risk. It’s an En’Shalla Challenge, meaning the outcome is in the hands of the Gods.”
“Carrie,” said Kaid insistently, moving to sit at the back of the craft with them, “Kusac will have all our hides when he finds out. Leave it to the Gods to work this problem through in their own way, don’t take this dangerous path.”
Carrie was aware of his fear, the first emotion she had ever picked up from his usually still mind. “The Gods help those who help themselves, Kaid,” she said quietly. “Who’s to say that this Challenge isn’t their way of helping us?” She closed the book and handed it back to Taizia. “Is the result of the Challenge legally binding?”
“Oh, yes,” said Taizia, shocked. “If you win, Rala’s contract with Kusac is instantly nullified. Rala can’t pursue the matter any further. Her family wouldn’t let her, even if she wanted to.”
Carrie sat thinking for a moment. “What happens if I lose?”
“You’re no worse off, but you won’t lose, because Meral, and hopefully Kaid, are going to train you,” she said triumphantly. “I knew you’d do it! It is the only way,” she said, serious for a moment. “Mother agrees with me. That contract is watertight, and nothing would make Father break it. You win this Challenge, and you’ve broken it yourself. Kusac will be free to lifebond with you.”
“I don’t know if I’m good enough,” Carrie said. “What’s Rala like as a fighter?”
“Middling. Meral checked through the Guild,” said Taizia. “All nontelepath females learn some form of self-defense, and traditionally the Clan families learn sword skills. You’ll be able to beat her easily by the time we’ve finished with you.”
“This is utter madness,” said Kaid, grasping Carrie’s arm. “You’ve no business lending yourself to this folly, Meral. Liegena, you must have nothing to do with this mad idea.”
“The decision isn’t yours to make, Kaid,” said Carrie, shaking her arm free. “I hope to God you’re right, Taizia,” she said, “because it looks like the only chance we’ve got. Kaid, either you help train me so I can win this Challenge, or you don’t. Either way I’m Challenging Rala.”
“You give me a hell of a choice,” said Kaid angrily. “Either way I could be responsible for your death!”
“I’ve got no choice, why should you?” she said. “This isn’t a problem Kusac can solve, nor anyone else, only me! I’m not one of your spineless lowland females from Kysubi, I’ll damned well fight for what’s mine!”
Despite himself, Kaid had to grin. “No, you’re not one of the lowlanders,” he said. “My job is to keep you safe, and if that entails teaching you how to defeat Rala in a Challenge, so be it.”
*
Kusac was so tense that he was instantly aware of Rala’s and her brother Talgo’s arrival. He went downstairs to join his family, preferring to go voluntarily rather than suffer the indignity of being sent for.
He greeted her with a curt nod, taking a seat as far from her as possible. Despite his heavy shielding, he felt his father’s annoyance though Konis remained silent.
Kusac sat through the interminable round of pleasantries and small talk, contributing only monosyllabic answers, barely managing to conceal his impatience with the whole proceedings.
As an attendant came out to announce the second meal at midday, he reached for his mother. Where are Carrie and Taizia? He didn’t want to open his link to Carrie because of Rala’s presence.
They’ve gone to the coast for the day, came the reassuring reply. Meral and Kaid are with them.
“Kusac, verbalize if you please,” said his father curtly. “It’s hardly courteous to use telepathy in the presence of a non-telepathic guest.”
Kusac stiffened, then forced himself to relax. Anger wouldn’t benefit him now.
*
After lunch, Konis claimed urgent work to be done and his mother took Talgo with her to the estate pottery. Talgo had spoken of an interest in setting up such a facility on his family’s estate. Kusac and Rala were left to their own devices. So far, Rala had surprised him by behaving impeccably.
Kusac invited her to accompany him into the private garden away from the immediate vicinity of the house. He didn’t want any of his family overhearing what he had to say to her.
As he led her along the path to the seclusion of the private garden, T’Chebbi began to follow them at a discreet distance. He’d forgotten she was there, but then she would have been watching him all along. He allowed himself the smallest of grins as he realized her presence would have a dampening effect on Rala should she try her seduction tactics again.
Rala walked silently at his side until they passed the high hedges that concealed them from the house. Ahead of them was a carved stone seat. She stopped and sat down. “We’ve a lot to discuss, Kusac,” she said, looking up at him. She frowned, catching sight of T’Chebbi. “Hasn’t she got other things to do?” she asked. “Like polishing her swords or something?”
Kusac looked toward the Warrior, managing to flick one ear just enough to invite a conspiracy with her as he answered Rala. “She’s merely doing her job, Rala. There was an attempt on my life several weeks ago. One of the males is still at large.”
“Surely you’re in no danger here with me?” she said persuasively, her mouth opening in a smile.
“Not with T’Chebbi here, no,” he agreed.
Rala sighed. “Kusac, send her away. I want to talk to you privately.”
“She stays. There’s nothing we have to say to each other she can’t hear anyway.”
“Very well,” she said, her tone dissatisfied. “My father thinks it’s time we formalized our betrothal, especially now you have a Leska, and I agree with
him.” She waited for a response.
Kusac moved away from her to where an ornamental tree stood beside the hedges. Leaning against it, he picked idly at the flaking bark with one claw.
“After that, we need only wait a couple of months before becoming lifebonded,” Rala continued.
Kusac had let enough of his shielding down to be aware of Rala on a basic level and he could feel her absolute confidence. This time she was playing the mature young female, not the giddy youngling anxious to see her betrothed.
“It’s all just one big game to you, isn’t it?” he said. “What do you expect to gain by marrying me, Rala?”
“I don’t know what you mean by a game, Kusac,” she said, her tone slightly baffled. “I expect what any wife expects, naturally. To become part of your Clan, and in time have the position and respect due to the Clan Leader’s wife.”
“And me? Where do my feelings fit into your picture of marriage?”
She shrugged prettily, smoothing a fold in her robe. “It’s an arranged marriage, Kusac. You have your Leska for love if that’s what you want. I’ll run your household and be the mother of your children. We’ll do our duty to our Clans.”
Kusac’s eyes changed, the pupils contracting until almost all the black was gone. “This is very different from what you said that night at my Guild, Rala,” he said coldly. “If I marry you, there will be no children. It will be purely a bonding of convenience. If position is all you want and I can’t find a way out of our marriage contract, then you can have it, but you’ll have none of me.”
Rala’s eyes flashed briefly. “Our betrothal is irrevocable, Kusac,” she said mildly. “I’m sorry you don’t want it, but it’s a matter apart from our wishes. Once we’re lifebonded, I’ve no doubt I can change your mind. There’s no reason we can’t have affection in our relationship.”
“Any marriage will be in name only,” he repeated firmly. “There will be no children.”
“We’ll see,” she said confidently, getting up and walking over to him. “Surely marriage to me wouldn’t be that unpleasant? We could even exchange torcs now.”
Her lithe body pressed against his and her perfume filled his nostrils. He pushed her aside, aware that for him there was a subliminal wrongness in the feel of her body against his. Only the softness and smell of Carrie felt right.
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