fortuneswheel

by Lisanne Norman

  Vanna ignored the outstretched hand. “I’ve been brought here against my will, and drugged so I can’t reach my Leska,” she said, her voice low and angry. “I demand to be taken back to the Aldatan estate immediately.”

  Lijou turned and walked back toward the desk set in the center of the room. “Oh, I think you’ll be glad we… persuaded you to come when you’ve seen what I want to show you,” he said. “Bring her over, Dzaka, if you please. You see, Physician Kyjishi, we have need of your experience, and your professional eye.”

  Despite trying to dig her claws into the thick carpeting underfoot, Dzaka urged her over toward where Ghezu sat. A white cloth covered the desk, concealing what was on top of it.

  “In return for identifying these objects, we’re prepared to offer you something we hope you will consider carefully,” continued Lijou.

  “We’re offering you membership in the Brotherhood,” said Ghezu. “With us you needn’t fear that we’ll treat you the way the Telepath Guild did. We’ve more respect for our members. Since you and your Leska can fight, here you can train those skills without the mental discomfort you would suffer at the Warrior Guild.”

  Vanna looked at them in disbelief. “You’ve had me knocked out, drugged with psychic suppressants, and kidnapped here, and you say you’ll treat me better than the Telepath Guild? Do I look like a congenital idiot?” she asked angrily, trying to pull away from Dzaka, who continued to hold onto her firmly.

  “I regret the necessity for our less than gentle treatment,” said Lijou. “However, it will not be repeated, I assure you. We want your cooperation not your fear. Will you look at what we have to show you now that you’re here?”

  “Forget it! I refuse to help you at all! If you want my cooperation, return me to the Aldatan estate then invite me here. I might just come, but I wouldn’t bet on it,” she said sarcastically.

  Lijou lifted the cloth off the table. “Just look, Physician Kyjishi. We needed someone with a medical background who could identify these remains.”

  Despite herself, Vanna looked. With a hiss of indrawn breath, she moved closer to the table, reaching out to touch the bones lying there.

  “Where the hell did you get these? They’re Valtegan bones!”

  “They were found in one of our ancient ruined cities,” said Lijou…