strongholdrising

by Lisanne Norman

  He was fuming as he headed down the corridor to the vehicle park, L’Seuli following silently in his wake. Lijou had come to him yesterday after Noni had broken the bad news. He wouldn’t soon forget their distress. At least they had their son. But Raiban’s attitude incensed him. Had she shown any remorse over the incident, it would have been another matter. Let her assimilate the Brotherhood, make it part of the Forces? Never! If she wanted a fight, by Vartra, she’d get it!

  He barely noticed the group of U’Churians ahead until one blocked his path. Startled, he looked up, aware that his Second was now by his side, hand resting warningly on his arm.

  “You are Commander Rhyaz of the Brotherhood? I recognize the uniform.”

  The Sholan was good and well accented, as if the speaker had learned it from a native.

  “Captain Tirak?” asked L’Seuli, stepping forward.

  The black-pelted male nodded, mouth widening in a smile. “I’d not expected to see you here, Commander. Can we talk privately? I have a matter of importance I must discuss with your Guild Master.” He handed Rhyaz a sealed letter. “From Ambassador Shaqee. It will explain much.”

  “The aircar, Commander,” suggested L’Seuli in a low voice. “Raiban’s…”

  “Come with us,” interrupted Rhyaz, taking Tirak by the arm. “There are ears everywhere at present.”

  Valsgarth Estate, later the same day

  Her father decided to accept Rhyasha’s and Konis’ invitation to extend his visit.

  “I’ll have time to call in on Jack,” he said. “See more of my granddaughter.” He scratched Kashini behind the ears but the cub was tired and did no more than yawn before snuggling down in Carrie’s arms, purring gently.

  Kaid excused himself, saying Rhyasha wanted him to remain behind, probably something to do with Kitra’s and Dzaka’s wedding, he reassured her. T’Chebbi decided she wanted to walk back, so Carrie was left to return alone with Kusac in the aircar.

  “I thought the visit went well,” she said, attempting to break the silence as they skimmed along the roadway between the two estates.

  “Kashini certainly captivated your father.”

  “Who wouldn’t be captivated by her?” she murmured, resting her head against her daughter’s. “You were good company tonight, Kusac. Thank you for making the effort.”

  Kusac raised the vehicle’s nose, taking it over the wall into the villa grounds. “I’m glad it went well,” he said, slowing down as he took them round to the side of the house to park. “I thought I’d go to Vanna’s tonight,” he said awkwardly. “Tomorrow’s your Link day with Kaid. I can’t stay with my parents as usual with your father there, and I have an open invitation from Vanna and Garras.”

  “There’s no need,” she began.

  “I need to go,” he interrupted, turning to look at her. In the moonlight, his eyes were almost luminous. “I’ve got a session with her therapist tomorrow anyway.”

  “I thought things were better between us.” His decision had taken her by surprise.

  He leaned forward to stroke her hair. “It’s a start,” he said gently. “I can’t go too fast, Carrie. You take Kashini in tonight. Yashui can bring her over to me tomorrow morning.”

  Her heart sank as she nodded mutely and began to get up, but Kusac stopped her.

  “I do love you,” he said, resting his palm against her neck in an intimate gesture that startled her. “I wish we could turn the clock back, but we can’t. I have to start again. I can’t pick up from where we were before.”

  “I understand,” she said, voice husky with tears she didn’t want to shed in front of him. “I’d better go. I don’t want Kashini to get chilled.”

  *

  Once inside, Carrie gave the sleeping cub to Yashui to put to bed. In her current state of mind, her distress would only wake her daughter. She headed for the den, waiting for Kaid, only to have him send to tell her he was spending the night at the Shrine with Ghyan.

  Zhala bustled in moments later to put a fresh pot of coffee on the hot plate and the next thing she knew, T’Chebbi was there. She found Carrie hugging a crumpled, tearstained cushion.

  “What happened now?” T’Chebbi asked, sitting down beside her. “I thought everything went well.”

  “Oh, don’t mind me,” she sniffed. “Yes, everything was fine. Dad’s staying another couple of days and Rhyasha’s got him organized. He’s meeting Jack tomorrow for a tour round the main estate. He’s coming here the day after.”

  “Uh huh. So where’re the males?” she asked shrewdly, taking the cushion away from her.

  “Kusac’s gone over to Vanna’s and Garras’, and Kaid’s spending the night at the Shrine.”

  “What? Both of them away? I thought Kusac at least would be with you. Seemed much better tonight.”

  “He is, but he’s saying we have to start again.”

  She frowned. “Again what?” Then she figured it out. “Ah. Has he spent a night with you since Haven?”

  Carrie shook her head miserably.

  “Me neither,” she said thoughtfully as she put an arm round Carrie’s shoulders. “Kaid told me Kusac hurt you accidentally that night. Figure he’s afraid it happens again.”

  “Kaid told me he went up to the observation deck with you. What did you talk about?”

  She shrugged. “This and that,” she said vaguely.

  “I need to know, T’Chebbi. It might help,” she said, sitting up.

  T’Chebbi sighed, taking hold of her hands. “Kusac realized he’d relied on his Talent with you. Never learned his own strength. You have to realize he was still growing till then, physically working out with Kaid before we went to Jalna. His whole life had changed in a year— from Telepath to Brother. Takes time to know your own strength in every situation, Carrie. We’re much stronger than you to start with. And he got it wrong with you. Happens to us all at least once, especially the first time. Probably what he means about starting again. No need for you to be afraid of him.”

  “I understand, I think. But he’s the one keeping his distance, not me.” She gave a small grin. “Rhyasha suggested your perfume.”

  T’Chebbi raised her eye ridges and grinned. “She told you about that? Story’s got around some. Not a good idea with Kusac. Let him take time with you. If he gets it wrong again, do more harm than good. However,” she said with a grin, “no reason why you can’t use it on Kaid. He’d enjoy it.”

  “I can’t make him stay with me if he…”

  “Not make, just encourage. Maybe time I taught you a few Consortia tricks. Two males like them not easy to handle. You need advantages.”

  “I don’t think…”

  “Don’t think. Trust me.” T’Chebbi patted her hand before pulling her to her feet. “Too many nights alone not good for any of us. Time we females fought back.”

  CHAPTER 7

  same night, Zhal-Ghyakulla, 19th / 20th day (June)

  RHYASHA’S talk had brought to light several issues that Kaid needed to consider seriously. With his Link day due to start in a few hours, he knew the only place he could do that was the Shrine.

  Ghyan was not surprised to see him. “It’s good to see you again, Kaid,” he said, getting up from behind his desk to greet him.

  Kaid glanced around the book lined office that was the priest’s personal sanctuary. “Good to see you, too, Ghyan.” Strangely, it was. They hadn’t always seen eye to eye, but whatever his faults, Ghyan was first and foremost Kusac’s friend. “I see nothing’s changed here. I’ve come to pay my respects to Vartra, and spend the night meditating.”

  “You’re always welcome here, Kaid,” the priest said, holding his hand out in the telepath’s greeting. “Actually, I’ve acquired a few more books. Human ones, courtesy of Brynne. Can I offer you a drink?”

  “No, thank you,” said Kaid, returning the gesture. “I’ve just come from the Aldatans.”

  “I heard Carrie’s father was due today. Did the visit go well?” he asked, ushering Kaid t
o an easy chair.

  “Very. He’s staying on another two days. He spent most of the time with Kashini.”

  “Carrie will be relieved. Her father had problems accepting her relationship with Kusac, so she was particularly concerned about how he’d see their daughter. How is Kusac by the way? He hasn’t yet come to see me.”

  “Give it time, Ghyan,” said Kaid, sitting down. “He’s not been doing much of anything, but I think he’s finally beginning to improve.”

  Ghyan’s mouth dropped open in a smile. “You don’t know how relieved I am to hear that. Perhaps I should go and see him.”

  “You should. That Valtegan priest took him to the edge and he’s only just beginning to back away from it. It’s going to be a slow journey. He needs all the friends he has.”

  “I heard he’d had a particularly bad time. Brynne has been keeping me up to date.”

  “Brynne surprised me. Your work?”

  Ghyan flicked his ears in a negative. “Not mine. Father Lijou’s, mainly. And Vartra, of course. He’s another visionary, Kaid. You two should get together. He’s finding it difficult to cope with at times. The visions have stopped since you all returned.”

  “I sympathize with him,” murmured Kaid. “Being singled out by Vartra is not the easiest of paths. I see he also found a life-mate.”

  “Keeza?” Ghyan settled back in his chair. “Now there’s an interesting female.”

  “I seem to know her face,” said Kaid cautiously.

  “Perhaps you do, but take my word for it, she’s an asset to your clan, Kaid. Such determination and loyalty is refreshing.”

  “I must be missing part of the story.” Dzaka had updated him concerning her past and her involvement in the Shanagi Project, but loyalty?

  “It only came to light when Father Lijou spoke to L’Seuli about her. When he went to the correction facility, he realized she was a latent telepath. Her mind was still undeveloped enough then for him to pick up why she’d killed the Pack Lord.”

  “I thought L’Seuli was only able to receive, not initiate a mental contact.”

  “It was at the forefront of her mind, Kaid. Not surprising since he went only hours before she was due to be executed.”

  Kaid looked quizzically at Ghyan. “Well, out with it,” he said. “Why did she do it?”

  “Her father. The Pack Lord had him framed for embezzlement. His case didn’t go to trial because her father committed suicide rather than put his family through the public humiliation. The Court telepath had only given Keeza a cursory scan— she was caught with the murder weapon on her during a shoot-out with the Pack, after all— so she’d been able to hide her latent Talent, and her motive, from him. Brynne knew, but she refused to let him tell anyone. Had it not been for L’Seuli, she’d still have that hanging over her head. Lijou had Sorli instigate a further investigation and her story was confirmed only today.”

  “I see what you mean by determination and loyalty,” he said. “How does it help her clear her name publicly, though? Officially she was executed.”

  Ghyan smiled. “She doesn’t need that, Kaid. We know she was collecting a blood debt, that’s what matters to her, and their cub.”

  “Our clan increases,” said Kaid dryly. “Soon you won’t be able to walk the main street without being deafened by the mewling of berrans!”

  “Yours among them,” said Ghyan quietly. “How are you coping with your new role? And Carrie. This can’t be easy for either of you.”

  “We manage,” he said, getting abruptly to his feet. He wasn’t prepared to talk about himself and Carrie. Those nerves were too raw after his conversation with Rhyasha. “Carrie’s helping Kitra prepare for her wedding to my son.”

  Ghyan nodded as he rose. “A busy time. Has a date been set yet?”

  “Not yet. As you know, Kha’Qwa’s not recovering as well as was hoped. Father Lijou obviously has her on his mind at this time.”

  “Very true. I won’t delay you any longer, Kaid. The Shrine is empty now, and your room is as you left it.”

  “Thank you, Ghyan,” he said, inclining his head to the priest as he made for the door.

  *

  The click of his clawed feet on the stone floor seemed to echo around him as he walked down the corridor that led to the Shrine room. It made him feel vaguely claustrophobic. Reaching the door, he put his hand on the knob and was about to open it when his surroundings seemed to fade and he was returned to an earlier visit.

  He shivered, feeling the air cold against his unclothed pelt and the half-healed wounds on his back.

  It lasted only a moment, then the world righted itself and he was back in his own time once more.

  He hesitated, afraid now to open the door, unsure what waited for him on the other side. He could turn and walk away right now, go back to the villa and no one would be the wiser, save for himself. Resolutely, he turned the handle, pushed the door open, and stepped inside. He had a purpose in coming here and it wouldn’t be served by turning back.

  Flanked by braziers, the small statue of Vartra sat on its dais facing him. There was a familiarity about everything that was slightly unnerving and he was once more reminded of that visit.

  In the flickering shadows at the base of the dais he could almost see a seated figure, the cowl of her hood concealing her face.

  He inhaled sharply in fear. The scent of nung flower incense filled the air, bringing back even more memories of the night he’d suddenly found himself here while still a captive of Ghezu’s at Stronghold. He rubbed his eyes, looking again, but there was nothing, only shadows. Cautiously, he moved farther into the room, eyes still fixed on Vartra’s statue. Whatever— or whoever— he thought he’d seen, it was gone now.

  He stopped to pick up a piece of incense from the bowl near the left-hand brazier, holding it above the glowing coals and crumbling it into the heart of the flames. Scented smoke billowed up, spreading out a few feet above his head before drifting toward the ceiling. He closed his eyes, letting it surround him, finding in it the comfort and familiarity that was lacking in his present life.

  A chill draft carrying the scents of night ruffled the guard hairs on his arms, making him shiver again. He froze, knowing instantly that it was no draft. Mentally, he reached out, searching for the presence he knew was there. He found it behind him, about five feet away, a null zone where there should be a person. The faint sound of laughter filled the Shrine. Opening his eyes, he spun around.

  “You’re always so surprised,” said Vartra. “You should be used to it by now. I expected you sooner.”

  It was only Vartra. Kaid relaxed, feeling the dampness of the earth seeping up around his toes. “Why dusk?” he asked, looking around at the shadowy shapes of the trees, following their trunks upward toward the darkening sky. Faintly, in the distance, he could hear a night hunter calling to the rest of its pack.

  “Because night is coming to Shola.”

  He looked back at the Entity. “Why? Because there are Valtegans on Shola again?” he asked, afraid once more. “We had no option but to make peace.”

  “You’ve merely bought time, Tallinu. The darkness still gathers around our world, and the Entities are retreating from it.”

  He moved closer, trying to see Vartra’s face through the deepening shadows. “Why are the Entities retreating? What does it mean to us?”

  “The pledge has been broken, Tallinu. The Entities have set it aside so they may be sure of surviving if Shola falls.”

  “What pledge? You’re not making sense, Vartra.”

  “The pledge is an agreement between the Entities and the Guardians of Shola to restrict access to our realms. Once, most Sholans could, and did, dream-walk, but the less scrupulous used this to advance themselves, wreaking havoc on the world and for the Entities. So the realms were created, places where each Entity could watch over his or her aspect of life, where those faithful to them might enter if permission was sought. Guardians were needed to watch the entrances, to guide those
who were suitable and keep out those who were not. Like the Derwents of the Human world, or the Fyaks of ours.”

  He’d heard the word Guardian before, but in what context? “Noni!”

  Vartra nodded. “She’s one, one chosen by the Entities themselves. The others are chosen by their suitability to lead their faithful. They represent law and order. Noni represents chaos, the old wild magic of the time before the Guardians were needed. It is with her kind the pledge is renewed in each generation. Noni acts among you for the Entities.”

  Stunned, he sucked in a breath. “She said You owed her a favor, that You brought us home safe.”

  “Whoever breaks the pledge— be it Noni or Entity— must pay the forfeit. She chose to have you returned safely.”

  “I thought Your influence was restricted to Shola.”

  “It is. Only Kuushoi can travel beyond the bounds of Shola, and then only with those who sleep and dream in cryo.”

  “Like Carrie,” he said, a shiver running down his spine as he remembered the whisper both of them had heard on the Prime ship. Remember Winter’s kiss.

  “Like Carrie,” Vartra agreed. “I made it possible for Brynne to dream-walk so he could reach Kusac on the Prime ship and warn you of the danger he saw.”

  With difficulty, he pulled his thoughts back to the reasons he’d come to the Shrine. “I had a vision, Vartra. In it I was a prisoner, taken to watch Carrie when she paired to form a Leska Link with a Sholan.”

  Vartra’s eyes glowed in the darkness at about waist height. “You’re her Leska now. I warned you what the cost of this mission would be.”

  “I know,” he said, peering through the shadows. He still couldn’t see Vartra properly, even though he knew now that He was sitting down. “You once gave me Your oath that You’d not call me back in time. I’m asking You to revoke it and take me back to make the vision come true,” he said, taking yet another step. “It should have been me, not Kusac, who was the watcher. Take me back, Vartra. Make it happen the way I saw it.”