Kris sat down suddenly. “Right under our noses,” he said quietly, “and we missed it.”
“It’s my bet that Vyaka thinks we’re dead, along with the two missing Sholan telepaths,” Davies continued. “I think we can forget any help, people. We’re on our own for sure now.”
“No,” said Jo, rousing herself. ‘“No, we’re not. Rezac’s sending was answered by Carrie and Kusac. They know we’re alive. They’ll come, I know they will. But you’re right, Gary, we have to act as if they won’t, because when they arrive, they still won’t be able to reach us! Tarolyn’s help is even more important now.”
Silence greeted her remark for a few minutes as they each absorbed the implications of what they’d discovered.
Rezac turned to Zashou. “Six weeks,” he said. “Can you cope?”
“I’ll have to,” she said, leaning back against her pillows. “The meal tonight didn’t make me feel sick. If this Railin’s food is better, then I should be all right. We don’t have an option. If we try to escape on our own, we risk everything.”
“I suggest we develop our own plan,” said Jo, rousing herself. “Keep it in reserve in case we can’t wait the six weeks. In which case, we head for Galrayin and Tarolyn’s help anyway.”
“Sounds the wisest course all round,” said Kris. “However, you’ve overlooked one thing, Jo. We can mind-speak to each other. Why isn’t this laalquoi affecting us? We don’t know for sure that when help comes, they won’t be able to contact us.”
“No, we don’t, and I’ve no idea why our Talents aren’t affected, just damned glad that they aren’t! Keep checking for other telepaths, Kris, but carefully. Try not to draw attention to us. The same with you, Rezac. I don’t know enough about my Talent to use it properly yet.”
Rezac and I will teach you, sent Kris. It’s important that you learn. We can do a lot with knowledge transfers. I’m not good at them, but it’s better than nothing.
Jo nodded her agreement. “We should cut back on the food we eat during the day. The meals with Killian are safe because he uses Tarolyn’s produce. We don’t know what harm we’ve done ourselves already, all we know for sure is that Zashou is more susceptible to it than we are.”
“I suggest we turn in now,” said Kris, yawning and stretching. “Someone’s coming for us early in the morning to escort us down to the barn.”
“Don’t forget to try contacting the ship again, Kris, please,” reminded Jo.
“I never forget, Jo.”
She made an apologetic gesture. “I have to say it.”
He nodded understandingly as he left.
As Davies began to move off to the bedroom, Rezac came over to sit with Jo.
Will you come with me? Zashou says you need my company tonight.
Jo looked from him to Zashou in surprise.
Go with him. You need his company more than I do. I will stay here.
We could talk. His hand touched hers hesitantly.
She knew what would happen if she went with him. Already she could feel her resolve not to get too involved with him emotionally beginning to weaken.
Talk and sleep only, he sent, his tone firm. To do anything else at this time would be to risk too much.
His fingers were interlaced with hers, and she didn’t even remember taking his hand. “It’s magic,” she muttered, as she let him help her to her feet. “This damned world’s finally getting to me.”
“The sword is beautiful, Kusac,” she admitted, wrapping it up again, “but it’s no substitute for Kaid.”
“He didn’t send it for that reason. They were also birthday gifts, he said.”
“I’d rather have talked to him than this.”
“I understand your anger. But if you won’t contact him, and you won’t let me talk to him about it, what’s left, Carrie?”
“Don’t ask me. You know him as well as I do now!”
He did, and he’d been trying to figure it out for himself during the trip home. What made the most sense was one of the last things Kaid had said before he’d left. “I think it has something to do with his need to feel he’d earned the right to be our third, rather than just had it given to him by fate.”
“In that case, he should be in touch now. Look,” she’d said, coming over to sit beside him, “let’s just leave it. This is just getting me more annoyed, and you know it. I contacted Conrad and Quin. They’re due over in an hour or two for third meal. I thought it better that you met them socially rather than at the Warriors Guild tomorrow. T’Chebbi’s coming, too.”
“T’Chebbi?” he’d asked.
“We’ve gotten close,” Carrie had said, with a flash of wry humor, “especially after this afternoon.”
Now they waited for the two Humans to arrive. A knock on the door, and they were ushered in by Dzaka.
Dzaka? sent Kusac as he rose to greet them.
Everyone’s curious about them, Carrie replied. After all, they assume they’re taking over our protection on this mission.
The two men were very different. Conrad was tall, his brown curly hair now reaching almost to his shoulders. He sported a small mustache that outlined his upper lip, adding a maturity to his youthful appearance. Quin was a good six inches shorter, and appeared some dozen or so years older. His hairline might be receding, but his round, mobile face and stocky build belied the age one would automatically attach to him. Both now wore Sholan winter robes in preference to the usual Human attire.
“You must be Kusac,” said Conrad, coming down the den steps toward them. He held his hand out, palm upward, in the Sholan telepath greeting. “I’m Conrad and this is Quin. It’s a pleasure to meet you at last.”
Kusac touched fingertips with him, then turned to do the same to Quin.
“Believe you’ve been up at Stronghold,” said Quin as Kusac gestured to them to sit down.
“As you say, at last we meet. Yes, I’ve been up at Stronghold. I’m sorry my own training has prevented us from meeting till now.” As he’d touched each of them, he’d liked what he’d felt. Kaid had chosen well.
“Love to see the place some day,” Quin continued, taking one of the easy chairs. “I’m interested in different combat styles, and I’ve heard those used by the Brotherhood aren’t taught outside.”
“I’m afraid so,” said Kusac, sitting down. “Each of our guilds possesses a unique skill, and to learn the discipline, you have to belong to the appropriate guild. However, when Kaid joins us, I’m sure he’ll be passing on some of his techniques. Can I offer you some coffee? We’ve a little time before we eat.”
T’Chebbi arrived as Kusac was pouring the drinks. As she moved past him to find a seat, Kusac realized that she’d dressed for the occasion. Naturally longer furred than was common, she’d decided to wear something lighter in weight than winter clothing. The paneled tunic of soft gray accentuated her tabby coloring, and tonight, she’d left her hair unbound.
You’re about to spill the coffee, came Carrie’s gentle thought, and he looked back quickly to the brimming mug. Realizing that the Human males were also busy looking at T’Chebbi, hastily Kusac tipped a little into his own mug and continued pouring the drinks and handing them round. I hadn’t realized she could look so attractive, he sent by way of explanation.
Oh, T’Chebbi’s been changing a lot recently. I think she’s rediscovered herself. I’m glad she took my advice. We’ve become good friends while you two have been playing warriors up in the mountains.
He gave her a long look as he passed her mug over to her. “Coffee or c’shar, T’Chebbi?” he asked, turning his attention to the Sister.
The following day, they had a few hours to themselves while they waited for Conrad and Quin to move their belongings from the Warriors Guild to one of the dormitory houses in the estate village. They’d decided that they could make better use of the time left to them there.
The estate boasted two villages. The main one centered around Carrie’s and Kusac’s home, the other, primarily a farming com
munity, was set deeper among the cultivated fields. The latter was still in a state of upheaval as existing houses were being renovated and new ones built. However, the construction halted by the winter hadn’t yet restarted.
Scattered here and there were isolated cottages, and it was these Kusac planned to make use of. They were the ideal place to mount mock rescue and attack missions. Using Garras and Dzaka as leaders, opposition troops could be made up from the Brothers and Sisters on the estate. There was even the opportunity for the older younglings under Garras’ tuition to get some realistic combat experience. Rulla had been given the task of organizing all the younglings into clearing the snow around the chosen locations. They’d taken pity on them, though, and were augmenting the traditional shovels with snow-clearing vehicles from the main estate.
This morning Kusac wanted to catch up on what was happening with the new arrivals at the training center. They’d had a week now to settle in, and he wanted to know what progress had been made. Carrie had told him the day before that out of the fifty people—Sholans and Humans—already two Leska Links had formed. Both were mixed Links, but there the comparison ended. One had gone badly wrong, leaving the Sholan female, Nikuu, completely bereft of her Talent beyond her Link to her Leska. The other pair, Tamghi and his Human partner, Kora, were fine.
Ruth had instantly offered to take Nikuu and Dillan under her care and Carrie had thankfully agreed. It was there that they were going now.
“She’s the ideal person to help them,” she said as they walked down the street to Ruth’s home. “She’s got this capacity for really caring about all those under her roof, and they can sense it. She’s worked wonders with Mara, you know, and as for Josh … Let’s just say that after he got over the shock of being one of us, he went to see Ruth. Since then, he’s been completely stable. Confused now and then, but that’s natural. She even persuaded him to start training his Talent with Ghyan. He’s been sharing classes with Brynne actually.”
“How’s he getting on? You haven’t mentioned him lately, so I presume all is going well.”
“Fine. He’s really gotten interested in the religious side. Ghyan says that he should go to the Retreat soon if he wants to take his studies further in that direction.”
“A Human priest of Vartra,” said Kusac, his hand reaching for hers. “Sometimes the changes seem to happen overnight. We really are becoming an integrated species here. And to think it all started because of you.”
“You had some involvement as I recall,” she said with a laugh as they reached Ruth’s door.
“Just a little. About five feet of it,” he agreed, tugging her closer and wrapping his arm around her back as the door opened. “Good morning, Mara,” he said. “May the sun shine on you all. We’ve come to see Ruth.”
“She’s expecting you,” said Mara, standing aside and opening the door wide for them. “Is it about Dillan and Nikuu? She’s better today.”
“We thought we’d see how they are,” said Carrie as they followed the young woman into the large communal lounge.
“Ruth’s in the kitchen,” she said, pointing to the door at the far end. “I won’t come with you. There isn’t enough room for us all in there.”
“Is Josh up at the dig?”
She nodded. “I’m going up later. Dr. Michaels is here today. I thought it best to stay away till he’s left.”
Who? asked Kusac.
Head of the Human archaeology project on Shola. He’s visiting from Shanagi. He’s here to see how Greg is handling the team.
And how’s he doing?
Fine. They’re making a lot more headway since that Pam character was sent packing.
Like those in the other dormitory houses, Ruth’s kitchen was huge. It had to be to cater for the number of people the house could accommodate. This house, however, was purposely not full. Ruth would add to or subtract from her residents when and as she pleased. Quite a few people had visited her, among them several of the archaeologists hungry for a taste of the familiar atmosphere of home.
At one end of the table sat a female Kusac took to be Nikuu. She was stirring a bowl of something. Ruth stood beside her, adding some herbs from the jar in her hand. She started to rise, but Kusac waved her down.
“Don’t disturb yourself, please.”
He knew she was from his clan, but he didn’t recognize her. It was her eyes that held him. Though they were outwardly calm, he could sense the terror that lurked behind them.
“Hello there!” Ruth said, smiling up at them. “Wondered when you’d get around to calling on us. We’re making a traditional dumpling stew. Will you stay for lunch? We’ve also got rhubarb crumble.”
“Rhubarb? Here, on Shola?” asked Carrie, stepping over the bench seat and sitting down. “Where’d you get rhubarb from here, and at this time of year?”
Ruth pulled a face. “It’s only canned, I’m afraid, but I got Jack to request some as an agricultural experiment—and one or two other essential kitchen garden plants.”
“Rhubarb?” asked Kusac, taking a seat.
“Just try it,” said Carrie. “It’s one of my favorite cooked fruits. A real taste of home!”
“It’s mine, too,” said Dillan, coming in from the smaller kitchen. “We haven’t met yet.” He held his hand out toward Carrie. “I’m Dillan Powell, and this is Nikuu Aldatan, my Leska. She’s from your bond-mother’s estate.”
“Clan Leaders,” said Nikuu, putting the bowl aside to hold out her hand in greeting.
Ruth snagged the bowl, moving farther down the table with it.
“I’m so sorry to hear of your misfortune,” said Kusac, holding onto her hand for a long moment. “Do you know yet how it happened?”
She shrugged her shoulders, ears lying back slightly before righting themselves. “Gestalt backlash, the doctors from the medical center said. I’m lucky, though.” She looked up at Dillan who had moved to stand beside her, his hand resting on her shoulder. “He’s my other senses. He mind-speaks for me. Without our Link, I would be deaf and blind.”
Firmly suppressing the thought that had it not been for their Link, the tragedy could never have happened at all, Kusac reached mentally for the young male. How is she really?
Just this side of hysteria. I daren’t leave her sight for more than a few minutes. You should have known her before this happened. She was such a happy person. This just isn’t fair.
I know, but at least she has you. Can you cope? It can’t be easy giving her the amount of mental attention that you are.
You noticed? There was a slight smile on his face. I have help. Ruth and Mara take it in turns to mentally support her so that I can have a break—you know, just maintain a normal link.
She’s lucky to have Linked with someone like you.
We chose each other, Dillan replied with the same slight smile. I know I’m lucky to have her.
“It’s good to know you have such a loving Leska,” Carrie said to Nikuu. “How are you feeling? Is there anything we can do for you? Anything you need?”
She shook her head, dark curls falling across her face to be flicked back by a slightly trembling hand. “I’m fine. It’ll take some getting used to, but everyone here is so helpful. I’ll have to give up my work, though. I was training in the judiciary to be a truthsayer. I’ll miss that.”
“There’ll be work here for you, never fear,” said Carrie. “We’ll need people with a knowledge of the law. What was your profession, Dillan?”
“I worked in business, with computers,” he said, moving to sit down beside Nikuu. “Nothing particularly useful here on Shola.”
“You’d be surprised,” said Kusac. “First things first, though. Nikuu is our main concern. Ruth, I am going to arrange for someone to tutor them daily. Would you mind them working here? We need to make sure Dillan is brought up to Nikuu’s level as quickly as possible.”
“If Nikuu is ready for that,” said Ruth, “she can help him. You’d be surprised what they’re learning to do between
them.”
“I’d rather be busy,” said Nikuu.
“Then I’ll make arrangements today,” said Kusac.
“You’re staying for lunch, though,” said Ruth. “You must. Nikuu made the dumplings.” She pointed to the bowl.
“We’d love to,” said Carrie. “Dumplings and rhubarb crumble! I can’t remember when I last tasted either!”
Rhyaz settled in the easy chair opposite Lijou and took one of the sweet pastries from the plate his colleague indicated. “Kha’Qwa’s, you say? Don’t remember her being much of a one for home baking.” His mouth opened in a small grin.
“My bond-mate has developed a great many homely skills lately. I think perhaps it’s because there’s a cub on the way,” said Lijou with a quiet pleasure he couldn’t keep out of his voice.
“Congratulations to you both! I had heard as much. It’s good that you have a life of your own, Lijou, one apart from the demands of the Guilds. Maybe one day I’ll be able to do the same.” He took a bite of the pastry.
Lijou set a mug of c’shar down in front of him. “I think you’ll find it won’t be long before the Brotherhood is drawn into the Clan Leader’s program, especially if the cubs of our unions are Talented. You may have the excuse to take a mate sooner than you think.”
“We’ll see. One step at a time, Lijou. We’ve still got to get used to being recognized as priests.”
“Thank you for coming to see me, Rhyaz, especially when I know you’re so busy, but I’m very concerned about the female, Keeza.”
“Even I need to take a break now and then. In fact, I’m glad of the excuse—and the pastries!” He helped himself to another one. “This has been a heavy week. You’ve been getting the reports, haven’t you? I gave instructions you were to be sent our confidential ones, not those that Raiban gets.”
Lijou nodded. “And I thank you for that. It helps to be kept fully informed. It’s the reports that are disturbing me. How is Keeza coping? You say very little about her state of mind or health.”
Rhyaz sighed. “Mixed, Lijou. Keeza’s found out a great deal for us. We know Kezule was given the job of guarding the hatchery as a reward for long service, courage under fire, that sort of thing, so it’s no retirement post. He told her he was given one of the Emperor’s daughters as a wife. So our General was thought highly of. Short of the planetary governor of Shola at the time, I don’t think we could have gotten our hands on a more important prisoner. Unfortunately for us, his position has never been such that he had access to military information of the kind Raiban wants. Keeza’s role is necessary.”
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