thefiremargins Read online

  "That's correct. While there are no Human Leskas at the Guild, there are some eighteen Terrans in residence with you. In the past, feeling has run high against Humans in some areas of the population. I'm sure you wouldn't want to find yourself in the middle of an interplanetary diplomatic incident, as you would should any Human telepath be killed while in your charge. They need to be protected. And, of course, Guild Master Esken, if one of them should form a Leska Link, then they will need to brought here for the level of protection only we can offer."

  Esken's anger washed over him, reaching a new high. "Is this utterly necessary?" he demanded. "As a Telepath yourself you should understand that my staff and I find the presence of Warriors in our Guildhouse extremely offensive, not only because of the mental noise and attitudes they bring with them, but also because of the atmosphere their presence creates. It's most unsettling for us all, especially the cubs."

  "On the estate I warrant we have three times the number of Warriors and Brothers you have," replied Konis, his voice becoming more clipped. "You'll get used to it. We did. Fit dampers in all the rooms, Esken, then you'll get your peace."

  "And just who's supposed to pay for this? The cash outlay will be ridiculous! We can't afford it, and on principle, I have no intention of fitting dampers all over the Guild to accommodate your Warriors!"

  Konis lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "That's entirely up to you. However, I suggest that if you change your mind, you contact the offices of the High Command and request your funding from them. Now if that's all, Master Esken, I will have to go as I'm extremely busy. Good day."

  Konis leaned forward and cut the connection. During his conversation with Esken, he'd been aware of the noise from outside but had been able to ignore it— just. Now it resolved itself into something recognizable: the kitlings and his daughter, Kitra. He frowned, getting to his feet. They weren't allowed to play on the south side of the house, Kitra knew that. Apart from any other consideration, Carrie was resting in the room immediately above his.

  He strode out of his office and into the corridor, heading through the archway, calling for his youngest daughter.

  "Kitra! What in Vartra's name is all this noise about! Shouldn't you be at school or something?" he demanded, then stopped dead as he surveyed the scene before him.

  "I'm not to go to school, Father," said Kitra, turning round toward him. "Don't you remember? You said we weren't going to the Guild any more for the time being."

  Four guilty faces were turned toward him, and one of them was human.

  "Did we disturb you?" the Human asked brightly. "I'm sorry. We were just playing."

  In her hand she held the end of a rope that was attached to one of the lower limbs of an old, gnarled fruit tree.

  Konis took a long, slow, deep breath before answering. "Kitra, that tree is one of the oldest on the estate," he said, unable to stop the tip of his tail from flicking in anger. "It's also one of the more fragile ones. It isn't up to holding even Jinoe's weight. You should have known better. Return with Rrai and Jinoe to the play area, then go and find your brother. Ask him to meet me in my office." He looked over to the Human girl.

  "You must be Mara Ryan, Interpreter Zhyaf's Leska," he said as the three younglings dashed round to the back of the house. "I'm Konis Aldatan. I hope you've found your rooms comfortable?"

  "Yes, thank you," said Mara. "I'm afraid this was my idea," she said, letting the end of the rope dangle free. "Shall I untie it for you?" She turned toward the tree again.

  "No, just leave it, thank you," he said, pushing her very inexpert mental probe aside. "One of the gardeners can see to it. It really is too fragile for anyone to climb. You're lucky you didn't fall."

  "Oh, don't worry about me," she said brightly, a Human smile splitting her face. "I was born climbing trees."

  Konis refrained from saying anything and even managed not to let his ears flick.

  "Have you met your aide yet?" he asked, wondering what he or she was doing allowing all the young people outside on their own.

  "You mean Rulla? He's upstairs talking to Zhyaf."

  "I think it would be a good idea if you rejoined them for the moment," he said. "This is the time when we try to relax after work. Third meal will be ready in an hour or two, but if you want anything to drink or a light snack, there's the dispenser in your lounge. I take it you've been shown where everything is?"

  "Not really," said Mara, backing away slowly toward the corner of the house.

  Konis could feel her embarrassment. "Don't worry," he said in what he hoped was a reassuring tone. "You'll soon get used to our ways. Carrie did. I know how much of an upheaval in your life this has all been, but the worst is over now. You're not only among friends, but also with others who have a Sholan partner. Just take your time and everything will be fine."

  "Yes, sir," she said before turning on her heel and sprinting back in the direction the younglings had gone.

  Konis sighed. He remembered Zhyaf. He was a good person and a fine interpreter, well suited to his intellectual profession— but to have a Leska who was no more than half his age? He shook his head as he returned to his office. Zhyaf had been born staid and middle-aged. It looked like Mara was going to be a handful.

  Kusac joined him a few minutes later. "Kitra said you wanted me, Father. What can I do for you?" he asked, coming over to perch on the edge of Konis' desk beside him.

  "Kitra and the two kitlings," he said succinctly, mentally opening their private family link.

  "Ah, their schooling," Kusac nodded. "I was about to come down and see to them myself, but you beat me to it."

  "Did they disturb Carrie?"

  Kusac shook his head. "No, she's still sleeping. That Healer Kaid took her to must be one of the best around. She's really on the mend now."

  "I'm glad. We've been very worried for both of you," Konis said, reaching out to lay his hand on Kusac's arm.

  I'd be careful, Father, warned Kusac. Tomorrow's our Link day. Already the sensitivity's increasing.

  Konis moved his hand, smiling faintly. "I know. Is she up to it? There are drugs Vanna can use if she isn't. I know her system was too weak after the Challenge, but she's stronger now."

  Kusac shook his head. "No need. She's fine," he grinned, dipping his head to one side. We weren't sleeping all afternoon.

  Konis gave a small purr of laughter. "The kitlings," he reminded his son. "Among the people you requested, is there a teacher capable of educating not just the three young ones, but also Mara?"

  "There will be when Ghyan joins us," said Kusac. "Dzaka has been teaching them meditation and self-control techniques. Until Ghyan leaves the temple, how about letting him start training them in combat? It would keep them busy and out from underfoot."

  Reluctantly Konis nodded. I dislike the whole concept of any of you learning combat. I know it's necessary, not only for your own personal safety, but because it's what the High Command wants. You know they want you all trained as special field operatives, don't you?

  Yes, we know, Kusac replied with a sigh. If Vanna and Brynne, as well as Zhyaf and Mara develop the same way we did, then they'll have their elite telepath fighting force.

  I'm torn two ways, Konis admitted. In my official capacities, I know you'll be an asset to the Forces and to Shola, but as a parent and a telepath, I don't approve of it at all.

  Neither do we. We haven't an option at the moment. All we can do is go along with them and see where it leads us.

  How's the work on your estate going?

  It's taking time for them to start, sent Kusac. Before they can begin they must assess the state of the buildings still standing and see what's needed in the way of repairs. Once that's done, then they'll be free to start work on the new structures. At least all the people involved are camping out down there rather than staying up here.

  Believe me, Kusac, your mother and I are very grateful for that! sent Konis. "You're still determined to become En'Shalla? There's nothing we can do to dis
suade you?" He looked anxiously at his son.

  Kusac met his gaze. "Nothing, Father."

  "Have you any idea what it entails? You realize no one has survived the journey in over ten generations?"

  "So I keep getting told," said Kusac, flicking his ears in faint irritation. "Carrie's been using the authorization you gave us to get files from the Telepath Guild, the Warrior Guild, and everything she could find in the public sector on the Brotherhood. She's trying to see how far back their records go. We've also seen how the number of telepaths is dropping with every generation despite the breeding program that's been going on for over a thousand years. It's worrying."

  "That's my problem, not yours," said Konis.

  "Did it ever occur to you that perhaps the reason for the decline is that our bloodlines have become too inbred? Maybe what we need is some of the outside blood, like that from the Brotherhood."

  "You mean because of their lesser Talents?" Konis frowned. "Surely they're not worth taking into consideration?"

  "I've been told that some of their Talents are far from lesser ones. Look at the Healer, Noni. She's got to rate as highly as one of the best in the Guild, if not better. Think it over at least. You'll have Vanna's research shortly. I've asked her to do DNA tests on everyone who's been exposed to that virus Carrie and I had a few months ago. It'll show up the changes in our genes and tell us who's compatible with whom. I'm hoping that those who don't find Leska partners will be essentially Sholan so that we don't lose too many of our telepaths to the new genes."

  "I'll ask Vanna to give me copies of all her work, including weekly updates. We should know one way or the other fairly soon. Now," Konis said, standing up, "I'm going to raid your mother's kitchen for a mug of c'shar. Coming?"

  "Right beside you," said Kusac.

  * * *

  "You agreed to what?" demanded Ghezu.

  "I agreed to an alliance with them in return for their support at the All Guilds Council meeting," said Lijou patiently.

  "Dammit, Lijou! You had no right to agree to that! An alliance is no good to us! We need them as Brothers or we have no claim!" He got to his feet and began pacing between the desk and the window, tail lashing angrily from side to side.

  "Ghezu, you're not listening to me," said Lijou. "I've just told you that publicly they will be seen to join us. Only we will know the reality."

  "You haven't the right to make decisions like that on your own," snarled Ghezu, stalking over to the less formal seating where the Head Priest sat.

  "I'm the only one clearheaded enough to see that we weren't going to get anything more from him!" Lijou's temper broke. He'd had enough of making allowances for Ghezu's increasingly unbalanced behavior. "Stop letting your prejudices rule your thoughts and actions! For Vartra's sake, Ghezu," he continued more quietly, "we're on the brink of a new era for the Brotherhood. Let's make the best deal we can with them and ensure we get our full Guild status. That's surely more important than any other consideration."

  Ghezu flung himself down on the settee opposite Lijou, glaring at him. "He only wants twenty-five of my best operatives, Lijou! It's all right for you! He doesn't want your best lay priests!"

  "On the contrary. I'm losing Ghyan and four of my religious Brothers— five people I can ill afford to lose, considering there are fewer of them than your warriors in the Brotherhood. Don't be so blind, Ghezu. Think of what we're gaining."

  Ghezu growled deep in his throat. "I know who's behind this, it's Kaid! And he's not having Dzaka, that's final!"

  Lijou sighed inwardly and closed his eyes for a moment, silently offering up a prayer to Vartra, asking Him to make his colleague see some sense.

  "Let Dzaka go, Ghezu," he said. "You've had your fun from all accounts. Kaid has come near to killing him because of you. Surely that's enough to satisfy any revenge."

  "You know nothing about it, Lijou, so don't presume to make my mind up for me," Ghezu snapped. "It's not Dzaka I want."

  "By the sword of Vartra, Ghezu! What the hell did Kaid do to you all those years ago to make you hate him so much?" demanded Lijou, sitting forward in his chair. Then he sensed what it had been. "A female? All this over a female? Gods, Ghezu, don't you think you're getting this completely out of proportion?"

  "Stop reading my mind, Lijou, it's none of your damned business!" he growled, getting up and heading back to his desk to pick up the offending document.

  Lijou turned in his seat, following him with his eyes. "Whatever it was, it was long ago, Ghezu. It's time to let it go."

  "Like hell it is! They can have everyone except Dzaka," he said, taking up a stylus and scoring through one of the names before signing the document with a flourish. Tossing the stylus back on the desk, he picked up the agreement and stalked across to Lijou, thrusting it into his hand.

  "Here, take it! It's not time to let go my revenge, Lijou. I can't wipe out thirty-five years of waiting and hoping to find her again just like that, even if you could. It's time to have my reckoning with him for two reasons. Now she's finally been located, I find out she's dying. I can never have her now, but I'll be damned if he does! Somehow he'll find out where she is and go to her. I can't live with that again."

  Lijou took the document from him. "You should be caring more for her approaching death than plotting revenge because she preferred him to you. Where's your compassion gone, Ghezu? You never used to be like this. What's it all got to do with Dzaka anyway? Why involve him in your schemes? Only a couple of months ago you said Kaid was once a friend. What's suddenly changed to make you want to destroy him now?"

  Ghezu turned away. "He's thwarted me at every turn since this business began, Lijou. The Brothers that knew him before— and some of the newer ones, damn him— want to follow him! It's beginning all over again, as if he'd never been away!" Angrily he turned back to his colleague.

  "I've led the Brotherhood well. You know it's prospered under me. The day I was appointed Loed's successor, they all gave me their loyalty. Then he turns up again. A flick of his ears and it's all forgotten. I won't have my Leadership challenged by him, Lijou!" he said, his tail beginning to lash angrily from side to side again.

  "He's not challenging you, Ghezu, you're imaging it," Lijou said in what he hoped was a placatory tone.

  "If you can't see it then you're blind! Everyone else can. Look at what he's demanding through that damned Aldatan cub! He's got some of my best people completely under his own rule— his own Brotherhood, Lijou! He's making his own territory, Challenging me on my ground! And I'll never forgive him for what he did to Khemu!"

  "What did he do?" The question was asked before he could stop himself.

  "He didn't care about her, he just used her. He paired with her once, then never again, leaving her so damaged by the experience that she wouldn't look at another male outside her family. Nothing I said or did made any difference. I tried to find out what had happened, but the one time I saw her, she refused to tell me. So did Kaid."

  "It was their business, not yours," said Lijou. "You hadn't the right to interfere."

  "I had!" He spun round again, teeth bared in an angry growl. "I wanted her, too! And I wouldn't have treated her like he did! She was from a good family, Lijou, not just one of the village females. She shut herself away, wouldn't talk to anyone. Her betrothal was called off because she refused the mate chosen for her. They told the Clan Lord she'd died in a mountain accident, but he was the only one that believed that! Her family disowned her because of her behavior. After a year or two, she ran away and just disappeared."

  "Then how did you find her?"

  "I had our people keep a lookout for her. She's living at Rhijudu, with one of the desert tribes. She has one of those damned wasting diseases; she won't last till the winter."

  The emotions Lijou felt from Ghezu were strange, owing more to anger and revenge— against both of them— than to love. That had withered and died long ago, to be replaced only by jealousy and hurt pride. He also sensed Ghezu's anger that sh
e'd not responded to the glamour he'd tried to use on her. Lijou felt appalled that Ghezu had sunk so low as to use his Talent to make a young female want him.

  Ghezu turned and walked back to his desk. "I won't tolerate him any longer, Lijou. Dzaka's younger and faster than him— and has good reasons to hate him," he said, sitting down. "I want him to kill Kaid. I'll make sure he does." His voice had dropped, becoming silky with the contemplation of his final revenge.

  "Ghezu, you're mad," said Lijou, getting up from his chair, sickened by the other's attitude. Their talk had devolved into a hate session. There was no point in him remaining, nothing of any use could be accomplished now, and his continued presence was only fueling Ghezu's desire for revenge. "Dzaka won't kill Kaid."

  "Do you want to bet on it?" asked Ghezu as he watched Lijou walking to the door.