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  "On the contrary. The Governor was most insistent that I be the actual head of the project, in charge of the teaching of our new Leskas with enhanced abilities."

  Esken raised a questioning eye ridge. "Perhaps I had better read his letter," he said. Inserting a claw tip beneath the seal, he neatly sliced through it. Opening it, he took his time reading the contents.

  Konis waited, hiding his impatience. Nesul had said he'd tell Esken personally. Had he taken the easier option and left the Clan Lord to do it?

  There was a knock on the door and Sorli entered, carrying a tray with two mugs on it. He set it down on the table between them and left.

  Esken's nose twitched as he smelled the coffee and Konis smiled to himself, knowing the Guild Master had got his point.

  Meticulously, Esken refolded the letter, placing it carefully on the table before picking up his drink of c'shar. "The Governor must have made an error," he said. "This is clearly a Telepath Guild matter and should be dealt with internally."

  Konis picked up his mug and took a small sip of the beverage. He controlled a slight shudder at the bitterness of the drink. He wasn't fond of it, but it never tasted this bad when Rhyasha made it.

  "Unfortunately not," he said. "It involves Alien Relations, not to mention the High Command, of which I'm also a member. The Governor felt it vital that someone aware of the politics involved in these cross-species Links head the project. Someone versed in diplomacy and also a telepath should be able to deal more easily with the majority of the problems that seem to be occurring between our two species."

  "I've no objection to your being involved in the project in your official capacities," said Esken, returning his mug to the table. "We, on the other hand, have a tradition of educating all the telepaths, including the Leska pairs. In fact, as you well know, we are the primary center on Shola for training Leskas. We have decades of experience in producing well-balanced, competent Leska pairs. What makes you think you can do any better? This isn't your field, after all."

  "I'm aware of that, Esken," said Konis dryly. "On the other hand, my son and bond-daughter, not to mention Physician Kyjishi, have all sampled your methods. The Governor and I both agree that a change of direction is needed, and that is best achieved by having a new outlook from the top down."

  Esken stirred his c'shar. "Being the first, naturally, they have had a few problems along the road to helping us understand the nature of this new Link. Now that we know what we're dealing with, I'm sure things will advance more smoothly."

  "I intend to make sure they do," said Konis, his tone silky as he lifted his mug again. "I trust you'll follow the Governor's instructions and have an office made available for me. One of the first-floor interview rooms would do nicely. I also intend to have close ties with your medical section through Physician Kyjishi."

  Konis watched Esken, picking up the betraying signs of tension in the muscles surrounding his eyes and nose.

  The Governor would have enjoyed this meeting, he thought. It would have made up for all the times Esken has railroaded him during Council meetings.

  "An office, will, of course, be made ready for you," said Esken. "However, you'll not take it amiss, I trust, if I check with the Governor first?"

  He hopes to browbeat Nesul into retracting the appointment! I think my next call had better be to the palace.

  "By all means, if you don't trust the written instructions of our government," said Konis. "In the meantime, I'll want a copy of all your files to date on the new Leskas, including the proposed education program for the Humans that will bring them in line with their new partners. I'll also want files on the three anomalous Sholan Leska pairings, including medical data. I'm most concerned about the handling of Jinoe's and Rrai's case. Their education hasn't even started yet, and they've been deprived of any contact with the outside world. Why was Rrai's mother prevented from visiting them?"

  "We wanted to separate them from the desert tribal influence," said Esken. "I want to be sure that none of the religious teachings and attitudes of that mad priest of theirs remains with them. To work properly as Leskas they need to see each other as equals, not with one subservient to the other." His voice was cold.

  Konis felt the Guild Master quickly suppress a spark of concern. He could feel the change in Esken's attitude toward him. For the first time the Guild Master was having to defend his actions, and he didn't like it. Esken couldn't hide behind the sanctity of "Guild Business" with Konis, a fellow guild member who actually outranked him. Perhaps Nesul was cleverer than they'd all realized. In giving him this appointment, he'd placed the only person who had sufficient authority to wrong-foot Esken right in the heart of his empire.

  "That particular case is outside your province, Konis," he said. "There's nothing anomalous about their Link— except the fact that they're so young."

  "You think not? Well, perhaps you're right," said Konis, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Still, it'll do no harm to check the files and run a few extra tests."

  Esken took another drink, obviously savoring his c'shar before he spoke again. "That won't be possible, I'm afraid. They're being returned to Laasoi Guildhouse this afternoon." There was a smugness about him as he relaxed back in his chair, smiling slightly. "On the other matters, once I have Governor Nesul's confirmation of your appointment, you will have my full cooperation."

  Konis' ears swiveled forward in anger. "I resent the implication that the document I gave you is a forgery," he growled.

  Esken's shocked reaction was genuine. He hadn't expected Konis to speak so frankly.

  "May I interrupt, Clan Lord?" said T'Chebbi from her position by the door. "Settle it now. Contact the Governor on this comm."

  "Do it," snapped Konis.

  "I don't think that's necessary," Esken began, but Konis cut him short.

  "Do it, T'Chebbi," he repeated. "Sit down, Esken. You've made this a matter of honor— my honor. I want it resolved immediately."

  Master Esken sat down again: he had no option but to do so. His bluff had been called and they both knew who had lost.

  "I'm through, Clan Lord," said T'Chebbi a few minutes later.

  "Continue with the call. Explain to him that Master Esken isn't satisfied with the official letter of appointment, he wishes to confirm it personally."

  He sat and watched Esken's jawline tighten in anger, knowing he'd made himself a powerful enemy. It mattered not at all now, he realized, because Esken had made an enemy of him and he was every bit as dangerous and powerful— if not more so. While he waited, he reached out mentally for his son, rendering him speechless with the nature of his request. Then T'Chebbi was turning the comm around so the Governor could see them both.

  "You disturbed me for a matter as trivial as this, Esken?" said Governor Nesul, allowing his ears to twitch in obvious displeasure. "You have my personal verification of Clan Lord Aldatan's appointment. I hope this isn't the start of a trend, Esken. I won't have my meetings interrupted by you every time you disagree with one of my decisions! You have my orders. See you give the Clan Lord all the help he needs. This new unit is effective as of now. You know my opinions concerning your handling of the matter of the mixed Leskas. You failed. It's time for someone else to try. Konis, I'll expect an initial report from you within the next twenty-six hours. Good day."

  As T'Chebbi returned the comm to its usual orientation, Konis turned back to the Guild Master.

  "I have some business to attend to, Esken," he said, getting to his feet. "I know it'll take your people an hour or two to set up an office for me, so I'll be back just after second meal. Thank you for your hospitality," he added dryly.

  Esken inclined his head politely but Konis could see by the tightness of his jaw muscles just how displeased he was. But why? Surely Esken was letting this get out of proportion. He remained silent and thoughtful until they were in the aircar once more.

  "Where to, Clan Lord?" T'Chebbi asked as she started the vehicle.

  "To Shanagi," said Koni
s, coming out of his reverie. "I think it's time I visited some old friends."

  * * *

  It was late morning by the time Carrie gradually realized she was awake. She reached for Kusac, panicking when her hand couldn't find him even though her mind could.

  "I'm here," he said, instantly moving closer till his body touched hers. He felt her mind, linked so closely to his, absorb the happenings of the last few hours.

  She turned her head slowly, resting her cheek against his chest. Weariness still held her in a warm, comfortable blanket, drawing the strength from her, robbing her of any curiosity.

  Kusac looked down at his human life-mate, seeing the paleness of her skin and the dark shadows that surrounded her eyes. She was so small, so fragile compared to his people. Careful of her injured arm, he gathered her close. She'd nearly died only a few days ago— he was still afraid of losing her. Gently he nuzzled her neck, rubbing his cheek against her jawline.

  "I wondered how long you were going to sleep," he said. "It'll soon be time for second meal. You must be hungry."

  "I couldn't eat anything," she said.

  "You've got to try, cub," he said. "You lost so much blood, you need to build yourself up so you can replace it."

  She made a small noise of denial. I want to rest, she sent.

  There was a peremptory knock at the door, then it opened. Kaid stood there. "Your pardon, Liege, but Vanna sent me for you. The kitlings have arrived and she needs your help." He hesitated. "She also gave me strict instructions to bring the Liegena down for first meal."

  Kusac eased himself away from Carrie and sat up, looking at Kaid in surprise. The other gave a brief nod and flick of his ear to indicate a conspiracy.

  Carrie opened her eyes and looked up at Kusac as he glanced back at her uncertainly. "Don't go," she said. "I need you here. I don't want to go downstairs."

  "I have to go," he said, his hand caressing her face briefly as he began to rise. "The kitlings will need me."

  Her eyes followed him as he walked over to the wardrobe to find a clean tunic. She watched the sunlight streaming in from the balcony play on his dark fur as he reached into the cupboard and chose one from the pile on the shelf.

  His pelt seemed to ripple as he hauled the garment over his head. Flattening his ears, he ran his hands through the longer hairlike fur that grew on his head and down the sides of his neck in an attempt to impose some kind of order on it.

  He turned back to the wardrobe, and hunted briefly through her clothes, finally pulling out one of her long robes, then turned and handed it to Kaid who now stood inside the room.

  * * *

  You must be getting better, he teased her. If ever looks could speak!

  Looks are all I'm capable of, she sent. Even thinking of anything else is tiring.

  He laughed for the first time in many days. "You'll have your work cut out for you," he said to Kaid. Returning to her side, he leaned over her, his hands smoothing her hair from her face, his nose cool against her as his tongue flicked her cheek gently.

  Reaching up, she caught hold of his arm. "Kusac, I don't want to go downstairs!" She could feel the panic beginning to rise. "It's too soon after ..." Her voice broke and she stopped, distressed by her inability to stop the tears that were beginning to flow.

  "The funeral was two days ago, cub," he said quietly, squatting down so his face was level with hers. "You've got to begin to live again. Coming downstairs will be good for you." He reached out and wiped away the tears that were silently spilling down her face. "You can't hide up here. Our family wants you to be with them so they can help ease your grief." Slipping his hands behind her head, he kissed her, a Sholan kiss, his teeth gently nipping at her lips first.

  She clung to him, feeling the first faint stirrings of their Link's compulsion as she returned the kiss.

  He let her go, trying to steady his breathing. The magic's never far from us, cub. His hand cupped her cheek as he took her fingers to his mouth, running his tongue and teeth gently across their tips.

  "I must go. Mother says she has some light food ready for you. She's missed having you around. She says with Taizia back at the Telepath Guild, there're too many males in the house!"

  He stood up, letting her go with obvious reluctance. "I'll see you downstairs," he said, then turned and left the room before he changed his mind. He sent to Vanna, appalled at how fragile Carrie still looked and felt. She'd seemed better the day before!

  She's not as bad as you fear, replied Vanna. You're still comparing her to our females. Having no fur, her skin shows the marks of her suffering more obviously than we would.

  Listen to Vanna, his mother's firm tone told him. She's your physician, either you trust her or you don't.

  I trust Vanna, replied Kusac, heading along the upper landing to the main staircase. She knows that, it's just that.

  ..

  I'll contact Jack Reynolds, came Vanna's wry mental tone. I know exactly how well you trust me.

  I do! he objected, making his way downstairs. It's just that.

  ..

  She's dearer to you than life, I know.

  "She is my life," he said simply, joining them in the entrance hall.

  "Here's the aircar now," said Rhyasha. "I'll leave you two to welcome them. My first responsibility is to my bond-daughter." Reaching out, she briefly touched her son's face. "Carrie will be fine," she said. "With so many of us caring for her, how could it be otherwise?"

  * * *

  Carrie turned her head, looking toward where Kaid stood a little distance from the end of her bed.

  "I'd have thought they'd send Chena," she said.

  "Chena's having a much deserved sleep," said Kaid, placing the robe on the bed before coming round to her side. "There's no Sholan reason for them to send a female to help you." He raised an eye ridge at her. "Is there a Human reason? All I intend to do is help you put the robe on over what you're wearing now."

  "I don't want to go, Kaid," she said. "I can't face anyone."

  He sat beside her. "Everyone downstairs has been up to see you since yesterday," he said. "Where's the difference in you going down to see them? You're returning their concern for you, thanking them for caring. They aren't going to add to your grief by talking about your lost cub."

  "You have," she said, her voice unsteady again as her hands clutched at the blankets.

  "Only because you're afraid to face her death yourself," he said, reaching out to take one of her hands in his, holding it still despite her attempts to twist it away from him. "Feeling grief for her is normal. By facing it, you'll take the edge off it till it no longer hurts so much. Be thankful you have feelings. Without them, the world would be a colder place. Now come on, sit up so we can get you dressed to go downstairs." He gave her hand a slight squeeze before releasing it and getting up.

  "You never say comfortable things, do you, Kaid? You live in a world of harsh realities, and you expect me to do the same," she said, looking at him as she tried to push herself one-handedly up into a sitting position. Even through the strong analgesics, the effort hurt her.

  "If you can do that, then you're unlikely to be taken unawares. The loss of your cub means more to you than it does to anyone else, even Kusac, but only just," he said, turning to pick up her robe. "The cub was part of you, a part you weren't sure you wanted at first. Because of that you feel guilty now you've lost her. You're afraid her loss is your fault. It isn't," he added, turning back to her as she pushed the covers aside awkwardly, favoring her injured arm in its sling. "Kusac's afraid it's his fault because he had a vision of the fight going wrong and his fear made him call out your name as Rala cried the Death Challenge on you."

  "It wasn't his fault."

  "I know, but you can't both keep taking the whole blame on yourselves and denying that the other was involved. Neither of you is to blame. I knew from the first your cub wouldn't survive; it was ordained."

  "You knew? How?" she demanded.

  "The Brotherhood
has always been close to Vartra," he said ambiguously, helping her put her good arm through the sleeve of her robe. "Even an expelled member like me."

  "Visions? You have visions?" she asked incredulously as he helped her take her injured arm out of the sling, then guided it carefully through the other arm of her robe.

  "Now and then," he said, placing her arm back in the sling and adjusting it round her neck.

  "The God told you about me?"

  "Not in so many words," he admitted, swinging her legs around till they hung over the edge of the bed. "It only began to make sense when I heard that one of our telepaths had a Leska Link with a Human."

  "What else do you know?" she demanded, watching him for any telltale movements that would give away his thoughts.