“How many passengers?”
“Another ten, Liegen. Those whose tour of duty is over.”
The door opened and Vanna entered. She was carrying a portable sampling unit along with her medikit.
“More tests? How much longer will you be taking them?” asked Carrie, curling up beside Kusac on the settee.
“Until I’m sure that your systems have stabilized,” she replied, squatting down beside Kusac and opening the lid of the test unit.
Kusac pulled up his shirt sleeve and laid his forearm along the hollowed recess. It fitted snugly against his arm, leaving his wrist and hand free. Vanna closed the lid, latching it in place and resting it on her knee.
“I thought you said we were stable,” said Kusac.
“You are. I just want to take a routine weekly test for the next few months,” she replied, checking the results on the display.
She released the catch, opening a small panel beside the display to remove a tiny phial which she placed in her medikit. Moving over to Carrie, she held the unit open while the girl likewise bared her arm and placed it in the recess.
“I intend to have some energy scans done using the aura unit at your Guild House,” said Vanna, waiting for Carrie’s results to appear.
“Why didn’t you do them while we were here?” asked Kusac, pulling his sleeve back down.
“They only have that particular equipment in the Telepath Guild,” replied Vanna, unclipping the unit and taking out the second phial. “I thought you’d know it takes a medical telepath to interpret the results, and they won’t work outside the shielded confines of their guild. We have to send our patients to them. I believe they also use the equipment in the early assessment and training of telepaths, don’t they?”
Kusac nodded. “They’ll probably use it on us to chart the extent of our Link and Carrie’s Talents.”
A chime sounded in the suite. “Would all passengers please prepare for takeoff?” said an impersonal voice.
Vanna got to her feet. “I’ll take these down to the lab after we’re underway,” she said, stowing the unit safely in her kit.
The trip was unremarkable except for its tediousness. Eventually, the ship docked at the space station in orbit above Shola. They transferred to a private shuttle and within an hour had landed at the spaceport on the planet.
The hatch slid open onto a covered walk that led to an arrival lounge. Waiting for them was a small party of Sholans. The two in front wore Telepath colors and were flanked by two Warrior guards in full ceremonial uniform. As Kusac and Carrie stepped out into the waiting area, the dark-furred female Sholan launched herself into Kusac’s arms.
“Kusac! You’re home at last! I’ve missed you,” she said, her voice a velvety purr.
“Taizia, I didn’t expect to see you here,” said Kusac, returning the hug and setting her down. He was aware of Carrie’s reaction— a mixture of jealousy and curiosity.
“Glad as I am to see you, have you forgotten your manners?” he asked the female sternly. “Have you no word for my Leska?”
“I’m honored to meet you,” she said, holding out her open palm in greeting while trying to peer surreptitiously inside Carrie’s hood.
Carrie lowered the hood, putting her palm on Taizia’s as Kusac introduced her.
“You’ll have to forgive my sister. She was always the impulsive one,” he said, “and short on manners!”
Taizia ignored the comment and stared in frank curiosity at Carrie, who flinched slightly under her scrutiny. She turned to her brother. “You’re right. She is pretty despite the species difference, and I like what I can feel of her mind.”
Kusac’s ears twitched with embarrassment and he aimed a cuff at her. She dodged, laughing.
“Imp!” he growled. “How come Father let you out at this time of night?”
“I’m staying at the Guild House at the moment. I insisted on coming with Senior Tutor Sorli to meet you,” she said as the others came up to join them.
“I’ll just bet you did,” said Kusac, taking Carrie by the arm.
“Welcome to Shola, er…” The Tutor hesitated, unsure as to how to address Carrie.
“Liegena Carrie,” emphasized Kusac, moving Carrie’s cloak so that the bronze at her neck glinted briefly in the artificial light.
There was a shocked silence into which Taizia spoke. “So you’ve torced her,” she said with a grin. “Who’re you calling impetuous now, brother?”
As he let Carrie’s cloak fall back, she clutched at his arm, her other hand going instinctively to the torc around her neck, realizing for the first time some of the significance of the gift.
“Not impetuous,” he denied, staring down the Tutor. “It’s what I wish. You’ll treat her accordingly.”
The Tutor bowed. “As Liegen Aldatan wishes, but have you considered…?”
“I’ve considered what matters. I’ll deal with other issues as they arise. This is my affair,” Kusac interrupted, his voice uncompromising.
“It’s not our place to interfere, Liegen,” murmured the Tutor. “I have transport waiting outside. If you would follow us?”
Kusac nodded, acutely aware of Carrie’s withdrawal and confusion.
The Tutor and his companion led the way, the two guards flanking Kusac’s party.
“Oh, I am going to enjoy the next few months,” grinned Taizia, fairly skipping along beside them.
Kusac grunted. “You might, imp, but we won’t.” He reached for Carrie’s hand, sending out thoughts of reassurance but she remained silent.
*
In the aircar, Kusac sat with Carrie held close by his side. By tacit agreement they’d been left to sit alone, the rest of the group taking seats at the front of the vehicle. Her eyes were closed, and he could feel not only her tiredness but also the underlying worry. He reached gently, searching for the area of her mind that initiated sleep and soothed it until her breathing slowed. Releasing the contact he sighed, closing his eyes, too. He’d promised her time for themselves. So far, the days had been full of commitments to others with no space for them. He intended to keep that promise come what may, starting tomorrow.
*
The journey took an hour, at the end of which time Taizia gently shook them awake.
She stood looking down at them as they yawned and stretched.
“It’s strange to see you with a female,” she said, “let alone a Leska. You were always one for your own company, brother. No time for females in your life.”
“Events took me by surprise,” he yawned.
“You must have crept up on him when he wasn’t looking,” Taizia smiled at Carrie.
“He wasn’t running very fast,” she murmured, sitting up.
Taizia grasped her by the wrist, hand around her forearm, and helped her to her feet.
“I do like you,” she said. “Should you need a break from my worthy brother, come and find me in the third female’s dorm.”
“Don’t overcomplicate her life, Taizia,” warned Kusac, sliding his way out along the seats. “Remember, through me she knows our culture, but she hasn’t yet learned to live in it.”
“I’ll remember, Kusac. I’ve read Father’s notes on what we know of the Keissian human culture. You do realize, don’t you, that he expects you to use your knowledge to record a definitive study?” she asked, looking shrewdly at him.
“Does he now?” said Kusac, his hand searching for Carrie’s as they walked out of the aircar into the chill night.
They had set down in the inner courtyard. Opposite them one of the huge double doors of the Guild House stood open, a pool of golden light welcoming them.
Kusac led his party into the hallway.
“I have to take you and…” Tutor Sorli hesitated, “the Liegena Carrie to the Guild Master immediately.”
“I’ll leave you now,” said Taizia, reaching up to nuzzle her brother’s cheek. “Good luck. I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, letting him go and hugging Carrie.
Kusac picked up his Leska’s surprise. Taizia is impulsive, no matter what she says, but if she takes a liking to someone, it’s genuine. Take her offer of friendship. You’ll find her good company.
She’s very different from you.
She wasn’t the eldest, nor the heir, sent Kusac resignedly.
“Our guard will see that your staff are installed in the guest house,” Tutor Sorli continued, indicating that they should follow him.
Taizia waved before disappearing into the main refectory hall.
“Doubtless a description of your Leska will have circulated throughout the guild before morning,” said Sorli dryly as he started up the winding stone staircase.
He stopped outside a plain wooden door, knocking before entering. “Liegen Aldatan and his Leska are here, Guild Master,” he said.
“Then show them in,” said a quiet voice.
Sorli stood back, holding the door open for them to enter. The room was gently lit by indirect means, a balm to their eyes after the swift changes from the dark of night to the harsh glare in the main area of the building. The Guild Master rose from behind his desk as they entered. Over a plain black tunic he wore a robe of dark purple edged with gold embroidery so stiff that it rustled as he moved around the desk toward them. His fur was a dark brown streaked with gray around the eyes and temples, as was his hair. He held his hand out in greeting to Carrie.
“Well come to the guild, my dear,” he said as she returned the gesture.
Through her, Kusac was aware of a featherlight touch to her mind.
“A new telepath is always welcome, but one already bonded as a Leska is a blessing indeed.” He flashed a Sholan smile and turned to Kusac.
“It’s a year or two since we last met,” he said as Kusac touched palms with him.
Again the light probe, measuring and weighing without judging.
“Come, take off your cloaks and sit by the fire,” the Master said, turning toward the other end of the room where a log fire glowed gently.
“Sorli, bring them something hot to drink. They must be tired after such a journey.”
Carrie unfastened her cloak, trying to tug the neck of her jerkin up to cover her torc.
Kusac frowned, taking her hand away and beginning to unlace the fastenings. It’s meant to be seen, Leska. Unless you want to return it to me? His hands stopped and he looked questioningly at her.
Carrie put her hand protectively to the torc, her denial instant and loud.
Kusac winced. Then wear it with joy, he sent, grinning from ear to ear as he flicked her cheek with a finger. Taking off his own cloak he took hers and put them both over the back of the chair facing the Master’s desk.
They joined him at the fire, taking the settee that he indicated.
“You must call me Master Esken,” said the Master, settling himself comfortably in his chair. “I know Kusac’s family well. I had you here for several years, didn’t I?”
Kusac nodded. “Ten years,” he said, “then off and on for another five.”
“Then there’s Taizia. Wild little thing for all she’s twenty-five,” he chuckled, “not at all like you. And Kitra, your younger sister. She studies hard and will do well for herself when she’s older. Now you’ve brought us your Leska. I like to see continuity in a family. It gives me a sense of tradition.”
Kusac shifted uncomfortably, aware of the undertones.
The door opened quietly and Sorli returned with a tray bearing three pottery goblets. He offered them, then withdrew.
Kusac sipped his drink, surprised to find it mildly alcoholic.
“So we have to measure your Talent, Carrie,” Master Esken continued after a moment. “Undoubtedly you’re a Telepath or you wouldn’t be Kusac’s Leska. I also hear you have shown an ability to heal. This is a rare gift amongst the telepaths. We shall have to get you to demonstrate this ability. Do you have any other gifts, my dear?”
Carrie cast a frantic glance at Kusac. What does he want me to say? she asked, panic in her mental tone.
“You know about our gestalt Link?” he asked the Master, pressing Carrie’s hand reassuringly.
“I’ve had reports about it, and it’s a subject I want to examine more closely, along with the shapechanging incident. I believe your medic has come with you. I’ll have to speak to her personally. All that is in the future, though. This is just an informal chat for tonight since the hour is late. For tomorrow, Carrie, I’d like you to think of the extent of Terran telepathic abilities. If you are the norm, it would appear that you perhaps have a greater variety of Talents than us.”
Kusac stirred. “Not tomorrow, Master Esken,” he said. “We need some time to ourselves as well. We’ve had precious little of it so far.”
“As you wish,” said Master Esken amicably. “You aren’t back at school, after all. Why not take Carrie round the craft quarters of the town? Let her experience a little of the real Shola after the military environment of the Khalossa.”
“That’s what I planned to do,” said Kusac, finishing his drink.
“Then I will see you here at the fourth hour the day after tomorrow,” said the Master, getting to his feet. “Sorli will be waiting outside to take you to your Leska apartment. It will be yours for as long as you are on Shola. Treat it as your home.”
He walked back to the door with them. “I have assigned Sorli to be your tutor. Any problems, no matter how small, take them to him. He lives in the Leska wing, and has worked closely with our bonded telepaths for many years. I would say there are few problems he hasn’t come across, but in your case, he’ll be breaking new ground, too,” he smiled, opening the door. “Good night,” he said as they joined their tutor outside.
*
Sorli led them back down the stairs, then through a labyrinth of corridors until they reached a more modern extension. Up a flight of stairs and along another corridor they went, finally coming to a halt outside one of several adjacent doors. He handed Kusac a flat pass key.
“This is the apartment you’ve been assigned,” he said as Kusac slid the key into the slot, activating the door.
“My personal number is on file in your comm. As Master Esken said, should you need me, call. I’ll be seeing you later on in the week when Master Esken has decided how he wants to proceed. If you’ll excuse me for now, I have an early start in the morning. Good night, Kusac, Carrie.” He nodded his head, then turned back the way they had come.
Kusac pushed open the door. Kaid was waiting for them. He took their cloaks from Kusac.
“I’ve unpacked for you, Liegen,” he said. “There’s hot c’shar and some of the Guild’s special biscuits for you. At least, they say they’re special biscuits,” he amended as Kusac and Carrie flopped down exhausted onto the settee.
“Where are the others?” asked Kusac tiredly as Kaid put their cloaks away and bustled around pouring c’shar for them.
“One of the Warriors escorted them to their quarters in the guest house. If you look out of that window,” he indicated it with a nod of his head, “you can see the visitor’s block. They’re not at all happy about having nonTelepaths inside the guild precinct, but I managed to convince them that you couldn’t do without my personal services.”
Kusac smiled faintly as he sat up and took a couple of biscuits off the plate, handing one to Carrie. “I’m as tired as you are,” he said softly, “but we missed a meal. These have a high protein content and are used to replace the energy we lose while working. You’ll feel better even after one.”
She took the biscuit, nibbling cautiously at one corner, taking a bigger bite when she found it to her taste.
“How did you manage to convince the guild we couldn’t do without you?” asked Kusac, chewing his way through a biscuit himself.
“By pointing out that the Liegena needs specially prepared food and that I alone could prepare it.”
Kusac grinned. “Nice.”
“I thought so myself,” Kaid said, with a slight smile. “Meral and Sevrin will
accompany you when you leave the guild, but they’ll remain in the guest house till then.”
Kusac grunted, finished his drink and got to his feet. Grasping Carrie by the hand, he pulled her up, shifting his grasp to her arm.
“Bed,” he said, steering her toward the doors at the back of the room. “You’re dead on your feet. Which one, Kaid?” he asked.
“On the left, Liegen.”
A subdued light came on as soon as they entered. With a sigh of relief, Kusac shut the door behind them.
“I’m not that tired now,” said Carrie.
“That’s good,” said Kusac, his voice becoming liquid velvet, “because I don’t have sleep in mind.”
He turned, eyes blazing with a feral glow in the dim light. Caging her against the door with his arms, he lowered his face to hers. She met him halfway.
Chapter 11
Next morning they rose too late for breakfast in the refectory. Luckily, the apartment had its own kitchens which Kaid had ordered stocked. Knowing Carrie’s preference for fruit rather than meat for first meal, he’d made sure several varieties were available for her. After a leisurely meal, Carrie stowed a spare pair of trousers and shoes into a bag and grabbed her cloak in preparation to go out.
“You won’t need a cloak, Liegena,” said Kaid, glancing up from clearing the table. “It’s late spring now and the temperature is warmer than on the Khalossa. You’ll probably be too warm dressed as you are.”
You look fine, Kusac sent, eyeing her sweater and trousers critically. You’ll be noticed more in a cloak If you aren’t ready to face Shola as a Terran, then we’ll have to try an illusion, but it will seriously drain our energy.
She sighed, undecided.
Come as you are, he urged. One day you’ll have to. Besides, more than I find you attractive. His tone was teasing.
What do you mean? she demanded.
Just that if you hadn’t been known to be newly Leska-bonded to me, there were many on board the Khalossa who’d have approached you.
Carrie refused the bait this time.
I don’t say you won’t face curiosity, but you’ll probably see a few Chemer and Sumaan in the town, maybe even a group of Touibans. Shola is used to aliens, and you’re much prettier than the other three species!
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