“You’re all mad,” Brynne said, but his voice lacked conviction. “There’s no such thing as this Link you’re talking about.”
“We lost Raill and Lynn because her mother refused to believe in the Link,” said Vanna, addressing him for the first time.
“I don’t know that,” he said, turning an angry face to her. “I’m sorry, but I have no intention of starting up a relationship of any kind with you. I’d like to think that you’re as innocently involved as I am, but after last night, I can’t afford to trust any of you.”
“I’m not exactly overjoyed about our Link either, but I’m adult enough to realize that we have to deal with it, not refuse to acknowledge that it exists. Are you?”
He glowered at her, his eyebrows almost meeting. “What the hell do you mean by that?” he demanded.
“She means that every five days you’ll find you need to get together,” Esken interrupted smoothly. “By that time, if you try to ignore the mental call of the Link, you’ll find that the memories you’ve acquired from each other start to replay themselves in your mind. If you keep ignoring it, you’ll start to experience stomach cramps, nausea, and headaches as your mind begins to go into overload. If you continue to refuse the Link, you’ll become weaker, then go into a coma and die. Vanna knows the pattern because it was only due to her intervention that Carrie and Kusac are still alive.”
Brynne looked from one to the other of them but said nothing.
“Leskas needn’t be more than working partners,” said Esken. “There’s no necessity for you to live with each other so long as you spend every fifth day together. Once you’re both fully trained, then we can see what kind of work your Talents are suited to. I’d like you to report to Tutor Sorli every afternoon at the eighth hour for tuition. The rest of the time is yours. Vanna,” he said, turning toward her, “You’ve been acquiring data from Dr. Reynolds on Keiss.”
She nodded.
“Have you done any tests on Carrie yet?”
“Not yet. Did you know they were lifebonded two nights ago?”
Esken raised an eye ridge in surprise. “No. The Clan Lord didn’t tell me that when we spoke last night. I suppose it’s only right when you consider their genetic compatibility with each other.”
“Wait a minute,” said Brynne. “Are you telling me that this Link screws up our genes, too?”
“That is what happened with Carrie and Kusac,” agreed Esken. “We have no reason to believe it will happen to any of the other mixed Leska pairs though. Time will tell.”
“That’s just great,” said Brynne, turning angrily to Vanna. “Thanks a bunch, honey. You’re the most expensive lay I’ll ever have! You probably just cost me everything!”
Vanna felt his anger like a physical blow. She shut her eyes, willing him to leave.
“Don’t worry, I’m going!” he said, getting to his feet and striding out, slamming the door behind him.
“Being a telepath means that not only can you hear people’s thoughts but other telepaths can hear yours,” said Esken. “I fear you’re going to have trouble with that young male.”
Vanna opened her eyes and got to her feet. “I’m sure I am, Master Esken. I’d be surprised if I didn’t the way things are going at the moment. Now, if you’ll excuse me. I need to see to some of that work you mentioned.”
*
As he signed in at the Warriors’ Accommodation Guild House in Valsgarth, Dzaka couldn’t help the slight grin of amusement at the reaction to his uniform. No longer a lay priest but back on active duty, he wore the gray of the Brotherhood with its red and black flash over the shoulders. Their response was compounded half of fear, half of awe.
“You’re on the second floor, corridor seven, room forty-nine,” said the clerk on duty. “Do you need someone to show you the way?”
“No, thank you. I know my way around.” He picked up his kit bag and strolled off toward the stairs.
He was far from pleased to be back on Shola, because Ghezu, once again, had him following Kaid’s tail. He was beginning to wonder why. In two minds whether or not to contact Kaid, he’d decided to wait and see what Kaid did once he knew he was back.
*
“Dzaka’s here,” said Rulla.
“I know. You and I need to talk. Meet me tomorrow at the Limping Jegget, ninth hour. Ask Garras to join us.”
Kaid broke the connection and sat back thoughtfully in his chair. His mind had cleared over the last few days. Vartra had been right. He had needed to look inside himself for the answers. The mixed Leska Links were here to stay. There would be more of them, and there would be children. Not all would survive, but enough would to ensure a future generation of these new people.
Absentmindedly, he took the well-chewed twig out of his pocket and began to nibble at it. If this new species was to be given a fair chance, it couldn’t be at Stronghold. It had been bad enough trying to bring up Dzaka and he’d been around five years old when he’d been found.
The cubs had to be free to grow and develop naturally, which meant the Telepath Guild was also out. They’d do nothing but run interminable tests on them and get their “experts” to raise them instead of their parents. That left only one feasible solution. They had to break away from the guild system and go it alone. This was what he was going to propose to Garras and Rulla. Once they’d talked it through, then they’d approach Carrie, Kusac, Vanna, and Brynne, and pray that they agreed.
That left Dzaka. The chasm between them had to be healed— one way or another. He’d talk to him after he met with the others.
*
Carrie’s training was scheduled for a couple of hours each morning and afternoon. Meral and T’Chebbi worked with her while Kaid supervised. Kusac watched anxiously, joining in when asked.
Kaid had been carefully analyzing their techniques and by the end of the first hour had seen a basic flaw in their methods. He called a halt to the practice, taking Meral’s weapons from him. Sword in one hand, he slipped his arm into the buckler straps.
Dropping into a low crouch, he slowly began to circle her. He maintained eye contact, the shield held close to his body, sword tip projecting just above it in direct line with her eyes.
Her body tensed as she turned on the same spot, following his every move, waiting for his attack.
With a sudden loud yowl, he leaped forward, sword coming down in a deadly arc toward her head.
She blocked it— just— staggering back under the force of his attack. He followed up his advantage, raining down a fusillade of blows on her from every direction until he broke through her guard. Stopping immediately, he pulled back several meters and waited in the guard position, keeping both her and Kusac in sight.
Kusac’s low growl had built in volume until now it was clearly audible. Meral held him by the arm, and it was clear he’d had to prevent him from intervening.
Panting, Carrie looked at the thin line of blood beginning to well over the edges of the cut on her sword arm. “What the hell was that about?” she asked angrily, looking across at him. “Why come at me like that?” Sweat was running into her eyes and making them sting. She wiped the back of her hand across her forehead, annoyed that Kaid wasn’t even out of breath.
“I wanted to see if you could fight for your life,” he said, standing up and beckoning Meral over. He handed the weapons back to him. “My cut was in line with your heart: I could have killed you had I wished. These two have been training you to fight one Challenge to the first blood. Once you’re out there in the circle, no one can help you. What happens if Rala decides not to fight by the rules? You need to be able to cope with the unexpected, to fight to stay alive if need be.”
He stepped back out of the sanded arena. “Teach her how to kill,” he ordered Meral and T’Chebbi. “This isn’t a match combat, it’s for real. If only one of them walks out of the circle, I intend it to be you, Carrie.”
Meral glanced apologetically at Kaid as he took his place opposite her again. “We’ve been doi
ng what we thought best, given her condition,” he said.
“Rala won’t be so thoughtful,” Kaid replied shortly. “We’ve just over a week to turn her into a Warrior. A few minor cuts in practice will make her keep her guard up all the more.”
“Thanks a lot, Kaid,” Carrie muttered, readjusting her grip on the buckler.
“Would you rather die?” he countered, moving round to stand beside Kusac.
With a noise akin to a Sholan growl, she launched herself at Meral.
*
Garras was the last to arrive, threading his way through the last of the lunchtime students to the tiny side room.
“We’ve none of us got long,” said Kaid, indicating the glass of ale they’d gotten for Garras. “I’ll be brief. My contract with the Brotherhood was over when I landed on Shola. Garras, I reactivated your status myself, it hasn’t been done through Stronghold. You’re still a free agent. Rulla, you’re not. I know this, and before I begin, if you choose not to get involved, I understand.”
Rulla shot him a look from under lowered brows. “Cut the crap, Kaid. You know I’m in, whatever the cost.”
Kaid sighed. “Kusac intends to leave the Telepath Guild after the Challenge.”
There was silence for a moment or two. To be guildless was to be isolated from one’s peers, and for the Sholans it was tantamount to being exiled.
Garras nodded slowly. “It’s no less than I expected. Vanna would prefer not to belong either, after what Esken had done to her.”
Rulla took a swig of his ale. “We’re going it alone,” he stated. “It’s no less than I expected, Kaid. What took you so long to come to the same decision as us?”
Kaid looked sharply at the other two males, catching the faint glint of amusement in their eyes. “The responsibility of making the decision,” he said. “It can’t be made lightly. I know, I’ve been guildless for ten years.”
“I passed over my merchant responsibilities to my nephew several weeks ago,” said Garras. “He’s old enough now, and he’s been doing it since I was called up by the Forces for active service.”
“We’ve already had this conversation, Kaid,” said Rulla. “More important now is when we’ll make the break, and what role you see for us in the future.”
“We keep things as they are for the moment. None of the guilds must know what we plan. I’ll tell you when we’re ready to move. You’re covered by your leave for a good few months yet, aren’t you, Rulla?”
He flicked his ears in assent.
Kaid moved restlessly, the brief motion of his ears showing his uncertainty. “As for our role in the future, we must continue to protect them. There are only two mixed pairs on Shola as yet. Garras, you’re involved with one of them. I’m working with the other pair. When the interpreter from Earth and his Leska arrive, we’ll need to place one of our people at their side.”
“That’s easy, I’ll do it,” said Rulla.
Kaid’s ears flicked again.
Garras reached out and touched his hand. “Let me, Kaid. It’s not that easy, Rulla. We,” he looked at Kaid then back at Rulla, “think that we’re being… called… to protect certain people. We can’t tell yet, we’ll have to wait and see. Until then, yes, you’ll protect the new pair.”
Rulla raised his eye ridges. “Called?”
Garras nodded. “If we’re right, you’ll find out. We can’t tell you any more since it’s speculation at the moment.”
Rulla looked from one to the other, noticing Kaid’s ears. “You’re working as one,” he said abruptly. “What’s happened to you?”
“Speculation,” said Kaid. “We need a control to test the theory. You’re it, Rulla, I’m afraid.”
Rulla shrugged and took another mouthful of the ale. “So be it.”
“The Brotherhood want the Challenge to go ahead,” said Kaid, taking up his glass again. “They want it proved they can fight. We can’t move yet. I’m training her and if all proceeds normally, she’ll win.”
“Any element of risk is too much,” said Rulla.
“I know! Don’t tell me!”
“We have no option but to play this hand out,” said Garras. “No one likes it.”
“I’ll be calling you in to help guard the grounds,” said Kaid, his voice quieter now. “That trooper is still on the loose. The Challenge is an ideal opportunity for him to make his hit.”
“You know where to find me,” said Rulla.
*
From the Inn, Kaid went to the Warrior’s Accommodation Guild House on the outskirts of Valsgarth. Dzaka was waiting in the common room for him.
“You’re no longer attached to Lijou, I see,” said Kaid, taking the chair beside him.
“No. I’m back on active.”
Kaid nodded. “Do you know about the Challenge Liegena Carrie Aldatan is to fight?”
“I’ve been briefed. They’re bonded, then?”
“Yes. I was the witness. Ghezu said I could call on the people I needed. I want you with us on security at the estate in the days leading up to the Challenge.”
“The missing trooper?”
“Yes. I’m not convinced Chyad died on Keiss. He’ll make his move during the Challenge.”
“You can reach me here. Let me know when you want me over at the Aldatan estate.”
Kaid nodded. The silence lengthened between them.
“Was there anything else you wanted?” Dzaka asked.
“You asked me before, on the Khalossa, why I had to leave the Brotherhood,” said Kaid.
“It’s none of my business, Kaid. You don’t owe me an explanation,” said Dzaka.
“Perhaps not, but it still lies between us. I can’t tell you the details, Dzaka, much as I want to, because I gave my word. In return Ghezu promised to treat you fairly. I may have had to leave you behind, but I did keep an eye open to ensure you were safe.”
“How would you have helped me if I hadn’t been?”
“I’d have been there.”
Dzaka gave a snort of disbelief. “Easy to say when you didn’t have to do it!” He leaned forward, crowding Kaid. “Why didn’t you let me leave, too? Why didn’t you give me the right to choose?”
“You had your life ahead of you!” he hissed, pushing him back. “Mine in the Brotherhood was through, finished! What do you think these last ten years have been like for me, Dzaka? Guildless, not able to speak to those I’d lived and trained with? Have you any idea? I doubt it!”
He could read the thoughts flitting across Dzaka’s face.
“I never thought…”
“I know you didn’t. Trust, that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it, Dzaka? That’s why Ghezu has you back on my tail again. What is it this time? To kill them if she survives the Challenge, because they’ve too high a profile? Because Vanna and Brynne, complete novices, will be easier for both sides to control?” He watched Dzaka’s ears start to move backward then stop.
“You’ll be at the Challenge, Dzaka. A front seat,” he said, his voice becoming cold and impersonal. “All you need to do is let the trooper make his shot. I needn’t know, need I?” He got to his feet and leaned forward, putting his hand over Dzaka’s arm where it lay on the side of the chair.
“Trust, Dzaka.” His claws extended, digging into Dzaka’s flesh, stopping just short of puncturing the skin. “Show me some, and next time I leave, I swear you’ll come, too, if that’s what you choose.” With that, he turned and left.
*
Brynne hadn’t shown up at Sorli’s classes for the last few days. Vanna didn’t expect to see him today either. When she arrived, she collected a mug of c’shar first before settling herself at the table. The classes were small and informal, the only other students being a young Sholan couple.
The door opened and Brynne sauntered in, his exterior attitude at odds with the pounding headache and thoroughly disgruntled mood she knew he was hiding. He took a chair at the far end of the room and slouched there, lighting one of his cigarettes. Sorli glanced at Vanna
, raising his eye ridges at her but saying nothing.
Vanna glowered back at Sorli, her ears flicking in annoyance. She wasn’t responsible for Brynne’s behavior.
The lesson progressed until early evening when they dispersed to the refectory for third meal. Brynne was the first to leave. Sorli, however, held Vanna back.
“I assume you haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet.”
Vanna shook her head. “This is the first time I’ve seen him since we met at Master Esken’s.”
“Your first Link day starts tomorrow. How are you managing?”
She flicked her ear in feigned surprise. “And I thought you were getting reports from Physician Khafsa!” she said. “I’m restless and edgy, but there are good medical reasons for that.”
“Don’t let the medic overrule the telepath,” warned Sorli. “Some of the effects of a Link can’t be rationalized away and you must be able to recognize them. You haven’t had any memory flashes yet, have you?”
“Nothing like that,” she said, following him out.
“If he doesn’t come to you before you start to experience them, let me know and I’ll do something about it,” said Sorli as they walked down the corridor to the refectory. He glanced toward her. “I give my word we won’t use drugs again.”
“I wish I could believe you,” she said. “I’ll handle things myself. I don’t think it would endear me to him in the long run.”
“You’re probably right,” he said, stopping by the mess doorway. “Are you eating here?”
“No. I think I’d prefer to eat in my room.”
Sorli nodded. “Remember, even if Brynne doesn’t come to you, stay in your quarters tomorrow. Our students don’t need any extra encouragement to form pairs!”
“Don’t worry, I will,” she said, turning toward the stairs.
*
She prowled round the apartment, feeling tense and unsettled. It was partly due to the endocrine changes, but there was also Garras. Over the last four days, he’d always been there, asking nothing of her, patient, protective. She knew where she was with him, unlike this Terran male. Thank the Gods, she’d persuaded him to take today and the next day off!
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