The floor length curtain behind Bradogan parted and Tallis stepped into the room. Walking round behind his Lord, he stopped at his left hand, looking over at Carrie and Kusac before examining the contents of the chest.
Carrie almost forgot to breathe as she watched the Sholan telepath. She didn’t dare send to Kusac in case Tallis picked it up. Their constant Leska Link they could do little about, but Tallis seemed totally unaware of it. In fact, if he was using his Talent, she couldn’t sense it at all.
La’quo, sent Kusac. He’ll be wearing a talisman. Try him, carefully. Reading aliens is your gift. The drug is affecting his Talent.
Tallis took a sample of silk from the chest, running it through his hands before passing it to Bradogan. “Our jotha is superior,” he murmured. Next he took out a small case containing a necklace of amber beads. As he held it up toward one of the lights, Bradogan reached out and took it from him, examining each bead closely.
Carrie took advantage of the moment to reach for Tallis’ mind. She could sense nothing, no activity where there should have been. Puzzled, she widened her search, looking on mental wavelengths that belonged in the personal ranges they used. Nothing from him, but Kaid was there.
Touch him. The talisman blocks it. It worked with Jeran who isn’t even a telepath, sent Kaid.
Moving closer, Carrie reached into the chest, her hand going straight for the box containing the pearls. “Let me show you these,” she said, lifting the lid and picking up one of the larger ones. Holding it between forefinger and thumb, she let him look before putting it into his waiting palm. Continuing to hold his hand, she pushed the pearl around, letting him see the faint iridescent colors.
“A freshwater pearl,” she said. “From one of our river-dwelling mollusks.”
The contact was enough. She tightened her hold, taking control of his mind.
Tallis. Stay calm or we’re all lost. Help is here. Tonight, when you retire, take off the talisman. It prevents us from contacting you. We’ll speak then. Do you understand?
Yes. The thought was faint but unmistakable.
Gradually Carrie released her hold till Tallis was once more in control of himself. The pearl in his palm wobbled toward the edge of his hand and would have fallen off had she not caught it. Returning it to the box, she set it down on the table and stepped back beside Kusac.
“We have nothing like that on Jalna,” said Tallis, his voice a trifle shaky. He turned to his Lord. “These are handsome gifts, Lord Bradogan. Lord Tarolyn will certainly be interested in them. I would grant them the permits.”
Bradogan nodded and signaled to the scribe. “Write them a permit.”
“I thank you, Lord Bradogan. I’m glad our gifts are pleasing,” said Assadou, bowing in thanks.
“Next time, bring Representative Aldatan to me sooner, Assadou,” he said. “I trust your trip to Galrayin will be uneventful, Representative. Despite Assadou’s fears, most of them are,” he said, smiling at Carrie.
She watched while Assadou bowed low again, a gesture that was beyond the capability of his fragile body. Anger rose in her, hers and Kusac’s.
The scribe passed the document to Bradogan for him to sign and seal. That done, Bradogan held it out to Carrie. As she reached for it, he withdrew it, making her step closer to take it from him.
“Till we next meet,” he said, this time holding her gaze and smiling.
Carrie inclined her head, making no effort to tug the permit from him until he released it. “My thanks, Lord Bradogan,” she said, turning and walking swiftly to the door at the far end of the chamber. She had to force herself not to wrench the knob off in her hurry to leave. In the anteroom, she paced back and forth impatiently till Kusac and Assadou joined her. Like a silent shadow, the Sumaan shut the door behind them and waited.
“You endanger all by your hasty exit!” hissed the angry Chemerian. “Why you not wait, show proper respect for Lord? He give you what you want! Is fine way to show thanks!”
Carrie rounded angrily on him, just managing to keep her voice low. “Don’t make me start, Assadou! You may be able to abase yourself before someone like that, but I will not! I’ve had enough of your smarmy attitude to him and your arrogance to us! You’d do well to remember a few realities of life! Now leave me alone, or by Vartra, I’ll snap that scrawny little neck of yours! I’ve been looking for an excuse to do it for weeks!” She turned on her heel and stalked down the stairs to the hall below.
Assadou looked nervously at Kusac. “Is volatile,” he ventured. “Had not thought her capable of this.”
“Be thankful you are a Chemerian,” said Kusac, his voice a low rumble of annoyance as he moved toward the stairs. “She would never attack one smaller than herself.”
The sound of raised voices drifted up from below.
“Go after her,” begged Assadou. “She get herself and us into trouble with that temper!”
“No. Those who cross her get into trouble, Assadou,” he growled, starting downstairs.
By the time he reached the entrance, a small crowd of soldiers from the guardroom had gathered. Carrie stood to one side, massaging her knuckles. Ignoring them, he joined her and together they left the Keep.
“What happened?” he asked as they passed through the gates into the spacers town.
“One of them propositioned me, much the same way Bradogan did,” she said shortly. “Was stupid enough to try and take hold of me.”
“Uh huh.” He walked beside her as she pushed her way through the throng toward the Travelers Inn. “He’s dead, then.”
Startled, she glanced at him. “No,” she grinned, her anger dissipating. “Broken wrist only.”
“We’ll stay clear of Bradogan,” he said.
“I want something strong to wash the taste of that place out of my mouth,” she muttered. “That male is just so… disgusting! I have no love for our tree-climbing Trader, but to treat him like that was calculated cruelty!”
“They’re bound to have spirits for sale,” said Kusac, pushing a Jalnian out of his way as the man stumbled against him. His torrent of abuse followed them, getting fainter as they approached the inn.
Carrie pushed the door open and headed for the bar. They’d just gotten there when a fight broke out in the center of the Jalnian area. Instantly, Kusac pushed her to one side, making sure he was between her and the trouble.
Sensing someone standing beside her, she looked round to find Tirak by her elbow.
“It’s always bad at this time of year,” he said. “The heat only makes it worse. Best to let them get on with it. Bradogan’s men will be along any time. They’re used to it.”
“I thought the talismans were supposed to prevent it, or is this just an ordinary brawl?”
“From the looks of it, no. The Jalnians have only just started preventing anyone without a talisman from entering the town.”
The brawl, which had originally involved three people, had spread and was boiling toward them.
Tirak took hold of her arm. “I think we move to our own area,” he said, nodding toward the direction from which he’d come.
Carrie pulled free and opened her mouth as Kusac’s hand clamped down on her shoulder, tightening warningly.
“Good idea,” he said, pushing her in front of himself as they accompanied Tirak. “Thank you for coming over.” You’re picking up their anger, cub. Tirak’s looking out for you, that’s all.
With ulterior motives!
No matter. He’d do nothing to hurt you. Increase your shielding, you’re too sensitive to these Jalnians.
The hand on her shoulder moved slightly till it was hidden beneath her hair, then she felt his touch become gentler as his fingers caressed her throat, sending the magic of the Link flowing through them both. She groaned as their minds began to become one, causing Tirak to turn round in concern.
“What happened?” he asked, looking from one to the other.
“Nothing,” said Carrie hastily.
“We have work
to see to tomorrow that’ll keep us on the ship,” said Kusac. This explains a lot, he sent. No wonder Bradogan and that guard showed an interest in you, to say nothing of Tirak! Turn your damper up to full.
It is! I think we better leave. She looked round, hovering between sitting and standing.
No. It’ll draw attention to us, he sent, pushing her down onto the seat before sitting down himself.
“Ah,” said Tirak, moving round to resume his place at the table. He nodded toward the door. “Bradogan’s men are here. And one of mine,” he added, seeing Sheeowl returning.
Carrie used the excuse of turning round to move closer to Kusac. Though they’d had Link days on the ship, there had at least been privacy. On this alien world, there was none, and they were on a mission. Knowing this didn’t make it easier, she thought, resting her hand on his leg. They were so used to being able to touch each other that trying to remember not to was extremely difficult.
Kusac’s hand covered hers, their fingers interlacing. Out of sight under the table like this, with the distraction of Bradogan’s men breaking up the fight, they weren’t likely to be noticed.
There’s something about you at this time, a glow that makes you even more desirable, he sent. We’ll stay a few minutes, no more, then go upstairs.
Not to the ship?
Not tonight, not with these spates of violence. We’ll leave early and spend the day in our quarters.
As she smiled at him, she realized Tirak was watching her closely. Tirak!
I know. He let her go and turned to glance at the fight. Bradogan’s guards had descended indiscriminately on anyone involved or in the vicinity of the fight and were hauling them out into the street.
Tirak’s mouth split open in a grin. “I think your friend has more on her mind than sitting talking tonight.”
“Just a little nervous,” Kusac said. “Not used to bar brawls.”
“If she intends to become a trader, she’d better get used to them,” Tirak said, beckoning one of the servants over. “Bring three kirris,” he said.
“Kirris? They have kirris here?” asked Kusac, his tone surprised.
“The Chemerians will export their drinks anywhere,” said Tirak. “It’s good for stiffening the spine,” he said to Carrie.
Why did you have to say I was nervous? she asked, her mental tone irritable.
Simplest answer. The fight had me worried.
Sheeowl joined them. “I thought you were going elsewhere, Captain,” she said.
“I did, but the lady was off duty tonight. You should come with me tomorrow,” he said to Kusac. “There are some interesting females at the Spacer’s Haven.”
Kusac snorted, waiting till the returning servant had put down the drinks and been paid before continuing. “I’ve no interest in these Jalnian females.”
“Not Jalnian. You wouldn’t be when you have such a beautiful companion of your own,” said Tirak gallantly, passing a glass to Carrie then one to Kusac. “But one like us, perhaps?”
Kusac froze with the glass halfway to his mouth. “An U’Churian?” he said in disbelief.
“Not U’Churian, but like enough to pass as one of us. That’s her value here, that she seems one of us.”
“She has a name, this female?” he asked, sipping his drink.
“Tesha, if memory serves me. She’s certainly popular.”
In a whorehouse? Gods, we have to get her out as soon as possible, Kusac!
“I’d be pleased to keep Carrie company if you wished to visit her,” Tirak added.
Kusac’s fur had started to rise despite his efforts to control himself. “I think not. This Solnian I prefer to keep to myself,” he said, a low growl underlying his words as his free hand clenched into a fist on the table.
“She would be safe with me,” said Tirak, all trace of his smile gone. “I intended company only, I assure you.”
“Thank you for the offer,” said Carrie, aware one of them had to defuse the situation. “I know I’d be safe in your company, but I can look after myself!” She caught Sheeowl’s eye and grinned at her.
The U’Churian female smiled back. “I think our captain is concerned because of your resemblance to Jalnian females. The Jalnian men here tend to assume that an unaccompanied female is fair game. They wouldn’t stop long enough to realize you’re not of their species.”
Carrie sighed. “I understand, and again, I thank you, Captain Tirak. My safety is Kusac’s responsibility and he takes it very seriously.”
Kusac’s hackles had lowered and he’d forced himself to relax. “If I misunderstood you, Captain, I apologize,” he said stiffly. “Perhaps another night we could go there.”
“Kaid’s back,” said Carrie, glancing over her shoulder as she sensed his presence within her mind strengthening. “If you want to stay and talk for a while, he could see me upstairs,” she said to Kusac. Stay and put his suspicions to rest. I think he may well have guessed we’re of the same species as Tesha.
There’s something about this world I don’t like. This is not like me at all! From now on, we only eat food that comes from the ship, and stick to drinks we know aren’t Jalnian, like this kirris, he sent.
Coming up behind her, Kaid put a hand on her shoulder. “Did you get what you wanted from Assadou?” he asked her as T’Chebbi nodded to the U’Churians.
“No problem,” she replied.
He looked at Kusac. I sensed what happened. Stay down here for perhaps five minutes. T’Chebbi and I’ll take Carrie up now. Unless you want to go to the ship? Would be safe enough with four of us.
Kusac hesitated.
“We’re needed on the ship,” said Kaid. “Sorry to break up the evening, but Kishasayzar was most insistent I fetch you both.”
Relieved, Carrie gulped down her drink and got to her feet. “Thank you for your hospitality,” she said, offering her hand to Tirak. “We’ll catch you later tomorrow.” As Tirak held out his hand, she briefly touched fingertips then turned to leave.
*
“They’re as much a couple as Taynar and Kate,” said Sheeowl, watching them thread their way toward the door. “His reaction proved it.”
“That’s what I was hoping for,” said Tirak, leaning back in his seat. “And it came immediately after I mentioned the Sholan female’s name. I’ll swear he recognized it. And there was the kirris.”
“Kirris?” Sheeowl frowned, wrinkling her nose. “What about it?”
“He was surprised they sell it on Jalna. Those double-dealing Chemerians are definitely involved with the Sholans.”
“What do you plan to do?”
Tirak pushed himself up from his seat and held his hand out to her, pulling her up when she accepted it. “I think we take a stroll over to the Profit.”
Chapter 16
“We’re picking up their violence, Kaid,” said Kusac as they passed through the gateway into the spaceport. “It’s affecting us, making us argumentative. You must have felt it too.”
“A little. Not enough for me to have mentioned it,” he said. “Likely you’re feeling it more acutely because there are two of you, and it’s the beginning of your Link day.”
“There’s three of us,” said Carrie, looking up at him. “If your reasoning is right, you should be feeling it more than you are.”
“La’quo makes him unconscious,” pointed out T’Chebbi. “Not you. Remember when he touched collar, before going to Margins? Was same in warehouse. Not affect either of you that way. Sedates him, not you. That why he not feel the anger.”
“That’s probably it,” agreed Kaid as they made their way past the first landing pad.
Carrie stopped dead, turning back to look. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but aren’t those shuttles there? Short hop cargo shuttles, like the one we have in the Hkariyash?”
“They weren’t there earlier,” frowned Kaid. “They’re only for atmospheric work from the looks of them. Not powerful enough to reach orbit. I’ll look into it tomorrow. If they’ve got shut
tles going in and out of here across Jalna…”
“We can use our own shuttle,” said Carrie in a hushed voice. “This caravan journey isn’t necessary.”
“We can’t go heading out across Jalna in a shuttle, but a short trip might be possible,” said Kusac, catching her by the arm and drawing her on toward the Hkariyash. “I think we should make another attempt to contact Jo’s party now we know a lot more about what’s happening here. Our extra sensitivity at this time may be just what’s needed to tip the balance and make contact possible.”
“I can help if necessary,” said Kaid as they approached the cargo ramp. “It’s about time I began to pull my weight as a telepath.”
“There’ll be opportunities enough, don’t worry. Just as you worked me at Stronghold, I’ll make sure you do a fair share,” Kusac grinned, stopping in front of the hatch.
T’Chebbi thumbed the palm lock and the hatch slid back to admit them. First in, she waited by the control panel till they were all in, then sealed it behind them.
“We found the second and third Sholans,” said Carrie. “Tallis, the telepath, is with Bradogan in the Keep, working as a truthsayer of sorts, and Tesha is in a brothel in the town.”
“A brothel?” murmured Kaid as they made for the elevator up to the crew quarters. “Logical, I suppose, with so many U’Churians here. Do you know which one?”
“Spacer’s Haven,” said Kusac. “Tirak keeps asking me to go there with him. I’m sure he suspects something.”
“He does. Everywhere we go, one of his crew seems to have business in the same vicinity,” said Kaid. “They’re good, but not that good. I need to know if it’s simple curiosity or something more.”
The elevator gave a slight shudder as it ground to a halt. The cool air of the crew quarters was welcome to them all after the heat outside.
Carrie breathed deeply as she stepped out into the corridor. “Recycled air! Never thought I’d be glad to smell it again after so long on this ship.”
T’Chebbi snorted with amusement. “Told you you’d get used to smells of town.”
“It’s the heat more than anything,” Carrie said. “D’you realize we can have showers? And sleep in comfort? Not need to worry about whether or not to leave the window shuttered for fear of thieves? Or whether there are bugs?”
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