"But for how much longer? I know I shouldn't have, but I reached mentally for him, and I sensed nothing. Not a trace."
"He might have been asleep, especially if he'd just teleported here."
She made a derisory noise. "You don't believe that any more than I do! Now we know he's at Stronghold, not Chezy, what are we going to do about it?"
He said nothing at first, and Carrie watched as his ears began to flick with worry. Where his tail lay on the settee beside her, the tip was doing the same.
"We can't go running all over Stronghold looking for Kaid," he said at length. "Nor can we demand that Ghezu returns him to us. The fact that we know he's there could be enough in itself for him to kill Kaid."
"So what do we do? I'm sick of sitting here doing nothing!"
"No more than me. First we need proof that he's there, then we can look at our options."
"Our options will still be the same," she said. "Either we do nothing for fear Kaid gets killed, or we leave him where he is and he gets killed anyway! I know what he'd want us to do."
Kusac took her hand in his. "So do I, but he'd wait for the best time to be sure of succeeding. At least with him at Stronghold, we aren't risking a civil war."
There was a knock at the door and an attendant came in. "Third meal's ready, Liege, Liegena."
* * *
Kaid was still crying out as Carrie faded from his sight. His world had shattered only to resolve itself into an unfamiliar room. Hands grabbed him by the shoulders, slamming him painfully against the back of the hard chair in which he sat.
"So," said Ghezu, from his perch on the edge of the table. "How are you enjoying your visions? They seem to be displeasing. That's unfortunate."
Kaid struggled against the grip, trying to lift his hands only to find they were bound in front of him.
"You're not real," he said, relaxing back into the seat. "None of this is."
"Oh, I'm real, believe me," said Ghezu. "And I want some information from you."
Kaid raised an eye ridge. "I don't think so."
He watched Ghezu spin a small knife between his fingers. The overhead light flickered off the blade and the silver bracelet that he wore.
"What was it you saw, Kaid? I hear you were to be the third for the Aldatan brat and his alien female. Am I right?" He stopped, cocking his head to one side, watching him.
Involuntarily, Kaid's ears flicked back. Ghezu was touching him on a nerve that was very raw. It had seemed so real that he could still smell her scent.
"Yes." The word was drawn out, like a hiss. "Was it her you saw? Did she turn you down? Or perhaps she didn't. Maybe the dream was cut short, was that it, Kaid? Were you torn from her arms? Or perhaps her bed?" He stood, looking Kaid up and down. "No, not from her bed."
"It has nothing to do with you," Kaid snapped angrily, pulling away from the restraining hands. He didn't like being touched at the best of times. It was an intimacy he seldom invited and Zhaya's hands on his shoulders were becoming more than an irritant, it had become a physical problem.
"Hasn't it? I think you're forgetting the fact that you're my guest, Kaid. With you here, they can't have their Triad, and without you, they can't reach the Fire Margins and survive. Had you thought of that? Hmm? Then they'll remain members of the Brotherhood, and under my control." He walked round to the side of his desk, flicking the knife into the palm of his hand.
"Bring him here," he ordered Zhaya. "Yes, I can confidently say you'll never bed that particular female, Kaid, unlike that qwene, Khemu." He said her name as if he were swearing.
Zhaya grasped Kaid by one arm and pulled him over to the desk.
Reaching down, Ghezu pulled Kaid's bound wrists onto the surface. "Hold them there," he said.
Zhaya leaned against Kaid, pushing him forward against the desk, making him spread his hands out for support.
"I told you I want some answers, Kaid. I want to know the security codes for the Aldatan estate. I've got some unfinished business I need to attend to. You know Dzaka's there, don't you?" he said conversationally as Kaid glared up at him. "He's a renegade too. Like father, like son, eh? There's a contract on him and I want to see it's fulfilled."
"Go to hell," Kaid snarled, his lips curling back from his teeth in anger.
The knife thudded into the desk between the forefinger and thumb of his right hand.
"I said I want those codes!"
Kaid continued to stare at Ghezu as the Guild Master reached out and pulled his knife free of the wood.
"What kind of fool do you take me for, Ghezu? You're not just after Dzaka— you want Kusac and Carrie as well. With them gone, you think you can control the others. You'll get no codes from me. I'm no oath-breaker, unlike you."
Ghezu's hand lashed out, catching Kaid across the side of his face, making him reel.
Lifting his head, Kaid stared at Ghezu, ignoring the blood trickling from the claw marks across his cheek. "What does that prove?" he asked quietly.
The knife point touched the underside of his jaw and as Ghezu lifted his blade, Kaid was forced to tilt his head up, exposing his neck.
"I want those codes, Kaid, and I want them now," snarled Ghezu, pressing the point harder against his throat till it just pricked the skin.
"You've had my answer. Go rot in hell, Ghezu."
The pressure under his jaw disappeared and as his head dropped down, he caught the flash of silver before agonizing pain from his hand exploded through him. The unexpectedness of it made him yowl in agony.
His knees buckled under him, but his fall was brought up short when Ghezu grasped a handful of his hair. As he struggled to stand, through the red mist of pain he heard Ghezu's voice.
"I told you it was real this time, Kaid. I will have those codes from you if I have to destroy you an inch at a time," he said conversationally. "Now, are you ready to talk yet, or shall I start on the next finger?"
* * *
Dzaka had no sooner entered the villa's grounds than he saw Kitra standing by the doorway, obviously waiting for him. He stopped dead and began backing away.
"Dzaka," she said, "don't go. I want to speak to you."
"I'm busy, Kitra," he said, still moving backward. "I'm going to the Shrine."
"I'll come with you," she said.
"Kitra ..."
"I want to talk to you, Dzaka," she said.
"Oh, leave him alone, Kitra," came Mara's drawling voice from behind him. "You shouldn't be out at this time of night anyway."
Dzaka spun round and without a glance in her direction, headed toward the Shrine.
Kitra continued walking toward the archway, ignoring Mara.
"Goodnight, Kitra!" said the Human from her perch on the small ornamental wall outside the villa.
Kitra stopped and turned to look at the girl. "Why do you want Dzaka to stay away from me?" she asked. "Why should it matter to you?"
Mara laughed. "Go home, Kitra. You're too young to understand grown-up matters."
"What's grown-up about this?" she asked, ears flicking and betraying her confusion. "What has it to do with age? You're a youngling, too."
With an exasperated noise, Mara jumped down from the wall, landing in front of Kitra. "You don't know anything about us, do you?" she said. "You should, especially with a bond-sister who's Human! We mature far earlier than you do."
"So?" Kitra frowned, no wiser.
"Dzaka wouldn't be interested in you, Kitra. You're too young for him. He's more likely to be interested in someone older, who's been with other males, not some kitling who's still wet behind the ears!"
"What has being wet behind the ears got to do with who Dzaka likes?"
"You really don't understand, do you?" Mara shook her head. "Forget it, Kitra. Just take my advice and go home. You're not in the running at all when it comes to Dzaka. If he wants a female, he isn't going to look to a cub like you!" She pushed Kitra aside and was about to head after Dzaka when she stopped, a frown appearing on her face. With an angry e
xclamation, she stormed off in the opposite direction.
Kitra had sensed Mara's Leska, Zhyaf, contacting her, telling her to return to the house they shared on the edge of the village. She sighed, glad that Carrie was so different from Mara. She didn't call her a child and exclude her from parts of her life any more than her brother, Kusac did. He was always pleased to see her. Maybe it was because Mara wasn't happy with Zhyaf, but Physician Vanna wasn't happy with her Leska at times and it didn't make her behave unpleasantly.
She realized with a start that she'd been walking, her feet carrying her of their own volition toward the Shrine, and Dzaka.
* * *
The den door opened and Dzaka stood there with a haunted look on his face.
Carrie put her comp book aside. "Come in, Dzaka. What's the problem? It isn't about Kitra, is it?"
The door slid shut behind him and he came over to her, ears back and tail swaying in apprehension.
"You know?" he asked as Carrie used her wrist comm to trigger the privacy lock on the door.
She nodded. "Sit down, Dzaka. There's no need to stand on ceremony with me."
Dzaka perched unhappily on the edge of the chair opposite her, noticeably trying to keep his face out of the light.
"What's happened?"
"Kitra!" The one word said it all.
Carrie tried hard to suppress a grin and failed.
"It isn't funny, Liegena," he said. "What do I do?"
"What do you want to do?"
He looked at her. "No offense, Liegena, but I want her to leave me alone! What else should I want?"
"What happened to your face?" she asked.
"Nothing, Liegena."
"I know when I'm not being told the truth," she said quietly. "Who did it? Was it Rulla? I heard about the last bit of bother you had with him."
"Not Rulla," said Dzaka. "I don't know for sure, but I think it was some of the estate workers— from the main estate, not here."
Carrie was furious. "They ambushed you? I'll see they don't get away with it, Dzaka," she said. "Where is Kitra at the moment?"
"At the Shrine. I spoke to Ghyan before she arrived and he delayed her so I could leave."
"What did you tell Ghyan?"
"Just asked him to keep Kitra busy for a short while so I could leave without her following me," he said, looking at the floor.
Using her wrist comm, Carrie called Ghyan. "Is Kitra still with you?" she asked.
"Yes, Carrie. She's in the Shrine room filling the incense holders for me."
"Find another reason to keep her there for at least an hour, Ghyan. Dzaka's sought sanctuary with me and we need to talk this over with Rhyasha."
"Will do. I'll offer her third meal," he said, his expression and the set of his ears showing his complete understanding of the situation.
"Thank you, Ghyan," she said, then cut the connection. "You heard what's happening, Dzaka. I'm going to call Rhyasha; she'll want to talk to you."
She saw the look of utter panic that crossed his face and leaned forward to touch his hand reassuringly. "No, she isn't going to be angry with you, nor is anyone else in the family, Dzaka. Trust me on this. She needs to speak to you before she speaks to Kitra, no matter what you decide. Actually, she and I have been waiting for this to happen, so it's no surprise. You haven't said anything to Kitra yet, have you?"
He shook his head. "She's a child, Liegena. She can't know what she's doing. How could I say anything to her?"
"Has she said anything to you?"
Again the negative head shake. "She tried, that's why I went to the Shrine. It's how she's behaving— following me around, anxious to touch me— you know what I mean. She's just so open about it!"
"So that's why the other males were warning you away from her," said Carrie. "You go to the kitchen and make a pot of c'shar for the three of us while I speak to Rhyasha."
He got to his feet. "Liegena," he said, "where's the Liege?"
"With his father up at the main house," said Carrie. "I told you, there's no need to worry."
When he'd gone, she went over to the desk comm and called Rhyasha.
"Would this have anything to do with the fact that Kitra's staying for third meal with the priest?" she asked.
"Partly. Kitra's definitely chosen Dzaka," Carrie said, "And he's feeling positively hounded by her. There's something else. Dzaka's been warned away from her by several people. The other night four estate workers ambushed him."
"What! Was he hurt?"
"Some. A cut face, and judging by the way he's moving, bruised ribs."
"That will be dealt with," said Rhyasha angrily, "I'll be over shortly."
* * *
Settled with a mug of c'shar, Dzaka waited for Rhyasha to arrive. Despite what Carrie said, he was worried. A lot of people were waiting for the opportunity to find fault with him and this could well give them their excuse.
Rhyasha arrived minutes later, her long woolen robe swirling round her ankles as she swept into the den.
"It really feels like winter's here, doesn't it?" she said. "Let me see your face, Dzaka." She beckoned him over. "I won't stand for this kind of lawless behavior. I'll catch the culprits, never fear."
While Carrie poured Rhyasha a drink, Dzaka reluctantly went over to her. Taking hold of his chin, she examined his cut cheek. "Nasty," she said. "And your ribs?"
"Just bruised," he said, wincing as she ran her hand across his side.
"More than that, I think," she said, waving him back to his seat as she settled herself on the settee. "Do you know who they were?"
"No, Clan Leader. Clan Leader, I haven't done anything to Kitra," he said anxiously, still hovering in front of her.
"I know you haven't, Dzaka," Rhyasha said, taking her mug from Carrie. "Sit down so I can talk to you."
"I think I should leave this to the two of you," Carrie murmured, beginning to rise.
"No, stay, Carrie," said Rhyasha. "One day you'll have to do this for your daughter. You might as well learn about it now." She waited until Dzaka was once more perched on the edge of his seat.
"You're probably as confused as Kitra is right now, aren't you?" She saw his affirmative gesture. "It's quite simple, really. Females mature earlier, Dzaka, and that's what's happening right now to Kitra. Parents notice this, and start watching their daughters, as we did, to see which male she's drawn to. You, in Kitra's case."
"She's only a child, Clan Leader! I want nothing to do with her, she's far too young!" he exclaimed. The whole situation was ridiculous, couldn't they see that?
"She's old enough, believe me, Dzaka, or she wouldn't be coming into her first season," said Rhyasha drily. "She's going to chase the male of her choice, and she's going to pair with him, and nothing we can do will stop her, even if we wanted to! It's the way we are, just as you young males are driven with a need to father cubs. I take it you've never paired with a virgin before?"
Dzaka shut his eyes briefly. This couldn't be happening to him! "No, I haven't. My lovers were all older than Kitra by several years. I lost my mate and cub on Szurtha, Clan Leader, and there's been no one since then." As he spoke, he felt their loss afresh.
"I'm truly sorry to hear that, Dzaka," said Rhyasha sympathetically, "but that doesn't deal with this problem. Kitra seems like a child to you now, but believe me, she'll change almost in front of your eyes when you're alone with her. My responsibility now is to see that the male she chooses will be sensitive to her needs and her age. As I'm sure you'll appreciate, the wrong lover at this stage in her life could do untold damage. So, now that you know my daughter's chosen you, and that I approve of her choice, what do you want to do about it?"
"Nothing! I want nothing to do with her, Clan Leader!" he said.
"Do you dislike her? Find her unattractive?"
Dzaka floundered, trying to find the right words. "I've never thought of her like that." He was beginning to feel as if he was trapped in quicksand. The more he refused, the more the Clan Leader was ignoring
what he said.
"That's good. For a moment, Dzaka, imagine you have a daughter like Kitra. What sort of person would you like to be her first lover?"
"Someone who'll put her needs first, of course. Someone who isn't interested in only pleasing himself— but she isn't my daughter!"
"No, she isn't, but listen to what you've just said. You've just described yourself, Dzaka. An older male who has enough experience to please her, not himself. So wouldn't you agree that you'd make an ideal first lover for her?"
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