Authors: Lisanne Norman
* * *
As Brynne approached Stronghold, the winds caught the small aircar, buffeting it from side to side as he attempted to descend toward the outer walls.
"Control to approaching 'car. Ident codes required for permission to land." The voice filled the tiny vehicle, its highland burr obvious even to him.
"I don't have any," said Brynne. Until this moment, he'd had no doubts about making this journey. "Do I need one? I'm from Valsgarth estate. Do I really need one?" He was having his work cut out to control the vehicle in the strong crosswinds.
"Name?" The voice, relaxed before, was suddenly crisp.
"Brynne Stevens."
"We have no notification from Valsgarth that you're expected."
"I'm not," he said, hauling on the semicircular control bar as the craft suddenly began to drop toward the walls at an alarming rate. "Look, I've never been here before, and I'm having a devil of a job flying this 'car right now...."
A second voice cut him short. "Concentrate on your flying, Mr. Stevens. We're having the central courtyard cleared for you. Land as soon as you can. Remain in your vehicle, you'll be met."
He sounded angry, Brynne thought as he glanced briefly out of the side window. Damn. That's all he needed, to start off on the wrong foot. Below, figures were running out of the gatehouse toward the groups of students in the courtyard.
Embarrassment flooded through him and he was glad the aircar didn't have a vid unit. Maybe arriving unannounced like this was the worst thing he could do, but at least they hadn't refused him permission to land.
* * *
He was met by one of the black-robed Brothers, who, with punctilious formality, escorted him to Father Lijou's office. This was the first time he'd had any real dealings with the Head Priest and, as the older Sholan rose to his feet and came out from behind his desk to greet him, he was subjected to the priest's piercing gaze.
"Mister Stevens," Lijou said, extending his hand toward him, palm uppermost. "An unexpected pleasure, indeed. This is your first visit to Stronghold, I believe."
Brynne touched fingertips in the brief, formal telepath's greeting. "Yes, my first." He should have asked Garras to make an appointment, he just knew he should have. As he followed Father Lijou over to the less formal seats, he prayed that he wouldn't be sent back to the estate because he'd ignored protocol.
"Then we must let you see round Stronghold," said Lijou. "But tell me, what brings you here? And so unexpectedly." The last was said with an under-purr of amusement. "Landing here is a specialized skill. Your arrival caused quite a stir."
Brynne noticed irrelevancies, like the broad gray streaks that framed the Father's dark-pelted face. When Lijou's mouth opened in a slight smile, he looked down at his hands. "I didn't mean to put the wind under everyone's tails," he muttered, part defensively, part embarrassed.
"An interesting way to put it," said Lijou. "It looked rather more like the wind was under your tail. Now, what brings you to our hallowed halls?"
"I don't know." Brynne looked up at him. "I hoped you'd be able to tell me. The need to come here has been growing for weeks now."
"Our Gods indeed have long arms, Brynne Stevens. You're the first of the Humans to be called by Them, but doubtless not the last. As a member of the En'Shalla Clan, you're automatically a member of the Brotherhood. However, I think it's time you swore to our Creed and became a properly initiated member. You need to start your training with us." The Head Priest got to his feet. "I advise you to tell your Leska that you'll be based here for the foreseeable future, Brother Brynne."
* * *
"He's been sworn in?" asked Master Rhyaz.
"I did it immediately. I have twinned him with Jurrel. They're collecting his basic kit from housekeeping at present. And, yes, first thing tomorrow, he'll be taught how to handle that aircar of his properly," Lijou smiled.
Rhyaz nodded. "I thought we'd lose him the way the winds caught that 'car of his. It's most unsuitable, merely a runabout for the cities. He should be allocated something more robust in future."
"Doubtless that will be one of the first things Garras does when he next returns to the estate," said Lijou. "I'm dividing Brynne's training between ourselves and Dhaika at the Retreat. We have plans for this Human."
"Oh?" Rhyaz' tone was one of polite curiosity.
Lijou shook his head. "Religious matters, Rhyaz, nothing that you need concern yourself with as yet."
The other flicked an ear in compliance. "What of Vartra?" he asked cautiously. "Have your meditations and prayers elicited anything more about His warning?"
"I'd have told you immediately," Lijou replied, a pained expression crossing his face. "I understand the significance of being handed the Guild coin, Rhyaz. Whatever the nature of this task He has for us is, so far, He's keeping it to Himself. What did you do with the coin He gave me?"
"Put it back in the vault where it belongs. I've also done as He said and put all our people in the field on alert. They're to report any dreams or visions of the God immediately, either to yourself or to me. I can't help but wonder if this isn't all connected to Kezule's escape."
"Who knows but the God?" sighed Lijou. His thoughts turned toward the three people still missing. "What of Kezule, Keeza Lassah, and the Human, Derwent? Have the searchers found anything at all yet?"
"Nothing but the bloodstained remains of her clothing," said Rhyaz. "Raiban thinks it likely Kezule killed her and something— or someone— carried her body off and ate her."
"Then she's dead," sighed Lijou, getting up from the chair.
"I'd prefer a body before pronouncing her dead," temporized Rhyaz. "The Taykui Forest is vast, we've only covered a fraction of it. Kezule could still be out there, dug in deep in some cave, doing his hibernation trick till he thinks our guard is down. Our telepaths can't sense a trace of any of them. I have a feeling we're not going to find them, they're going to find us when they're good and ready. The same applies to Derwent."
"What about calling in the Sumaan? They have ways of tracking their own people that might work well with a species as similar as the Valtegans."
"And admit we've secretly been holding a Valtegan? I think not, Lijou."
"Just a suggestion," said Lijou, making for the door. He stopped, hand on the lever. "Rhyaz, if we have to recall all the Brothers because of this warning from Vartra, and contact the Instructors, how many people do we actually have?"
"Enough," said the warrior leader grimly. "Let's just pray it doesn't come to that. Part of our strength is that our numbers and resources are unknown."
CHAPTER 3
NONI was not happy. As she pottered about her kitchen making the batter for her pan-fried cakes for first meal, she muttered and cursed under her breath. There was a light rap at the door, and Teusi entered.
"Good morning, Noni. May the sun shine on you."
She grunted as she began to pour the mixture into the hot pan. "Some chance of that. I need you to set up the back room again, lad. We got company coming."
"Oh? When? And who?" he asked, taking his coat off and hanging it on the wall hook near the door.
"How the devil should I know? I'm nobody, after all. Just an old female here to do the Gods' bidding! You'd think I was running an Accommodation Guildhouse the way They send me lodgers!"
The batter hissed and spat for a moment or two as she tilted the pan, coating its base with the golden liquid.
Teusi took the kettle from the hob to the faucet to fill it. "A vision, is it, Noni?" he asked quietly as he turned on the tap.
"Of course a vision! What d'you think— I got one of them comm units plugged directly into Their realms?" She snorted her disgust. "As to who and when, you think They're going to be so obliging as to tell me that? You wait till your time comes, youngling! I'm lucky to get any kind of warning at all!"
"I'll start now," he said, returning to the stove with the filled kettle.
"After first meal's soon enough," said Noni gruffly, regretting taking her temper out on him. Teusi was a good lad, a fine apprentice. No substitute for Tallinu, but then she'd known from the day the Brothers had brought him back from Ranz that he'd not succeed her. His path was one she'd not have willingly trod at any stage in her life.
"Eat first, then we'll see to it together," she said, lifting the skillet from the hob to flip the cake over.
* * *
It had been a confusing day, thought Brynne, as he followed Jurrel out of the Shrine of Ghyakulla, back into the Temple of Vartra. He was overwhelmed by it all, he realized as he walked between the huge supporting pillars into the main aisle.
Ahead of him stood the huge statue of the seated God, a glowing brazier held between His hands. He hesitated, then took a step forward. Jurrel's hand, dark pelt almost invisible against the black robe he now wore, held him back.
"You forgot the incense," the Sholan said quietly. "Always the God is due our respect."
Brynne could feel the blood rush to his face as he quickly turned away to take a piece of incense from the container by the nearest brazier.
"It's easily done," Jurrel said, picking a piece himself to crumble over the glowing coals. "Especially when there is so much to remember."
Brynne looked up at the statue, blinking as the light from the God's crystal eyes reflected into his face. "Ghyan taught me better," he said, stepping back quickly as the perfumed smoke surrounded him.
"Allow yourself to occasionally forget and make mistakes, Brynne Stevens," said a new voice from behind them.
Jurrel bowed to the God before turning round. "Tutor Kha'Qwa."
Brynne found himself face to face with the Head Priest's titian-pelted life-mate. He quickly inclined his head to one side, echoing Jurrel's greeting.
Surprisingly, she linked her arm through his and led him down the aisle toward the entrance. "We shall go to the west wing senior common room, Jurrel," she said over her shoulder. "You can go ahead and make sure it's empty for us."
"Yes, Tutor," murmured Jurrel, dipping his head again before hurrying off to do her bidding.
Kha'Qwa leaned heavily on his arm. "We'll follow at a more sedate pace and take the elevator up." She smiled at him, her green eyes sparkling in amusement at his obvious confusion. "I'm not inclined to walk too far these days. How is your little one? Marak, isn't it?"
Brynne had been trying not to notice her obvious pregnancy. "He's fine. They say he's doing well for his age," he mumbled, unsure how to address the Guild Master's wife. Wasn't there some unspoken code about heavily pregnant females remaining on their estates? Worries chased each other around inside his head.
The hand on his arm tightened, claws unsheathing only enough to prick the fabric of his robe sleeve before retracting. "I am on my estate," she said gently, an amused purr underlying her voice. "The Brotherhood is my home, Brynne, as it is yours now. Apart from you En'Shallans, we renounce all family ties when we join. And there are no prohibitions on where we females can go when pregnant, it's just that many prefer to stay home. Carrying and sharing a cub with the one you love is a joyful time to be experienced with one's family." She stopped at the heavy doors leading out into the main entrance. "It's also not that easy to walk upright when carrying this weight," she laughed, patting her belly.
"I've still a lot to remember, and to learn."
"That's why you came to us," she agreed, waiting for him to open the door. "But the first thing you should know is that there is no time limit on your learning. Each of us progresses at his or her own rate within the religious side of the Order. This is not like one of your Terran colleges. No exams to sit, tests to take. We, and you, will know when you're ready to advance. We've twinned you with Jurrel because he's just returned from a tour of duty on Keiss, so he's had experience with your species. Normal rules can hardly be applied to you since you've reached maturity, so you're free to leave Stronghold for the delights of the local villages during your leisure time. All we ask is that you take Jurrel with you. Humans are still a novelty in these parts." She stopped at the elevator door, leaning against him more heavily now.
"Jurrel says I'll be learning warrior skills, too."
"Of course. We believe that body and mind are one entity."
The elevator doors slid apart with a tiny hiss of compressed air.
"I'm sure you'll find many of the answers you seek here, Brynne," she said, as they stepped inside.
* * *
"I think it most unfair that the Clan Lord didn't choose a mate for you this year," complained the young female sitting at Kitra's left. "He's treating you differently just because he's your father."
"She's the youngest in our year," T'Chya pointed out, taking the last fruit pastry from the plate in the center of their table. "At least we know the worst now, Kitra has to wait. It's not as if any bonding ceremonies will be held before the year's out anyway."
Kitra sat quietly, chewing her food, well aware that both her friends were right. Because of her age, her father had, indeed, yielded to intense pressure from her mother to postpone a betrothal until the following year.
"I still think it's unfair, and so does my father," said Chisoe. "He's complaining to the Clan Lord today."
"That's only because you're jealous of Kitra," said T'Chya. "You'd hoped to get one of the Brothers for yourself instead of a telepath."
"Not true! I don't think Kitra has a Companion anyway! I think he's just her bodyguard and she's making it all up."
"You talk such rubbish, Chisoe," said Ghaysa, stretching as she began to push her chair back from the table.
"Then she should prove it! What's it like having a mind-dead lover, Kitra?" demanded Chisoe, rounding on her. "Do you get bored? Is he rough because he can't know what pleases you?" she taunted, flicking her ears forward aggressively.
Kitra swallowed the mouthful so hurriedly she almost choked on it. "He's not mind-dead, we can sense each other easily! And he's the gentlest person I know!"
"My proof comes from her own mouth!" said Chisoe triumphantly. "She's lying! How can a non-telepath sense anything, or a trained killer be gentle with any female?"
"You think you know everything, don't you?" said Kitra angrily. "Well, you don't! The Brothers have their own Talents and Dzaka's as sensitive as any telepath! He chose me to be his Companion!"
"Way I heard it, you chose him, Kitra," said Ghaysa. "I'm not saying I agree with Chisoe, but you must admit it looks peculiar, going outside our own kind for your first lover, and now you're choosing to stay with him. Aren't you carrying being different too far? You don't have to copy Taizia and Kusac, you know."
Kitra got to her feet. "Fine friends you are," she said, fighting to slow her breathing and prevent her sight narrowing on the other females around the table. "You accuse me of lying and being incapable of making my own mind up, while mocking my choice at the same time!" She stormed out of the refectory, pushing her way past the other students.
It was so unfair! She was caught between two worlds— the adult one of Dzaka and her self-imposed responsibilities for her young niece, Kashini, and the world of the Telepath Guild, where she was considered little more than a kitling. Not just that, but even Dzaka thought her too young to make any commitment to him and refused to be seen with her outside the estate!
Tears filled her eyes, and as she began to lope down the corridor toward the main door, she didn't see the Human female who neatly sidestepped into her path.
The collision was abrupt and would have sent her reeling if strong hands hadn't gripped her firmly by the shoulders.
"Careful there! You need to watch where you're going, young woman!" said a voice she recognized. "Wait a moment, it's Kitra, isn't it?"
She dashed a hand across her eyes, blinking furiously till she could see Ruth, praying the other hadn't seen her tears. She glanced around, but there was no escape and the female still held her by one shoulder. Behind her, she could hear her name being called by Ghaysa.
"Hello, Ruth. You'll have to excuse me, but..." she began hurriedly, trying to pull away.
Ruth turned and, slipping an arm across her shoulders, drew her on toward the outer door. "Don't tell me you're playing hooky from lessons, too! What luck! C'mon, I know just the place to go!"
Inexorably, she was drawn out into the grounds in Ruth's wake.
"I come to the Guild several times a week for lessons," said her companion as they walked briskly to the outer gates. "It's not easy for me to go back to school after so long running my own life, you know, and every now and then it gets to be too much for me."
Stunned until now, Kitra found her voice as she realized they were approaching the gatekeeper. She hung back, knowing he'd stop them.
"Not a problem. You just watch me," whispered Ruth.
She made no attempt to slow down, and barely nodded in his direction, then they were out in the street, free and clear.
"But how did you... You're not allowed to leave..."
"I'm En'Shalla, and an adult, and if I behave as if I've a right to leave, why should he question me?" She stopped to give Kitra an impulsive hug before taking her by the hand and dragging her on down the street through the midday shoppers. "That's the trick, you know. Looking as if you've every right to be doing what you're doing."
She stopped suddenly outside an inn, pushing the door open. Before Kitra could find her voice to object, they were settled in a small booth away from prying eyes and ears.
"Order what you want," said Ruth as the attendant came over. "My treat for giving me your company."
Kitra stammered out an order for coffee, which Ruth echoed, then added a request for a plate of cold cuts of spiced meats.
"You've had to go back to school?" Kitra asked as soon as they were alone. She had to ask because it sounded so unlikely. No adult went back to school! "Why? Don't you feel as if they're taking your adult status away, making you a cub again?"
Ruth reached across the table to touch her hand. "I go back because there's so much I want to learn, Kitra, and I cope because of that. When I go home, I'm in charge of my own life."
"Father has sent me back to stay at the Guild," she said, blinking as her eyes began to fill once more. "I don't have that option." She looked away, wishing she was anywhere else, wishing she could control her tears like an adult.
"It must be worse for you," said Ruth sympathetically, "especially after running your brother's house. Why don't you ask to be allowed to commute to the Guild instead?"
She flicked her ears back in a negative gesture, not daring to shake her head lest the tears spill over. "Father says I must come back because of his position as Clan Lord. Taizia has the excuse of Khayla to look after, I've none."
"Then why not get Dzaka to ask for quarters in the guest house a couple of nights a week? It would at least give you some time together away from your classmates."
That did it. The tears, despite furious blinking, spilled down her cheeks, and she snatched her hand away from Ruth's. Hands covering her face, she tried to explain. "Dzaka won't... He'll not acknowledge— me— outside the estate." It was difficult to talk when her throat was so tight.
Suddenly she found herself enveloped by Ruth, her ribs almost cracking with the fierceness of the Human's hug. "That no-good, fair weather...."
"No!" she said, pushing against Ruth's encircling arms. "You don't understand, it isn't like that!"
"It had better not be," said the older woman grimly, releasing her and sitting back.
"He's just afraid for me, afraid it would harm my reputation. That other males wouldn't approach me because he's a Brother." She scrubbed at her eyes, determined that Ruth not think badly of him.
"What's this about other males? Does he want to share you?"
"No, but..."
"Then is he tired of you?"
"I don't think so..." She barely had time to form one answer before Ruth had fired another question at her.
"Does he love you?"
"Of course!" Then she realized that in all the time they'd been together, she couldn't actually remember him saying those words. "I assume he does."
"So it's a commitment he's afraid of."
"He says I should get to know other males before deciding on a life-mate."
"Do
you
love him?" Ruth regarded her carefully.
"Oh, yes," said Kitra, ears lying back a little despite her efforts to not betray her feelings. "I knew it was him I wanted from the first night. I can sense him, Ruth, and he does love me, even if he can't say so."
A discreet knock on the side of their booth heralded the arrival of their drinks.