darknadir by Lisanne Norman Page B

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