The Gandalara Cycle I (77 page)

Numbly, I reached out and accepted the sword. The hilt felt cool and
right
in my hand, and I realized how much I had missed having Rika with me. I pulled myself to my feet, drew the sword I carried, and offered it hilt-first to the boy.

"I had to surrender your sword to a Lord City guard, Thymas," I said. "Take this one, for now. When I return to Raithskar, and our purpose is
really
finished, I'll replace it with the best sword I can find. Something worthy of the next Lieutenant."aldric.

Thymas lifted the bronze blade, and slipped it through his baldric.

"I never meant to let you think you weren't trusted or important," I said "We'd have failed without you I saw what it cost you to throw off Gharlas's control."

And to overcome your conditioning about water,
I thought.
It took guts to jump out to that raft. Only I can't say that without explaining why I wasn't horrified by the very concept of floating on a river.

"I can't say it's always been a pleasure, Thymas, but riding with you and Ronar has been an honor. I owe you a life-debt many times over. If you ever need someone to guard you . . .”

Hesitantly, I held out my hand.

Thymas had seen me use the handshake, before, as a parting or greeting gesture. He gripped my hand with a warmth that surprised me. It must have surprised him, too; he seemed embarrassed as he spoke.

"We share that life-debt, Rikardon," he said. "I respect your sword, and I've learned to respect your leadership. I can't yet call you a friend, as Dharak does. But I do call you Captain."

It was the last thing I expected to hear from Thymas. I was too stunned to speak. I walked over to Ronar, and offered my left hand, palm up. He dipped his head, and the stiff softness of whiskers and fur grazed my palm. I reached up to stroke the fur along his cheek. That was a liberty usually permitted only to a sha’um's rider, and I was pleased that Ronar allowed it.

I discovered that my voice was working again. "It has been good, riding with you," I told the sha'um, then turned back to Thymas.

He and Tarani were locked in a close embrace, kissing. I stared in, shock, too tired to be embarrassed, in too much physical pain to feel the inner hurting. Much.

When they pulled apart, I said: "Go with him if you want to, Tarani."

"Why would you think she wants to come with me?" Thymas asked, his chin hooked over Tarani's arm, which still rested on his shoulder.

I made an indefinite gesture to indicate their present physical arrangement. "Why wouldn't I?"

"Because she
loves
you," he said. "She told me so in Stomestad."

Before I could hold it back, I stammered: "But - but I
saw
you, the night before we left . . ."

Tarani dropped her arms and stepped around Thymas. "You saw us?” she demanded.

"Accidentally," I hurried to say. "I was walking by the room -”

"Is that why you -?" She stopped herself abruptly, with a glance at Thymas. I couldn't tell in the dim light, but I thought she was blushing.

"No," I said. "I told you, Thymas had nothing to do with that."

"With what?" Thymas asked, plainly bewildered. When neither one of us answered, he shrugged. "Well, Captain, what you
saw
in Stomestad was a good-bye to what Tarani and I once shared. I had fewer regrets than I expected; Tarani had changed, and you and she seemed to belong together. We promised friendship, but our love isn't forgotten. Do you begrudge me a farewell kiss?"

"It may not be farewell," Tarani said, looking at me. "Rikardon suggested I go with you. Perhaps he wants it that way."

A sound startled us all. Thymas was laughing. It was the first time I had heard his laugh; it was a full, hearty noise that cracked through the tension in the air. He walked to Ronar and mounted, still laughing. As the sha'um stood. up, he said: "Maybe if I leave you two alone, you can start talking to each other. And that's one conversation I'm not sorry to miss."

He took a deep breath. "I think I understand you better, now, Rikardon. You're still the strangest man I've ever met and - you and Tarani are well matched. You'll both be welcome in Thagorn at any time."

"Thank you, Thymas," I said, and pulled my attention away from Tarani. "Give Dharak my best regards.

"I will," he promised. He waved a hand to me, and then to Tarani.

Even after Ronar's running figure had disappeared, I stood still, staring off into the distance, not the least surprised that I already missed the boy. Tarani's hand on my shoulder drew me back to the present.

I turned and held her closely, gently.

*Go soon?*
Keeshah asked.

"Keeshah is restless," I said, still holding Tarani. "We do have some talking to do . . . can it wait?"

I felt her head moving against my shoulder as she nodded. Keeshah crouched, and we mounted, Tarani riding second, as usual. There was special meaning to the weight of her body against my back.

*Take us home to Raithskar,*
I told Keeshah, and let myself really relax.

It's a little-known fact of life, I thought sleepily, that, now and then, the odds have to turn in your favor.

* * *

* *

*

INPUT SESSION THREE

I shall withdraw our minds from the All-Mind . . . and mine from yours . . . Is the Record now complete?

This portion of it is complete, yes.

Will you wish to Record again?

Someday the full accounting must be made to the All- Mind. But, as you promised, the Recording process is fatiguing. I must rest before I can begin the next portion. May I call upon you again, Recorder?

At any time. I am at your service.

* * *

* *

*

Here ends book 1 of the Gandalara Cycle