razorsedge by Lisanne Norman Read Free Book Online

days to build ourselves up again. Carrie's been hit worst by it. She hadn't the weight to lose in the first place; neither has Kashini. She was developing at an alarming rate those last four days before she was born. Did I tell you that maintaining the gateway we used to come back destroyed the crystal Carrie wore?"

"It did?" asked Kaid, eye ridges meeting in concern as he turned his comm round for Kusac. "It didn't harm mine. What about the cub? Did it affect her?"

"Not that we can tell. Both Noni and Vanna said she was as healthy as any newborn they'd ever seen. I can't help worrying, though. If the energy drain could destroy Carrie's crystal, it must have had some effect on them beyond Carrie's weight loss." He leaned forward and keyed into the kitchen, asking Zhala for hot food and coffee to be sent up.

Returning the screen to its normal position, he sat back. "I think we should tell everyone concerned that the way to the past has been sealed."

Kaid nodded slowly. "Our success may encourage more people to try. We want to avoid that. Whatever the reasons, too many people have died that way already. And the gateway has been destroyed, in our time."

"Kezule will be able to tell us if other travelers arrived at the temple while he was there."

"It didn't need Kezule and his warriors to kill them. All they had to do was arrive as the temple collapsed," said Kaid. "But you're right. We should say the way is closed. Apart from any other consideration, we don't want the past altered any more than it has been."

"How much of the truth do we tell Lijou?"

Kaid hesitated. "Let's play that one by ear. See how our debriefing with him goes. The series of events that enabled us to go back are unlikely to recur, but if they become common knowledge, someone could try to duplicate them."

"They couldn't duplicate your contribution, Kaid. It's unique. There are no other telepathic warriors from the past living on Shola."

Kaid stopped what he was doing and reached for his pack of stim twigs. "There is one other. Rezac," he said quietly. "If the message Carrie— and others— received is to be believed."

"He's not on Shola. Who else is aware of the sending?"

"I checked through the messages as usual this morning. Lijou heard it, and I'm pretty sure that your father did."

"What does Lijou say?"

"To contact him as soon as possible. I wouldn't bother. Given the time of day, I'll warrant he's on his way over here already."

Kusac grunted. "If he is, he can wait till we've eaten."

     
    * * *
     
    Some ten minutes later, true to Kaid's prediction, Lijou's imminent arrival was announced by Ni'Zulhu, followed by Lijou himself shortly afterward.

"You both look thinner, not that that'll last from the size of the meals you two are eating," he said, staring critically at them.

"Join us," said Kusac. "You must be missing your second meal by coming out here."

"I am. Your young sister Kitra— who seems to be growing up remarkably quickly all of a sudden— appears to have assumed the position of house-head. She said she'd see a meal was sent up for me," he said, pulling up a chair to join them. "Your son's been good for her, Kaid— in fact, they've been good for each other. I'm glad. I was afraid he'd never recover from the loss of Nnya and his son."

"They're only Companions, Lijou," said Kaid. "It's a little early to be seeing a long-term relationship."

"The Aldatan females know exactly who they want from the first, and tend to stay with that choice, unfortunately," Lijou sighed. "Not that you males are much different! Mind if I have some coffee, Kusac?"

"Help yourself. How do you mean `unfortunately'?"

"Rhyasha broke many hearts when she forced her choice of Konis as a life-mate on the Clan Lord, that's all." He poured himself a drink. "Kitra's so like her. She'll have Dzaka, mark my words. I'd stake money on it."

"My sister's barely left childhood, Lijou," objected Kusac, helping himself to more bread. "She's not ready to choose a