razorsedge by Lisanne Norman Read Free Book Online Page A

life-mate yet."

"You've news for us, Lijou. What is it?" asked Kaid.

"While you slept this morning, Konis and I've been busy," he said, sipping his drink. "He convened a special meeting of the Clan Council and between us, we pushed through the ratification of your new Clan. It's been done as you asked, you're an official sub-sect of the Aldatan Clan and are to be known as the En'Shalla Aldatans or just the En'Shalla Clan. At the next meeting, you'll be Invested and can take your seat on the Council of Seventeen."

"Seventeen?" Kusac frowned. "Oh. Sixteen plus ours." Suddenly it felt like the society he'd grown up in was changing too rapidly— yet he realized he was the one who'd initiated the changes. He shook his head to dispel the somber mood and grinned over at Kaid. "We did it, Kaid. We won our freedom from the Guilds and Clans!" He turned back to Lijou. "How are the members of our Clan chosen?"

"You choose those friends and colleagues you want to be part of your family. If they agree, they must formally accept your invitation and take the Aldatan name. Then they will have En'Shalla status like you. Choose carefully, Kusac," Lijou warned. "Being a member of your Clan will confer great privileges which could be misused."

"You needn't worry, Lijou. I intend to set it up so only the immediate family, those with Human Leskas, and our Brothers, will have the En'Shalla status. Apart from new mixed Leskas, we're not recruiting for members. As you know, we have all the people I want living here on this estate. I also intend to set up a ruling council with myself as head to see to all matters of discipline and policy."

"That should help ensure that future generations will find it difficult to abuse the responsibilities that come with power. This afternoon, Governor Nesul will pass a bill giving all lay-Brothers and -Sisters the rank of priest. Unlike Esken's priests, we all belong to one faith— the only faith with its own college of priests. We're also being granted the right to wear black as our designated color. When acting as warriors of the Brotherhood, our people will wear gray trimmed with black and drop the use of the Warrior Guild's red."

"I said this would happen," Kusac reminded Lijou. "It's going to mean a lot of reorganizing for you."

"It's work I will relish," said Lijou, sitting back in his chair. "Even as we speak, because you are now En'Shalla, your status within the lay-Brotherhood is being altered to show that you are priests. That includes you, Kaid."

Kusac watched his friend's thoughtful expression. Had he realized that now Lijou could ask for his own Guild? The Guild of Priests? It would take yet another portion of Esken's power away from him, making all priests subject to Lijou.

Yes. It occurred to Konis, too, the Head Priest sent to him. And Nesul and Raiban. I've been told to apply for it at the next All-Guilds' meeting.

What about the joint leadership of the Brotherhood?

It'll remain unchanged. Esken's priests will simply belong to me instead. Switching to speech, Lijou looked toward Kaid. "The council selecting the candidate for Guild Leader of the Warrior Brothers wish to reinstate you as a Brother."

Startled, Kaid stared at him. "Reinstate me?"

"As if Ghezu had never expelled you," agreed the Head Priest.

Kaid was silent for a moment, then began to laugh softly. "No, thank you, Lijou. The past happened, it can't be undone. Besides, being En'Shalla, what more do I need?"

"I said that would be your answer. It's never good to dwell on the past. Now," he demanded sitting forward. "Tell me your news!"

"Our news?" Kusac gave Kaid a humorous glance. "Who says we have news?"

Lijou made an exasperated noise. "Don't wrong-spoor me! I gave you my news. Start with Carrie and the cub."

"Both fine. Vanna's scanner and Noni both agreed on that. About the only thing they did agree on," said Kusac wryly, remembering the females' attitudes toward each other.

"Noni's here?" Lijou looked