Rift in the Sky

“It’s called ‘influence,’ ” with unutterable disgust. At herself, or the Human? Both, Aryl decided, gorge rising in her throat. “KaeCee’s an expert. That’s what he wanted to do to you. Turn you into—” Naryn shook her head. “—it doesn’t matter. The technique only works on Humans, and only those Humans with their M’hirless version of Power. Telepaths. Weak minds, susceptible to suggestion. The effect is permanent.”

“Why?”

Naryn sat down and took hold of the artifact, tipping it to send reflections over his face. “KaeCee? What should we do with the Hoveny artifacts?”

The Human answered at once, his tone sure and brisk. “It means a deep cut in price, but I’ve buyers in mind on Unaligned worlds. No Commonwealth or Trade Pact connections to worry about. We couldn’t move them on any Innersystem world, or within any space held by the First. I’ll ensure no one can trace the artifacts to you. I regret this will take time to arrange, but I’ve sufficient creds in my hidden accounts to get the Clan into proper accommodations immediately. And to buy clothes, idents. You’ll want to be able to move around Grandie society without undue notice. When the artifacts are sold, I’ll deposit the funds in various separate accounts and will recommend suitable individuals to manage each for maximum growth. The Clan won’t have to worry about wealth.” Finished, he stood, waiting. Peaceful, content.

Better to have slit his throat, Aryl thought, sickened to her core. Naryn . . .

Think I enjoyed being in a Human’s mind? That I wanted to learn this? Her mindvoice was weary. That I wanted to do this, even to him? Aloud, “How many Humans are on this world, Aryl? How many of them could help us? Of those who could, how many would? Council will agree with my actions. We couldn’t afford to waste this opportunity. There might not be another.”

“There are thirty-one Human telepaths in Norval,” KaeCee corrected. “Fourteen of those are under my influence. They could be useful. I’ll introduce you.”

“See what I mean? I can’t imagine a better Human.”

“Naryn!”

Naryn tucked the artifact within her robe. “Haxel’s sure our people are safe for now. KaeCee, we’ll ’port with you to your office in the Sun Layer and you can . . .”

Aryl stopped listening.

Naryn’s quick thinking, her sacrifice—for soiling her mind had been that, too—had probably saved the M’hiray.

She closed her eyes.

What Naryn had done—she wished she could believe it would never happen again. But she couldn’t.

Aryl reached, feeling strangely fragile. Enris?

Beloved. With joy and relief.

Almost—almost enough to ease the turmoil inside. I felt your Power, she ventured, sharing curiosity. So much safer than anything else.

We locked the door. With pride. Then, something dark stirred. Tell me he’s dead. That Human.

Peace, Enris. Naryn’s dealt with him. She learned what we need to do. Even better—she tightened her shields—we know how to influence his mind.

You mean control. That’s what he wanted to do. Make you obey him.

He’ll save the M’hiray. He has no choice. Aryl opened her eyes and stared at KaeCee’s too-peaceful face. We’ve left him none.

Interlude

THEY’RE IN SIGHT.

Come back.

When Veca appeared beside her, Haxel snapped aloud: “How many?”

The Chosen held up both hands, fingers outstretched. “Syb and I could have handled them.” With barely restrained frustration.

Enris shook his head. “Not with knives,” he said, remembering Louli’s threat. That it involved his blood still made him flinch inwardly, as if he’d betrayed his own. “And not if more keep coming.” And they would. He and Haxel had shared with the M’hiray what they’d seen above; he’d added what Aryl had shown him of the homes built one upon the other, the rooftops filled with Humans and other beings. No M’hiray doubted there were even more above.

“He’s right.” Haxel turned to the waiting Council.

Enris lost whatever was said, whatever he could see around him, his mind suddenly consumed with heat and need and something twisted and dark . . . It was in their Joining. After his Chosen!

ARYL!?

The sense of violation was gone as quickly as he’d felt it. Are you all right? What was that?

The Human. With revulsion. He has some kind of Power. He touched me.

Enris could hardly breathe for the rage coursing through him. I’m coming!