Doubles Talk by Loran Holt

Author:Loran Holt [Holt, Loran]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Acorn Publishing LLC
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

··· 54 ···

Someday, I’ll Find You

F

ollowing Cal’s unexpected claim of swordsmanship, Kelgan felt a shocking rush of envy. He trod warily down that path of thought. He could perform magic, couldn’t he? And Cal couldn’t. Although, granted, Cal seemed to be familiar with certain, er, mechanical arts, which Kelgan acknowledged might be considered complementary. On the other hand, he possessed a sword, with which swordsmanship did not seem to be an issue. He swallowed hard, recalling the ease with which he dispatched the putative bandit. Not only no need for swordsmanship, but very little need for him.

He closely studied Cal. Yes, certainly the face the stranger wore was his own, but on close scrutiny subtle differences were manifest. Deeper lines around ears and mouth, slight sprinkling of gray in the sandy curls, a touch of softness at the belt line. Cal was older? Could an otherworldly twin have been born first? Who knew how time ran in other planes? Who knew there were other planes until now? Kelgan rested his head on his knees for a moment. When he raised his head, Cal eyed him with the same frank scrutiny.

Meeting Kelgan’s eyes with a wry smile, Cal ventured, “Maybe we should get to know each other a bit better.”

Neroma and her twin, conferring in low tones, broke off at Cal’s words. Terencia had been oiling her sword. Assuring herself of its keen edge, she had made no further comments after Cal’s confession of fencing ability. However, she, too, looked up expectantly in Kelgan’s direction, although with a trace of malice in her glance.

Kelgan surprised himself, and his listeners, by answering simply but firmly, “Yes, it is important that we do.”

Terencia flashed Kelgan a wicked grin and went back to her equipment maintenance. Neroma and Nevander nodded as one. They resumed their private conversation, needing, of course, only occasional words, since the mind of one spoke clearly to the mind of the other. Kelgan was sure even those few words were for the benefit of others, rather than springing from any need of the twins.

Cal watched them for a moment; then moved closer to Kelgan. He still seemed somewhat unsteady and unsure, but was adapting, since no other choice was offered.

“Okay,” he said once he settled next to Kelgan.

Kelgan did not understand the word, but he assumed it was some sort of pause filler.

“Tell me something about you, and about here.”

Kelgan set to work filling Cal in as best he could on their world, himself, their journey up to now, and the reasons for it (as though he knew). Cal listened without question, interruption, or comment. When Kelgan, his throat dry, finally paused, Cal murmured, “Ummmm.” and got up to stand staring. He stood and stared into the forest. The mules, their attention captured, moved up to stand one on either side of him. They stared into the forest as well without a hint of mockery.

Not knowing exactly what prompted him, Kelgan stood and joined the group, drawing his arm through Cal’s.

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