The Alton Gift by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Author:Marion Zimmer Bradley [Bradley, Marion Zimmer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, General, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Epic, American, Darkover (Imaginary Place), Life on Other Planets, Space Opera, Usernet, C429, Kat, Extratorrents
ISBN: 9780756404802
Publisher: DAW
Published: 2007-01-02T08:00:00+00:00

Their guide excused himself to go in search of stools for everyone. The infirmarian straightened up, carefully avoiding looking directly at either of the women. Domenic got a better view of the patient under the layers of blankets. The man appeared to be of middle years, deeply weathered. Fever flushed his skin, which hung on his bones. He broke into weak, wheezing coughing.

Seeing the reluctance of the infirmarian to deal directly with females, Domenic spoke up. “Who is he? How long has he been like this?”

The monk looked relieved as he answered, “His name is Garin, and as far as I can interpret his answers, he is a farmer who brought his family here to Nevarsin in search of work. Two have already died, a woman,” he used an inflection to cast doubt on whether she was really his wife, “and a girl-child. They were taken ill shortly after their arrival in the city and perished after a few days of illness, or so the Sisters who cared for them said. As to how long this man has been ill, I cannot say. I have tended him for two—no, three—days, but I believe his symptoms began some time before that. As you can see, he is sturdy and must have been an active, useful person. Such a loss of flesh does not occur overnight. A strong man can sometimes go about his work for some time after the onset of an illness.”

“A pity,” Fiona said tartly, “if he spreads contagion during that time.”

“Not all illnesses can be transmitted directly from one person to another,” Illona pointed out.

Another monk arrived with several novices, bringing enough stools for them all to sit. Illona directed their placement in a rough circle with Fiona slightly to one side. The infirmarian withdrew to the other side of the room, clearly unwilling to leave his charge alone with these women.

Domenic took his place with the others. It felt a little odd to be working in the intimacy of a circle with Grandfather Lew or Sammel and Fiona, whom he hardly knew.

The circle took out their starstones and began focusing their mental energies through the psychoactive crystals. Setting aside his hesitation, Domenic slipped into the familiar trancelike state. Illona’s mind touched his. He felt dizzy, as if he had been dancing a wild, spinning secain with her. Then he became aware of the steady, rock-sureness of Sammel, his grandfather’s faceted brilliance. Fiona wound like a silken ribbon through the circle, assuring the well-being of each of its members.

Illona, acting as Keeper, gathered up the laran of the others. A sensation of rising, of floating, engulfed Domenic. Awareness of the others faded; he thought only of sending the stream of energy from his own mind through his starstone and into Illona’s deft control.

Time lost all meaning as Domenic left his physical body behind. Around him and through him swirled colored mists, glimmering in pastel shades like the light of the Crystal Chamber or a paler version of the Veil at the rhu fead at Hali.

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