Star Hunters (Diadem 5) by Jo Clayton

Author:Jo Clayton
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9780886772192
Publisher: DAW
Published: 1980-06-30T14:00:00+00:00

Chapter XVI

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With Faiseh close behind, Manoreh pushed open the small door and stepped into the barn. A rush of gladness made him blink until he realized that Kitosime was projecting with a power that nearly suffocated him. He heard Faiseh suck in his breath. A dead man, hacked to pieces outside, now this.

He looked past her. In the shadows at the edge of the light five wilding boys hovered, ready to run or fight. They were dirty, ragged, covered with small cuts and crusted blood. He projected reassurance/calm. Then turned back to Kitosime. She’s magnificent, he thought. Her head was up, the feeble light from the lamp striking silver highlights from her high cheekbones and sinking her eyes into deep shadow. She burned with pride and defiance now that her first flush of joy had dissipated. Two girls pressed against her, one on each side, sharing in her defiance, slightly jealous.Wildings, he thought, startled. But they were neat and clean in their dress-cloths, their hair combed into tight knots. Four boys stood by her, watching him with hostility.Wildings. Had to be, the way they projected emotion. Manoreh frowned at one of the smaller boys. He looked familiar. Then he remembered.The boy who’d scooped up the dead hares. He’s changed. Meme Kalamah, he’s changed. Wildings. Neat and clean in tunic and shorts. Kitosime ... . He smiled. “You’ve been busy, Kitosime.” He projected amusement/appreciation/wonder.

“Very.” She was making no concessions. After a moment’s strained silence, she said, “And you?”

“The world is saved.”

That startled a laugh from her. She relaxed a little, rested arms lightly around the girls’ shoulders. “I haven’t done so badly either.” She smiled. “Welcome home, husband. And meet our new children.”

Manoreh laughed. “With pleasure. They have names?”

“Oh yes, indeed. They find names very important.” She smiled proudly at the children. “The two big boys are Amea and Cheo. They have fought well for us. Wame there,” she pointed, “he’s our story teller. And Liado—” she indicated the silent staring boy next to Wame. “He’s our ears and eyes.” She touched Mara’s cheek. “This is Mara. She escaped from a clan Bighouse and survived in the Wild for five years. And this little imp is S’kiliza.” She hugged S’kiliza.

Manoreh took a step forward. It was absurd to be standing here, talking at each other. So close, yet so far apart.There’s six months between us, he thought.And three years’ blindness on my part. He was aware of Faiseh fidgeting behind him.He’s wondering what the fuss is about, why I let her defy me. He tried to shake off his malaise. He took another step toward Kitosime, projected question?

With a shake of her head, she denied him an answer. There were silver highlights on her face and her hoop earrings brushed her neck. She was achingly lovely. He felt a surge of desire, but repressed it. Wrong time and place. His eyes dropped to the girl beside her.Mara, he thought.How does she know about Mara? He lifted his head. “How do you know about her?”

Kitosime looked startled.

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