In One Small Stone

The autumn sun lent a last touch of warmth and color to the countryside. With the arduous work of the harvest completed, thankful farmers joyously celebrated the shifting of the seasons. Melodies born of strings, flutes and drums flowed from the sheltered village, and serenaded the fields and lands far beyond the protective forest and the ancient River.

A lively reel began in the plaza. Wolo villagers of differing heights and colors cavorted to the strains of music. The inhabitants of Cats' Lair watched the graceful movements of the dog-like humanoids with fascination. Cheers and howls from the crowd indicated the completion of the first dance and the commencement of the official events of the festival.

Each Thunderan blended easily into the noisy gathering in pursuit of different activities. A fiddler started another sprightly tune. Kitra and Katren clapped their hands gaily in time to the new music. The stout high-elder cornered Panthro by a low stone building and insisted that the warrior try a green fermented beverage. Snarf meticulously compared notes with several other judges as he sampled various confections entered into competition for a prize. Under the guidance of a enthusiastic young female, Cheetara learned the steps of a simple dance. Lion-o listened politely to the discussions of disgruntled villagers concerned with the Mutant threat and the lengthy absence of Mumm-Ra, that had baffled even wise Meryt.

The architect of Cats' Lair sprawled peacefully beneath a tree. He blew a few notes on the small flute that had once belonged to his father. Quite satisfied with the sound, and of no mind to practice, Tygra set the instrument across his lap. From a pocket in his long blue robe, he produced a muffin, and devoured it with zest.

After all, if I am to perform my musical duet with Talitha properly, I need to be fortified, he thought judiciously. Looking across the packed square, he glimpsed the white tigress. The folds of her green robe only hinted at the luscious figure hidden beneath the cloth. She sat alone on a wooden bench. The tuning of her fine harp commanded her full attention. Not wishing to disturb her efforts, he admired her silently from his shady vantage.

The sinful aroma of apples baked with cinnamon suddenly scented the light breeze. "Ah! My favorite!" Tygra exclaimed. With flute in hand, he followed the fragrant trail toward the pastry tent. Striking with the unpredictability of lightning, a Wolo youth snatched the Thundercat's prized instrument from his grasp.

"What in the seven hells!" To his astonishment, the tiger sported a laughing maiden at each wrist.

"Time for the courtship dance! Time for the courtship dance!" the veiled females sang.

Craning his neck as the ladies valiantly dragged him to the dance circle, the annoyed tiger searched the crowd for Panthro. His sharp eyes finally spotted his fellow noble among a colorful array of giggling Wolo maidens. His friend smiled broadly and indicated the flute that rested safely in his large hand. "You need the exercise, Tygra!" the panther shouted with exuberance.

The architect barely avoided falling when his captors abruptly released him. His face grew hot with embarrassment as he noted the startled mystic before him. His keen hearing quickly detected the kittens' high-pitched laughter. Glancing over the mystic's shoulder, Tygra found the mischievous youngsters among the throng of people.

*Think we can manage this inconvenience?*

The amusement in the mystic's telepathic message did little to alleviate his irritation. *We know this dance, my lady,* he responded. *Let's give the village something they can talk about during the darkness of winter!*

Approval flickered in her dark blue eyes, but her downward glance indicated her uneasiness. *Tygra, I know that the courtship dance requires three movements: a touching of the lovers' hands; a caress of your lover's face; a finishing kiss; but that is all that I know.*

*Listen carefully, mystic. The key to the dance is found in the rhythms of the drums. Although the flutes actually begin this ritual, they are only an embellishment. Each of three drums will start at different times, but all of the instruments will finish together and follow the rapid cadence of the last drum. After the performance, the individual couples will be praised or teased based on how well they combined all the elements at hand to create a unique love dance. I suggest that unless you wish to be hounded in the name of tradition--*

A burst of drum rolls demanded quiet of the assembly. The nine other couples positioned with them in the double circle waited nervously for the music to commence. When only the sound of rustling leaves filled the plaza, the flutes trilled sweetly.

Although the Wolos answered the pleas of the recorders with graceful movements, the tigers remained motionless. On the command from the languid first drum, mystic and architect turned away from each other. Their rigid motions unequivocally told the people that each tiger walked through life alone.

Matching their steps to the beats of faster second drum, the tigers met again. They stalked each other with a ferocity and contempt that matched the fire in the competing instruments. Each gesture boasted superiority, insisted on unconditional surrender. A flash of the mystic's wrist signaled: I am female! To me is given the power of creation. You are secondary.

The enraged twist of Tygra's powerful torso responded: I am male! To me is given strength. By your own power, I will chain you.

Their frustration burgeoned with each dynamic step. When the frenzied third drum thundered, the roaring tigers charged. Terrified villagers screamed and the other participants in the dance froze. The spectacular attack ended with a gentle meeting of the tigers' hands that transformed their dance. The Thunderans opened their souls to love, and joyfully performed their discovery. Their swift, fluid movements spoke of passion and blending. Each delicately stroked the other's face with sharp claws in a manner that declared their love to all. Driven by the rising notes of the pounding drums, the tigers clung to each other and kissed passionately.

*My lady, I would love you, here and now, if it were possible.*

*My desire for you, Tygra, feel it!*

He allowed her love to suffuse him. In the golden light, his lover became burning frost amidst the red leaves. Satiated with her affection, he released her. The special bond that they shared quieted.

Applause and a stream of excited questions threatened to overwhelm him. He was breathing too deeply from both the exertion of the dance, and his lack of conditioning. Tygra stammered to his boisterous audience, "Af-after White and I--take--some refreshment, w-we will gladly answer your questions. For now, please--please, let us be."

His generously cut robe thankfully hid both his arousal and the extra weight that he carried. The architect shuddered as he imagined how foolish he would have looked in his tight Thundercat uniform. The mystic tapped him playfully on the nose. She breathes normally, he noted jealously.

"Female advantage," Talitha quipped as if reading his thought. "But something cool to drink would be quite welcome, Tygra. Let's go." She took a firm hold of his arm, and led him like a placid cub to the festival hall.

*****

The Golden Bone swarmed with representatives of all the local races. The innkeeper had moved most of the furniture to the outer garden in order to accommodate the mass of people that packed his lodge. The tigers positioned themselves near a small table adjacent to one wall.

It's too gods be damned hot and crowded in here, the irritated mystic thought.

"Shall I get you some wine, dear one?" Tygra asked.

The mystic brushed several long strands of damp hair back from her hot face. "Cold water will do fine, Tygra," she sighed. She marked his look of concern. "I'm hot too, that's all." Her response brought a nod of agreement from her mate. She watched him as he squeezed through the crowd.

In minutes, he returned with the beverage that she had requested. The tiger casually sipped wine from a yellow goblet. A barmaid struggled past them with a wide tin plate that she held well above her head. Tygra grabbed the lone raspberry tart from the passing tray before the little wolo passed through the door that led into the kitchen.

Goddess! His sweet tooth is worse than ever! Has he not noticed that his cravings have softened him. Talitha remarked, "Tygra, if you keep inhaling those sweets, you'll certainly get very fat."

The architect shrugged. "Dearest one, I'm already too fat. Just ask Panthro." The architect pointed the half-eaten pastry toward his friend.

A roar of indignation shook the wall. Several villagers scurried out of the path of the vengeful grey angel of fitness who charged forward. The architect gulped the remaining cake, and smiled sweetly at Panthro.

"Come the dawn, cub, I'll make you regret the day that you first touched a sweet. You are going to shed that paunch!" The agitated panther forcibly poked the tiger's abdomen. The unexpected blow left Tygra breathless. The goblet fell from his hand as he clutched his sides.

Afraid that the angry panther would strike again, Talitha placed herself between the two Thundercats. "That was unnecessary, Panthro!" Talitha declared. "He is not fat!"

"White, you see him with the eyes of a lover! It's easy to hide 15 extra pounds under that robe. When is the last time that you saw him dressed properly as a Thundercat!"

"Enough!" Tygra shouted as he straightened. "It's my problem, and my responsibility!" He took a deep breath, then added, "With your regime for exercise and diet, Panthro, and your encouragement, White, I will conquer this craving for sweets. I'm not happy about my bulk either," he admitted.

"Good, Tygra," Panthro replied. "You have always been as disciplined as any warrior that I have ever known. What in the name of Jaga has gotten into you to make you this careless of your body?"

Tygra waved a hand in dismay as he retrieved the miraculously unbroken cup, and set it upon the table. Sensing her lover's unhappiness, Talitha hugged him. She felt the extra flesh that had accumulated around his waist. Panthro is right, she decided. I am blinded by my love. Tygra has gained more weight than I had thought since our first joining these sixty suns past.

Despite the many people around her, she saw only her lover, and marked the sheepish smile that had settled on his face. *Dearest Tygra, we shall solve this problem together.* As she moved her hand toward his face, the tiger dissolved into an orange-black wave mottled with blue; in an instant, all color disappeared. In the consuming blackness, the deafening roars of a turbulent sea enveloped her; then, all sound vanished.

Silent eternity finally gave way to a tendril of faint, excited voices hidden somewhere within the abyss. Talitha listened calmly as the utterances grew louder.

"Gods of Thundera! What happened!"

"Easy, cub, she's just fainted, that's all. It was a good thing that you had her in your arms, otherwise she could have fallen, and have easily hit her head on the edge of the table. Here, let's get her feet elevated. Put that cloth under her head."

The masculine speakers had swiftly arranged her in a more comfortable position. The one with the commanding voice said, "Good. Don't you dare try a healing, architect. You'd better sit down. You look like you're about to faint too." He said soothingly, "Don't worry. Your tigress will be fine as soon as we can bring her around.

"Now," the deep voice growled, "any of you villagers have some smelling salts?"

A shrill tenor chirped, "Yes!"

"Excellent. Bring it to us. Also, it would be better if you good folks would please move outside. It's too damn hot and stuffy in here as it is. As soon as our healer revives, we will move her to the fresh air."

Someone caressed her wrists and made them tingle.

"I thought that I told you not to do this!" The harsh one drove away the feathery touch.

"Here, Panthro," a female squeaked.

Panthro? Panthro is a warrior and possesses mechanical genius, he-- A foul, smelling fog enveloped her. "No!" She clawed the air as she felt herself rise and become the unwilling prisoner of a fierce sky demon.

Color exploded around her. The world had reformed. She looked upon the face of the demon, and named him. "Tygra!"

The worry in his amber eyes lessened. The tiger's words flew from his lips. "You scared the seven hells out of me! How do you feel?"

"Still confused...it's hard to speak...I--Goddess be blessed! I fainted."

"And too dramatically for my health," Tygra hissed. He set her down on a low bench outside of the lodge. He sat beside her, and placed his arms around her protectively.

"Are you all right, White?" Lion-o asked as he and the other Thundercats pushed through the tangle of people.

"I'll feel much better when everything stops spinning. I suspect that the dancing and the heat inside the inn were the cause of my 'spell'."

"Do you agree, Tygra?"

"For now, Lion-o, yes. However, she will undergo a complete medical scan when we return to the Lair."

What little faith he still has in his own ability, she thought, to prefer to use that machine to get information, and how dare he belittle me! The mystic grumbled, "Stop treating me like a sick kitten, Tygra. I would be the first person to know if I were truly ill."

"And you the second, Tygra," Cheetara added with a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

"An excellent point," the mystic agreed. "Tygra, examine me if you doubt. Check for disease like I have taught you."

Her lover wasted no time granting her request. He gently held her wrists. As his power flowed from his hands, she became shrouded in blue light. After a few minutes, he terminated his examination. The wisps of blue faded like a dream. "You are right," he admitted reluctantly. I can detect no infection in your system. However, you must rest, dear one. I do sense a slight imbalance probably caused by your exertions."

"That is easy enough to explain," the cheetah remarked. "White works too hard as a healer. In addition, she has not been eating properly, a fact which has somehow escaped you, Tygra. In fact, she has not yet eaten today."

"Is this true?"

The edge of annoyance in her mate's question made her fearful of his displeasure, but the mystic answered truthfully. "Yes. I was very busy yesterday, as well you know, with the performance of my duty in the Balkin village. This late cycle of influenza has caught all the local healers by surprise. For some reason, I did not sleep well last night. You, I might add, were too deeply asleep to notice my restlessness. By the time the dawn had arrived, fatigue simply stole my appetite." The frown on his face suggested that he had put little faith in her words. To allay his suspicions, she said confidently, "But the effort of the dance had restored my appetite. I was just about to ask you to get me some food when I suddenly fainted. Now there is no need for me to ruin everyone's fun. Let's go back to enjoying the festival. I for one plan to indulge in some of the spicier Wolo delicacies."

Lion-o ran his hand through his red mane. She may have convinced her lover of her wellness, but the nervous youth appeared unconvinced. The tiger said unexpectedly, "Shall I take White back to the Lair, Lion-o? As Lord of the Thundercats, it is your decision to make." Talitha glared at her condescending lover.

"Panthro, what do you think," the lion asked.

The warrior narrowed his eyes, and rubbed his chin in contemplation. "Lion-o, it is always best to be cautious," he said finally, "but I believe White's assessment of her condition. The evidence given also suggests that she suffered a simple episode of fainting, and no more. Let her stay." He smiled then added, "Besides, you can be sure that Tygra will keep a sharp watch."

I should not have my fate decided by acclamation! Talitha thought hotly. Her rigid posture killed the panther's amusement.

"Snarf?"

The elderly servant wrung his hands. "I don't know Lion-o, snarf, snarf. I think that it is best for White to go home."

"I completely agree, Snarf, a fine idea," the tiger replied smugly.

"But on the other hand, she works harder than the rest of us most of the time. The work of a healer is demanding and unforgiving, snarf, snarf. She should be allowed to relax."

"A fine idea, Snarf," the kittens and Cheetara chimed.

At least someone is one my side! Talitha thought. However, since this does not effect my work with others, by law, I will have to submit to Lion-o's decision. Goddess, but I hate this. The mystic worried the tassels of her belt as the lion weighed all the counsel he had received.

"Talitha?"

The lion had whispered her true name. She regarded him carefully. His golden eyes reflected a maturity that belied his youth. Maybe he does understand my feelings, she thought. His father, Claudus, was known for his unique sensitivity to the mind and heart of his people.

The king shrugged his broad shoulders. "I guess you've won a reprieve. But if you feel at all ill--"

"Have no fear, my lord, I will be her shadow," Tygra interrupted.

"You can but try, architect!" she snapped, her patience depleted.

"Then it's settled," Cheetara added. Let's have some fun. We each deserve this pleasant diversion."

Talitha exchanged glances with the historian. The cheetah was right. The prescription for the day called for happiness not anger. She gave her friend an acknowledging nod. The mystic turned to the architect and poked him in his side. "Come, fleshy one. You can certainly tell me where to get some food."

*****

The elegant tones made by flute and harp drifted into the night. Silence returned once more to the lantern-lit glade. The audience broke the calm with cries for an encore from the two Thunderan musicians.

Talitha's heart raced with alarm. She and Tygra had not practiced a third tune, for the high-elder had insisted that all the participants in the evening musical performance limit themselves to two pieces. Ironically, Jawhar now howled his demand the most.

The challenge of improvisation faced them, a problem that Tygra swiftly passed to her. *You're the composer, dear one. I will follow your lead in this matter.*

*Coward!* she retorted. Her companion, however, had spoken the truth. She had crafted her selections purposefully to Wolo tastes. Perhaps, she thought, I can try a piece with a more Thunderan flavor. And yet, how can I make our music speak to them. Searching for inspiration and a common ground, she carefully studied the furry faces of the villagers. The warm light glinted off the sharp horns of several Balkin males who sat nearest the wooden stage. Wolos, Balkins, humans and others. So many different races! Dear Mintálí, goddess of music, help me find the song meaningful for all.

She set her hands to the lap harp, and began to play. A cheerful and airy melody, butterfly fluid, floated over the gathering. With his flute, Tygra added the chirping of birds and the vibrant rhythm of the River. The music spoke of the vigor of summer and of the abundant harvest it had provided. The cool tones of autumn swiftly breezed through the harp, and heralded the inevitability of winter and death. The lyric flute wept; its frightened harmony sought in vain for escape. Under daunting winter's shroud, harp and flute fought sleep. Their weakening notes courted the silence until a fiery note budded forth from a string. The potent harp loosed primitive emotions, and presented a mystery that the stubborn flute tried to solve with its spiralling notes. Within the continuous circle erected by the flute, the harp gave birth to the spring. With hope returned to the song, the tigers ended their rhapsody in unison.

No thought formed in her mind. Only the fire of the music existed in her soul. She looked up from her harp, and gazed silently at her tiger. His mouth formed words of love that had no sound.

The glade reverberated with applause and chanting. Jawhar scrambled onto the stage. "Quiet, please, quiet!" Despite the respect normally given to him, it took the Wolo high-elder several minutes to calm the crowd. When he had restored order, he said, "Such glorious music, and such a fitting end to the day. Goodnight and safe journey, gentle folk." Content in the sphere of silence that she shared with her lover, Talitha had barely noted the Wolo's words.

"Come you two, you can't sit here all blasted night," a gruff voice commanded. Panthro helped her to her feet.

The night air fitted her like a warm, gauzy veil. The world, and everything in it must truly be a dream, the drowsy mystic thought. Holding Tygra's hand, she walked with him in silence toward the Thundertank.

*****

The panther drove his tank at a leisurely pace. The journey back to the Lair would not take long, and there was no point in stressing the engines of his proud invention. A loud snore from Lion-o disturbed the quiet. Katren had squeezed next to the lion on the front seat. The youngster's hands and feet twitched in his sleep. Dreaming of our day, are we, young one. The panther chuckled. Poor Tygra. The kittens had certainly set their trap well.

Panthro flicked on the scanner. The rear compartment came into view on the small screen set on the control board. Cheetara, lovely eyes closed, rested her head against the architect's right shoulder, while White, cradling sleeping Kitra, dozed against his left. The old snarf sprawled across the floor in a manner that indicated that he too was at rest. The tiger alone was not asleep, but stared at the walls of the cabin as if in a trance.

The panther's deep bass rumbled over the intercom. "Why is it that you get all the females, Tygra?

A lazy smile settled across his friend's face. He quipped, "I attribute it to the stripes, Panthro."

Although Tygra's manner was easy, tension had crept in his smooth baritone. "Out with it, architect. What's going on in that overactive brain of yours?"

"I'm not sure, Panthro. That last piece of music that Talitha and I played...Goddess be blessed, it's trying to tell me something."

"My brother, give your brain a rest. Her music spoke of life's mysteries; they're not solved in one evening."

"I suppose you're right, Panthro."

The warrior turned off the viewer. In his bones, he knew that Tygra had remained puzzled.

*****

The tiger carried the mystic to his chamber. He lowered her onto his bed, then sat beside her. The darkness hid the colors of her fur. Stroking her mane, he murmured, "Umber stripes paint your light brown crown. Magic transforms your silken cap to ivory, then goddess-pure white. I can lose myself in the beauty of one fine strand."

Will I spent the night cataloging your virtues, Talitha, he wondered with fatigue. The music that you played tonight has made insomnia my bedfellow. How I wish I could understand the significance of the melody that you created. Such subtly and power in one so young....

Tygra placed the tips of his fingers against her temples. He opened his mind to his gift, then frowned. Imbalance again, dear one, but why? No matter. You need rest, and I am going to see that you get it. He altered the flow of blue light, and sent his mate into a deeper level of sleep. Satisfied with his work, he disengaged the connection. Tygra reached for a blanket that draped the edge of his large bed, then covered them both.

He lay quietly beside the one that he loved. The strains of the harp music haunted his mind.

*****

At dawn, an errant sunbeam roused the panther from his rest. He moved from his bed slowly. It had seemed that he had only been asleep for minutes not hours. "Gods above, I'm getting old," he grumbled as he tried to work the stiffness out of his fingers. After some futile stretching, he sluggishly prepared for the long day that lay ahead.

With a small pack in hand, Panthro soon crossed through the great Lair doors to the outside. He squinted in the bright morning light, and saw the architect in the courtyard below.

The skintight blue uniform made the tiger's extra weight evident. The panther quietly watched as the younger Thundercat performed a series of complicated movements with a long wooden staff. Well he may be fat, but he is still more graceful than I'll ever be, Panthro thought with admiration. When the tiger finished the exercise, the warrior applauded.

The loud noise startled the focused tiger and caused him to drop his stave. Tygra picked up his practice stick and politely bowed in response to his teacher's approval.

Approaching the younger lord, Panthro asked, "You ready for work my portly friend?" Tygra gave him a curt nod. "Good." The panther dropped his pack. He pulled free the nunchaku that he had hitched onto his belt. "Let's continue with a few more exercises. Then, I'll lead you on a little run." He touched the tiger's abdomen with his nunchaku. "If you're still alive after all of that, well, then we shall see...."

*****

Talitha reclined peacefully on Tygra's bed. A cool morning breeze wafting through an open window made her reluctant to leave the bed's warm comfort. Besides, she thought, I'm almost too rested to move.

The position of the sun had told her that she had overslept. She had no doubt that Tygra had been responsible for her state; however, he had bent mystic rules by deciding what was best for her without her approval. Still, she thought, he could not have guided me to such deep sleep without some inner acceptance of his actions on my part.

She sniffed the sleeve of her gown. Goddess, at least he could thought to remove my clothes. I stink like a Mutant. "Paradoxical tiger!" she shouted. "He thinks nothing of toying with my mind, and yet, he leaves me in yesterday's robes!" Talitha wriggled free of the bedding, and sprinted to the adjacent bathroom. She quickly stripped off her soiled garments, and readied the shower.

The flow of hot water over her body diffused her indignation. She thought with amusement, Panthro has Tygra in his unforgiving grip. I wonder if my love will survive the exercise that the grey one has planned!

She emerged from the shower, and clad herself in a towel that was too small to cover her completely. Damn tiger could have at least laid out some clean clothing for me! Now I shall have to race to my chamber.

She peered into the corridor. All clear? she wondered. Not like I have a choice, I suppose. Hoping that no one would see her so ridiculously dressed, Talitha darted down the hallway.

*****

Inside the vacant kitchen, the properly attired mystic prepared a pot of aromatic Berbil tea. The outer door to the dining hall opened and closed. Talitha listened carefully to the light footfalls. Ah, Cheetara, she decided.

"Tea, oh swift one?" she asked as the cheetah entered the room.

"Thank you, yes, oh late-rising one."

The mystic frowned. Her friend had scored a hit on her pride. Damn that tiger for making me sleep so soundly.

Reaching for her cup, Cheetah giggled. "You have already been with Tygra too long, mystic. You imitate so very well the way that he raises his eyebrow when he is displeased. At least, you haven't fattened as he has. Think he will survive Panthro's drill?"

Talitha shook her head from side to side. It would not go well for the overweight architect.

Cheetara touched her shoulder. "Talitha, I wish that he could give some of that fat to you. You look gaunt. Are you sure that you are well?"

The mystic sipped her tea. She had recently tired more than usual in the performance of her duties, but she had also been very busy in the villages. The people living in the vicinity of Cats' Lair had become quite used to her services. Fortunately, Tygra's skill in healing had progressed tremendously since the enhancement of his power. Soon, he would take on more patients when they made their calls. She stroked her jaw. She didn't feel as thin as the cheetah had implied. "I'm fine, but perhaps I am a bit overworked as you suggested yesterday at the festival," she answered.

"You and Tygra are well-suited to each other. You're both driven," the cheetah scolded. "However, you have more balance than he. Since you've won his heart, he has learned how to relax just a little." Cheetara set her cup on the counter. "Listen to me, mystic," she said as she fiddled with a loose strap on her orange bodysuit. "The weather is beautiful today, quite warm for early autumn. Why don't we walk to the lake near the Berbil village, and get away from both males and kittens. I know that I promised Panthro that I would monitor the control room until he returned, but Snarf can do the work in my place."

Before the mystic could respond the dining hall beyond resonated with shouts. "White! White! Come quickly!" The breathless snarf stumbled through the swinging doors into the kitchen.

"Easy, Snarf," Talitha chided. "Running like this isn't good for one of your age!"

"Emergency...warrior women...came over the communicator in the control room," he gasped.

"Care for him, Cheetara," Talitha cried as she ran from the kitchen.

*****

"Lion-o, only with Talitha's help, do we have a chance of saving mother and child!"

Crossing into the control room, the mystic thought, I have never heard Willa so distressed. The young Queen's face filled the large monitor above the instrument panel. The circles under the woman's dark brown eyes only served to accentuate her haggard features. Talitha sat in a chair beside Lion-o. She said calmly, "Willa, I need to know precisely what has occurred."

"It's Thalia. Her baby is poorly placed in her womb. Her labor has been unproductive. We fear that the child cannot be born without the use of the knife."

"I will come immediately, Willa. I pray by the Goddess that we are not too late."

"We await you." The screen went dark. The queen had terminated the link from the portable monitor that Panthro had constructed in the treetop village.

"Lion-o, I will meet you at the tank in five minutes. I need to gather some herbs that may prove useful." Without waiting for a reply from the lion, she swiftly exited the chamber.

*****

Panthro studied his friend. The younger Thundercat, who perched uncomfortably upon a sizable boulder, puffed loudly. During their run, the tiger had not complained; however, from his ragged breaths, it was now obviousthat he had endured enough exercise for one day.

The panther reached into his pack, and removed a corked bottle which he passed to the tiger. This is a good time to question him. His guard is low, Panthro thought. The architect drank the cold water greedily. "You never did answer the question that I posed to you the other day," the warrior said with a casual manner.

Tygra set the canteen down beside him on the rock. He tapped the ground with his foot. A small cloud of dust coated his odd boots that covered neither toe nor heel. He replied, "I cannot give you an explanation, except to say that the craving that I have for sweet food has grown so strong that I have failed to properly control my urges. At this very moment, all that I would like to do is to gorge on something horribly sweet. But I will tell you this, Panthro, the problem is only of recent development, I should say, within the past 30 suns or so." The tiger pinched the fat around his waist. "Yet, you can see how quickly the damage has accumulated." The tiger stood and began to pace. "Oh, it hasn't helped that I have been neglecting routine exercise. I don't know where Talitha gets her energy; she performs her fitness regime daily, says she finds it invigorating to move and stretch for an hour.

"Working with her on healing is still a somewhat tiring experience for me despite my progress. If you add to all of this, the stress of advising Lion-o, and overseeing most of the operations of the Lair, well, you get an exhausted and woefully unconditioned Tygra."

"Maybe you and White should ease up on your healing practice."

"Gods, no, Panthro. What we are doing is crucial for our survival."

"Can this new mind-link be sapping your strength?"

"No. Our personal adjustments to the bond, whatever our opinion of it, are complete." The striped cat sat on the rock once more. "Panthro, I swear to you on the Sword of Omens that this bond has become so natural that I have forgotten what existence was like before it formed. Although I don't like the dangers inherent in this arrangement, and sometimes I still yearn for total privacy, I've grown use to the idea of never being alone again. Try to understand: on some level, Talitha is always with me, and this has only brought me ever-increasing joy."

"Easy, Tygra, I didn't mean to upset you or to judge you. I'm just trying to understand a situation that took us all by surprise, and has required adjustment by everyone in the Lair." The tiger agreed with his statement with a grunt. Guess I'd better change the subject, the panther thought. He pointed to the lesser tributary of the River in the clearing beyond. "Let's take a cool dip, Tygra. You've certainly earned it."

The tiger's black eyebrows shot upward in terror. "No! Even this rather tame section of water is too swift and too deep for me to wade." He clenched his fists, then declared, "One day, I will conquer that problem as well, Panthro, but not today." The tiger stood, then reached for the pack. He placed his bolo-whip inside the canvas bag. Pointing to a tree, the architect said, "If you don't mind, I'll just catch a nap in the shade."

"Fine. But before you go--catch this!" The panther tossed his nunchaku to the tiger. "And one more thing...." Panthro stripped off his clothing, and made a neat pile. "Take these things with you. Don't want to leave my clothes unguarded," he quipped.

Tygra admitted, "I have often been tempted to do just that. I have never liked the uniform that Jaga created for me, and neither does Talitha. The sorcerer's taste ran in an exotic vein, and unfortunately, so does our young king's. I only wish that someone would steal all the uniforms that Jaga had made for us before our landing." Gathering the clothing, the tiger added dryly, "I have yet to figure out a way to do it discreetly."

Pointing to the matched bandoliers, Panthro said, "One of these days, I'm going to stick myself with those spikes. They are not practical, unless, of course, I decide to hug a Mutant, and skewer him."

The tiger responded to his lame joke with soft laughter before carrying his burden toward the nearest tree. "Sleep well, Tygra!" Panthro shouted. "As for me, I'm going to enjoy that swim."

*****

"Kanika! Talitha has arrived!" Willa's urgent shout matched her militant stride. She moved into Thalia's hut along with the Thunderan.

The mystic passed her staff to the queen. She said, "Please go. It will be better for Thalia if only Kanika and I remain. We will call you when all is done."

"I will stand watch outside the door," she agreed.

I wish our King Lion-o had been as cooperative as you, Willa, Talitha thought as she watched the queen of the warrior women depart. I hope he didn't drive the Thundertank recklessly back to the lair, or Panthro will have his hide, Lord of the Thundercats not withstanding. Dark-skinned Kanika approached her. She kept herself from staring at the tight ringlets of coiled hair that so fascinated her. "Sister-healer, I will try to do my best to help you," the mystic said formally. "Now, may I examine, Thalia?" Kanika pointed to the low cot upon which the pregnant woman lay.

The young woman moaned softly. Talitha knelt beside the cot, and held the warrior's hand until the contraction had ceased. From the strain on Thalia's face, it was clear that she had labored unsuccessfully for many hours. She stroked the woman's hot face and long blonde hair. "Allow me to help you." The fair woman smiled back weakly. The mystic removed the blanket that had covered her patient. She placed her fingers on Thalia's expanded abdomen. After several controlled breaths, Talitha entered into the healing state.

The power of the life within the woman surged into her. The tigress immediately broke the contact. "Seven Maidens!" A wave of dizziness overtook her.

"Mystic!" Kanika dropped down beside her. The fear in the healer's voice indicated that she had thought that the infant had died.

"No, Kanika, you misunderstand," Talitha assured her. "I broke contact too quickly, that's all. Thalia's daughter is strong, but we can delay no longer. Prepare the knife."

Kanika moved to the heating stone. She wrapped a strip of linen around the hilt of the dagger partially submerged in the pot of boiling water.

Maddened with fear by the sight of the blade, Thalia shrieked. She tried to lift herself off of the cot. "Goddess be blessed," Talitha shouted with surprise. Not waiting for assistance from Kanika, the mystic pinned the struggling woman by virtue of her superior Thunderan strength. Mrísena forgive me for sending you into oblivion without an explanation, but there is simply no time to waste. Talitha applied pressure to a point at the base of Thalia's ear. The pregnant woman became unconscious.

"Mystic, will she stay asleep?" Kanika asked with concern.

"No, Kanika. I must put her into a deeper state of unconsciousness by mystic means."

Talitha entered the healing state once again. This time, Thalia, you will stay asleep! Satisfied with her effort, Talitha let go of the comatose woman. The room suddenly began to spin. She put her hand to her mouth as nausea consumed her. This is no time for weakness. I will prevail! She closed her eyes to shut out any distraction. With a series of long breaths, she convinced her body to obey her demands. The nausea and dizziness vanished.

"Mystic, you do not look well enough to continue," the healer said.

Talitha barked, "I am well enough to honor my oath, Kanika." She ignored the older woman's frown, and continued. "You fetch the knife, while I clean Thalia with some warm water. Once we begin, I will staunch the bleeding with mystic healing, while you deliver this cub. I promise, with the action I have taken, Thalia will feel no pain from this intrusion. She enjoys a deep sleep. After you bring forth the cub, I will prevent infection and seal the wound. Is this clear?"

"So shall it be," Kanika said, "And may the Goddess help us all."

Blue healing light stemmed the tide of blood soon released by the silver knife. Kanika freed the squirming baby from its mother's womb. "She wears a veil," the warrior-healer shouted in amazement. "The Lady be praised! She has given us a seeress!"

The baby wailed when the healer peeled off the membranes covering her face. Kanika cut the umbilical cord when it stopped pulsing, and placed the child on a pad of linen. She removed the afterbirth through the incision. "I have finished, and will bathe the child," she said to the mystic.

Kanika's actions and words had filtered through the haze of her mystic trance. Talitha called up the healing vibration necessary to complete her work. The powerful energy of life suddenly assailed her. Another cub? she wondered frantically. Impossible! Kanika would have found it. Talitha focused her power. No, I have not been mistaken, she thought with relief. Thalia's womb is indeed clear. There is no hidden twin. The mystic increased her concentration. The strange force had mysteriously vanished. Unable to find anything amiss, she finished what she had begun.

Talitha emerged from her trance, and examined her handiwork. Thalia's flattened, but flabby belly bore no mark upon it. Excellent. Now to see the fine cub. As the mystic rose, she faltered. "Damn this vertigo!" Before she could fall, Kanika grabbed her and maneuvered her into a chair.

"Don't move, stubborn one! I will have Nayda bring you some food and tea," the warrior-healer declared.

"I will follow your advice, and give you no argument, Kanika. I feel as if I have just fought a battle and lost!" The dazed mystic closed her eyes to keep the room from spinning. I don't understand all of this! I have had plenty of rest, I shouldn't feel this way, she decided before drifting to sleep.

*****

Talitha nibbled some bread. Her brief nap had certainly been refreshing; there was no use denying that she probably needed rest, whatever she had thought. She surveyed her surroundings. Thalia slept peacefully on clean bedding; her handsome cub suckled at the breast of another warrior. The queen and her sister, Nayda, finished clearing the linens soiled by birth. Kanika sat across from her, and regarded her with suspicion. "May I have some tea?" Talitha asked innocently with the hope of preventing the healer from questioning her well-being.

Kanika's ebony eyes saw through her deception, but the warrior respected her desire for privacy. Between sips of tea, the only subject they discussed was Thalia's recovery.

*****

As the sun passed its zenith, Talitha decided that it was time to return home. It would take her several hours to cover the distance on foot between the Lair and the tree-top kingdom.

"Willa, I must go. You know that the Lair cannot function without me," Talitha said lightheartedly.

"How can we even attempt to thank you, mystic. Your presence here made the difference between life and death for our sister and her daughter," Willa said.

"To thank me is unnecessary, Willa. I am a healer. To serve others is my vocation."

"Here, mystic, your staff." Nayda chirped.

Talitha took the weapon from the queen's sister, and said to her, "Please use the communicator to let Lion-o know that I have started back for the Lair. Since I have to cross the River at Barge Point, it will take some time for me to complete the journey. I don't want him to worry about me."

"It will be done, Talitha," Nayda answered.

The mystic embraced Kanika. For two who had devoted themselves to the path of healing, and had performed well, an exchange of words seemed superfluous.

Leaving the hut, Talitha descended the broad series of ramps that connected the tree-top village to the forest floor. Cool breezes ruffled her mane. What she could see of the sky through the cover of the trees was a brilliant blue that reminded her of the color of Tir'shan's eyes. It is indeed too beautiful a day to be struck inside Panthro's mechanical contraption, she decided happily. An invigorating walk is the perfect medicine for my ailments.

*****

The mystic relaxed under the shade of a tree. The crossing of the River by means of a Wolo barge had gone smoothly. If she listened carefully, she could still hear the flowing waters some distance away. Talitha noted the sun's descent toward the west. Best to get started, or I'll sit here all afternoon, she thought.

As she walked, she sang a ribald tune which Panthro, much to Tygra's distaste, had taught her. She reached for the high note in the refrain when her throat began to burn. She bent over and vomited on a collection of tree roots. The mystic searched the pouch tied to her belt for a cloth. She cleaned her teary eyes, and fouled lips with a piece of coarse linen.

"Goddess, what next! Fatigue, dizziness, and vomiting. What have I--" A scene from the past played in her mind. Her middle-aged mother had voiced the same set of symptoms to a serene Servalla, and her younger self. How shocked Sum'ri'san had been when the older mystic had made an immediate diagnosis of pregnancy.

"It cannot be true!" she gasped. Her thoughts reached back to the day of her return from her journey in the strange realm between life and death. "I had my bleeding then. I completed my first cycle of fertility. Not enough time has passed for me to even consider second fertility."

The mystic sat on the grass. I refuse to believe that I'm pregnant. Although it's unlikely, maybe I've somehow contracted the influenza that's been causing such problems with the natives. She tapped her claws against the crystal set on her staff. Then why don't I have chest congestion? she wondered.

I suppose I'd better find out what is wrong with me. This has become too frustrating. Pregnant, indeed! What nonsense. Convinced that no one was watching her, she opened the front of her gown. She slid her hands under her ak'ti, and let them rest at a point just below her navel. With each measured breath, she sank into a deeper state of relaxation. She summoned her power, and touched the new spark of life within her body.

The truth destroyed her trance and her control. The frightened mystic leapt to her feet, and ran blindly through the wood.

*****

Panthro studied the sky as his wet fur dried slowly. Bored with cataloging the feathery clouds by shape, he glanced down at his friend. The snoring tiger appeared no closer to waking than he had a half an hour before. A yellow bird alighted on a nearby branch, and began to scold the grey Thundercat. Panthro laughed at the fierce, but tiny creature. "You are a welcome distraction, winged one. Perhaps you can wake Tygra." He never finished his conversation with the diminutive terror. An ear-splitting roar drove the bird away. "What in the seven hells was that all about?" he asked the younger noble, but the tiger who had lain beside him moments before had vanished. "Name of Jaga!" The specter of Tygra madly sprinting into the river momentarily rooted the panther in place.

"Damn fool!" Shaking off his paralysis, Panthro raced after the architect. "Wait, Tygra, wait! The current is too strong; you'll drown!"

The water already reached to the tiger's waist. A wail of fear erupted from the striped Thundercat as he lost his footing. The rapid current swiftly pulled him under. In an instant, he reappeared, flailing helplessly.

*****

Unmerciful trees flogged the mystic. Sharp branches cut her face and hands. Talitha stumbled into knot of vines, and became trapped. Struggling worsened her imprisonment in the living net. The exhausted mystic slipped into unconsciousness.

*****

Panthro launched himself into the river. His strong arms easily sliced the turbulent waters, and propelled him forward. He grabbed the fainting tiger, and prevented him from submerging a second time. With the tiger in tow, the warrior fought the current with difficulty.

He pulled the architect out of the river, and dropped him onto the grass. Although unconscious, Tygra took rapid, shallow breaths. Panthro shifted his friend onto his side to permit drainage of any water that he might have swallowed.

"Jaga be blessed, that is all I can do for you, Tygra. When you awake you'd better explain what happened." Still panting from his struggle, the grey Thundercat rested beside his friend, and waited patiently for him to revive.

*****

Something tickled. Talitha opened her eyes and shrieked. She brushed away the brown spider that had sat on the tip of her nose. She untangled herself from the mass of vines, and sat upright.

"Goddess be blessed," she whispered. She massaged her temples, which throbbed painfully. She shifted her position on the hard ground. "Ouch!" A sharp rock had stabbed her thigh. She tossed the offending stone into the bushes. Must try to relax, she decided. Start breathing in rhythm to help control this pain. One...two...three.... By the twentieth breath, her headache had disappeared. She tapped into her power, and healed the minor abrasions that she had incurred.

Rising, she composed herself. She closed the front her gown, and plucked the leaves from her mane. What a mess! I'm glad no one saw me in that state, especially Tygra, she decided.

Tygra.... Had her panic spell effected him through their special link? she wondered. She assessed the state of her psychic shield to his mind. It's in place, but my question remains unanswered. If my psychic guard had fallen because of my panic, it would have reestablished itself automatically once the stimulus had been removed. At this point, there is no way for me to ascertain the truth. Guess I should contact Tygra then to ease my fears. She tried to reach across the miles telepathically, but failed to summon her gift.

It is of no use, I'm too damn tired to try, she decided. If Tygra wants me, he will just have to--by the gods! The realization that her staff was missing hit her like a thunderbolt. She frantically searched the ground. "Mrísena, where!" Suddenly she knew: the clearing where she had paused to rest before her insane exodus. With a thankful prayer to her Goddess on her lips, Talitha hurried back to the peaceful spot where her problem had revealed itself.

*****

It occurred to Tygra that his eyes were open. Am I alive? He moved and watched the world tilt. A pair of large grey hands steadied him, and moved him to a sitting position. Panthro, always my savior, he thought warmly. He studied his comrade's care-worn face. Tygra tried to alleviate the warrior's fears, but instead of words, he coughed up a mixture of spittle and river water flecked with blood.

"Easy, Tygra, easy. I don't know how much of the River you decided to gulp, so for now, just try and relax." Panthro passed him a moistened towel with which to clean himself. "Until you can speak, let me tell you what happened from my perspective. I've known you long enough to know that sooner or later that analytical brain of yours will try to fit all the pieces of this puzzle together."

The tiger's mouth stretched into a weak smile despite his discomfort and his bewilderment. "Begin, Panthro," he sighed.

*****

"...so I set you on the ground, and thanked the gods that you were still breathing. I have explained my part in this little drama. Are you ready to fill in the rest?"

Not really, Tygra thought, but I shall have to try, and hope that you do not think me mad. He croaked, "It started with a dream that soon turned into a nightmare. Talitha stood by me. Instead of love there was fear in her wondrous eyes. She ran from me. I tried to follow her, but could not reach her. My heart cried out: what terror makes you flee from me, Talitha? Next thing I know I am in the middle of the river behaving as the coward that I am."

"You have nothing to be ashamed of, Tygra."

By the gods, perhaps, I do! What if Talitha experienced my panic? He focused on the state of his protection to the mind-link that he shared with the mystic. The ward was safely in place. There was no way of knowing if it had fallen in response to his terror.

"Trouble, Tygra?" the panther asked quickly.

He can read my expression as easily as a favorite book, Tygra decided. He said with hesitation, "I am concerned that my fright might have endangered Talitha, but I can't be sure. Unless she mentions something specific, can we keep this incident a secret?"

"I would still like to know how a mere nightmare can drive you as this one did, Tygra, but I'll do as you've asked. Anyway, you have forgotten that Talitha is now keyed to you though another source."

"By the gods, you're right. The Sword of Omens!"

"Since we haven't heard from our young leader, I think it is safe to assume that your episode escaped the sword's attention. Maybe Jaga's magic blade didn't feel you were in enough trouble to signal Lion-o. It is fickle in that way. If it had roared a warning, and Lion-o had summoned its power, not only would Talitha have sensed danger, but the surge of magic probably would have broken your madness."

The panther's logic calmed his fears. No need to create a problem where one does not exist, Tygra thought. "We'd better return to the Lair," he said. "We've had more than our share of excitement today."

Panthro helped him to his feet. "You should take it slow though, Tygra. Better strip out of those wet clothes. There are at least two more towels in the pack, and a spare robe for you to don."

"How did you know that--"

"Cub, I am not entirely heartless. You don't look at all becoming in your uniform with that belly on you. Besides, I'm always prepared." The panther shook him genially. "Now let me dry off in peace, so I can dress. I'm tired of standing here naked for all the females of Third Earth to judge!"

*****

Talitha stroked the smooth dark wood of her staff. The light reflected by the faceted blue crystal that crowned the magical weapon patterned the grass upon which she sat. The changing colors guided her thoughts into the past.

"Servalla, it's impossible. I can't function a as midwife."

"Youngling, you must."

"The pain and the humiliation that these females must suffer sickens me. I can't bear to look upon their bloated forms."

"Talitha, you must go beyond your fear. Help them, and rejoice in the power of our sex."

The mystic placed the staff beside her. She leaned back against the broad tree trunk. Such a bittersweet memory, she thought as she regarded the turquoise sky above. Servalla forced me to confront my fear of pregnancy by assisting her at every birth that she attended. Because of her teaching, I can perform my obligation as a midwife; however, despite my training, I have yet to vanquish my phobia. Talitha ran her hand over her flat belly, and said, "Dearest mentor, how can one rejoice when one looks like a swollen fruit?"

I will be as puffy as those clouds, she decided forlornly. The pain of labor I can endure, but there is no cure for the loss of control over my body. She asked in bewilderment, "Merciful Goddess of Healing, how have I offended you? Why did you grant to me this precious gift before I had the maturity to appreciate it?"

A light breeze rustled the leaves. As the wind wears down the mountains, so too time erodes our fears. Perhaps this is the only answer to my dilemma, she thought, but it doesn't make telling Tygra any easier. "How in Thundera do I tell you of this miracle, dear one, and not incur your wrath? I will not terminate this life for either my convenience or your staunch principles."

A grey cloud dimmed the sunlight. Rain? Best to continue my journey, she decided. The mystic secured her staff. Goddess knows what the others will think of this. For now, I just have to remain calm. She stood and brushed the dust from her robe. With any luck, I will return to the Lair before Tygra. I need the time to be alone.

*****

As she walked toward her chamber, Talitha savored Cheetara's report once more: Tygra had not yet returned. The disgruntled cheetah, had barely taken the time to tell her the welcome news. The historian had busied herself with a self-absorbed tirade that had cited the selfishness of Tygra and Panthro. Cheetara had not planned on spending the bulk of the day as a prisoner in the control room.

Talitha had almost reached her quarters when a grating voice said, "You're back, snarf, snarf! Did everything turn out well?"

The tigress curbed a strong urge to stuff the nosey snarf into the laundry basket that he carried. She said quickly, "Yes, Snarf, all's well. Please excuse me while I--"

"You've been crying! Tell me the truth, cub." The annoyed snarf dropped his basket and set his clenched fists against his rotund haunches.

How in the seven hells had he known! she thought. And how do I get him to go away. The old snarf had too much experience in appraising the mercurial humors of the nobility. Misleading him seemed impossible unless she could cleverly shade the truth.

She looked directly at the snarf, and said with as much sweetness as she dared muster, "Yes, my friend, I cried, but only because Thalia's labor was difficult. The ending was a happy one. By weeping, I released all the stress that I had endured this day in the performance of my duty." Before he could respond to her account, she added, "Now you can understand why I am extremely tired. I am going to rest for several hours, probably well past dinner. No arguments. I'll eat when it will do me the most good."

"Fine," the snarf reluctantly conceded, "but Tygra won't be pleased."

Either she had just scored a victory against the old servant, or he had easily seen through her lie, and decided to grant her request. No matter, her objective had been achieved. The snarf would see to it that Tygra left her alone. She said, "Tygra is as resolute a nursemaid as you, Snarf, but to be honest, he is far more obstinate and protective."

"That he is, snarf, snarf," the elder replied with a chuckle. He reached for her hand. Patting it he said, "Go rest. I worry about you more than the others. You work too hard."

Goddess, now he has made me feel guilty. He has won this round. She bent over, and kissed the top of his blonde head. "Thanks, Snarf."

"Talitha! Go rest!" the flustered snarf demanded. He took his laundry basket and scurried down the corridor.

"That I shall, Snarf," she whispered to the retreating figure.

*****

"Snarf, have you seen White? Lion-o said that she had reported back into the Lair," Tygra asked as he entered the recreation hall.

The snarf, who folded laundry, replied facetiously, "Tygra, you mean to tell me that you haven't checked your room?"

The tiger huffed, "Snarf, I'm too tired for games!"

"And so is she, Tygra. Actually, White is in her room. She doesn't want to be disturbed. She is exhausted from the birth that she assisted with this day.

A birth? The information momentarily piqued the tiger's curiosity, but he quickly steered the conversation back to the question that had been bothering him since his return to the Lair. "Tell me, Snarf, did she mention anything else to you, anything unusual?"

"Jaga's mane, Tygra, isn't what I've told you enough!"

"Indeed, Snarf," the chastised Thundercat replied. Thank the gods that my nightmare was a failed augury. Snarf's testimony indicates that my escapade at the River didn't effect Talitha in the slightest, he decided with relief.

"Tygra?"

The Thundercat marked the snarf's suspicion in the forward tilt of the elder's overlarge ears. He knows that I seek more than I have requested. I'd best change the topic. The architect grabbed a towel from the basket. "Here, Snarf, I'll help you fold. Tell me, have you seen the kittens. Even though it is late, I'm am not about to let them forget their lessons for today."

*****

Talitha stretched her unclothed body. The restful interlude that she had enjoyed had relegated her dilemma to temporary oblivion. With her sleep ended, she now had to confront her problems.

She allowed only the natural light to illuminate the room. As her eyes adjusted to the twilight, she padded toward her dresser. From the top drawer, she took a small silken pouch and a woven mat.

The mystic arranged the reed covering and several cushions on the stone floor. She positioned herself upon the largest pillow. From the pouch, she withdrew a worn wooden statue. The tigress it portrayed had her arms spread wide in invitation. The soft folds of her gown accentuated her tall, but shapely form. A misshapen demon symbolic of disease lay crushed beneath her unshod feet. Talitha carefully set the small figure of Mrísena upon the center of the reeds. Reaching to the low table near her, she gathered a flint, a small dagger and a bronze burner. She placed the metal pot at the north position on the woven pad. Striking flint against blade, she ignited the cube of incense within the brazier. The spicy coils of smoke rose upward, and scented the sacred space that she had created. Talitha surrendered herself to divine guidance.

The edges of the room disappeared. Reality became a tiny flame struggling for survival against the great winds that roared through the darkness. From within the void, the Goddess whispered to her mind, *The flickering light is your cub, Talitha. It suffers from your hatred.*

Ashamed of the violence that she had unleashed with her selfishness, Talitha radiated love to the weakening flame. *Forgive me, little one,* she prayed. *I will rend the chains of my fear.*

The shimmering spark grew stronger with the nourishment of her compassion. It flared brightly, and mocked the cruel gusts that had withered into silence. The healing joy of its light drove the terrors from her soul.

The minute light danced in transformation, and became Tygra. His left hand sheltered a luminous white stone. The radiant pebble exploded into multicolored rays that consumed the tiger. The whispers of the Goddess swirled the colors into unending spirals. *Remember, Talitha, in one small stone, there can exist a universe.*

The harsh lines of her chamber returned. The mystic bowed before the statue in thanksgiving. Mrísena had shown to her the harsh truth about herself, but had also given to her a way to tell Tygra of her condition. The Goddess had indeed been generous. "Merciful Lady," Talitha prayed, "in your honor, a magnificent garden, consecrated to the healing ways, will spring from the fertile soil surrounding our Lair. On my gifts, I swear this."

*****

"You two have no right to make excuses. I had to do your work while you cavorted about the countryside like overgrown kittens!"

Cheetara has every reason to be angry, but I thought that our apology at dinner would be sufficient, Tygra thought wearily. He replied, "Panthro and I were overlong in our drill, Cheetara. That is certainly true. But you should blame me, not Panthro. I am responsible for our lateness. I will see to your watch duty tonight." The cheetah did not need to know about his problem at the River, he decided, hoping that she wouldn't question him further.

Opening the door to the recreation hall, Panthro said, "I doubt the Mutants will trouble us before the night watch begins. I've set the alarms so we can all have a little break from monitor duty. In any case, neither you nor Tygra will have the night shift. I'm taking that watch so that I can get some peace from all this arguing."

Tygra ignored the panther's gibe, for his attention focused on the tigress who appeared before him. Talitha had settled on a cushioned chair placed by the largest of three oval tables. She nervously fingered a rectangle of black cloth in her right hand. A scattered assortment of colored silks spilt from a wooden box set near the center of the table.

Gods, what a sad face she wears. All of Third Earth's problems seem to rest upon her shoulders, he thought with concern. Guilt filled his heart, but he swiftly quelled it. I refuse to believe that my panic has caused her distress; I have to believe that the hard work that she has done today is responsible.

The panther broke his quiet musings. "Ah, Tygra, see: the reclusive mystic returns!" Talitha answered his remark with a downward glance. The warrior shrugged off her indifference with a wave of his hand. He moved to a bookcase, and began to examine the volumes.

Cheetara elbowed Tygra's side. Her stern expression made it clear that she thought that he should immediately find out what was troubling his mate. She left the tiger to carry out her unspoken command. The cheetah silently crossed the chamber to the row of windows, and watched the night with detachment.

The architect rubbed his bruised rib. Hoping to ease the growing tension in the room, he said playfully to his mate, "Does my lady wish to engage in a round of silk and stones? I have been told by those counted as wise that it is the pleasant diversion of lovers."

Talitha kept her sight only on the silks. She replied softly, "It is also said to be the game of philosophers and gods."

Tygra sat on a chair directly across from the mystic. Still unsure of her mood, he asked hesitantly, "Dear one, shall we be lovers or philosophers?"

"Neither. Heroes."

What purpose is hidden by her terse words? he wondered.

The mystic cleared the table of all the silks except for the black one, which she arranged and smoothed with her hands. The longest edge of the rectangle faced each player. She removed the inner lid from the wooden box. Within the case, numerous stones, sorted by color in separate compartments, stood revealed.

When the mystic had completed her preparations, Tygra asked, "Which variation are we to play, dear one: competitive or contemplative?"

"Contemplative. Shall we begin?"

The tiger wanted to shout: No! From her curt remarks, he had anticipated that she wanted to play an aggressive game of strategy. Her desire for a meditative exercise was illogical. If you wanted to keep me baffled by your answers, he thought with annoyance, you have succeeded mystic. He said with cool formality, "Since I extended the invitation to play, courtesy dictates that the first move belongs to you."

The mystic selected a sky blue stone from the box, and positioned it near the center of the black cloth. Damn the gods, Talitha! Your move should have been an agitated red, the architect thought angrily. I should have been the one to place a healing blue. Acting on his conviction, Tygra reached for a blue stone. To his surprise, his left hand had mistakenly plucked a ruby oval. The stone accurately reflected his inner turmoil.

By all the gods, what arrogance I have shown! Humbled by the truth, he prayed that the enigmatic contest would be a short one.

*****

As Tygra battled with Talitha, he was only vaguely aware of the passage of time and the actions of his comrades. The conversation between Panthro and Cheetara only intruded upon his consciousness when their laughter floated across the room. The arrival of Lion-o, Snarf and the kittens had done little to disrupt his concentration on the game. The elder and the lion had shuffled noisily though the books in the cases that lined one wall; however, the silence had quickly returned when they had made their final selections. Once, he had glanced down at the kittens playing on the floor. The youngsters dabbled with paper and colored chalks. He had seen himself in Katren's remarkable sketches. The kitten had captured his tension in the hunched tiger figures that he had accurately rendered. "Last move, Tygra." The warning from Talitha disrupted his illusion of timelessness. She had placed a lustrous white stone as her final action. He culled from the box a stone of the darkest violet that he could find.

After he set his piece, he studied the pattern that he and the mystic had created. The asymmetric design engrossed him. With his finger, he traced the rampant diagonal of red that merged into a wall of violet. He crossed beyond the barrier into the serene center of the design. Swirls of blue eddied around each other. His gaze locked onto the one coil that sheltered the final oval that Talitha had placed.

"The white stone." His voice freed him from the pattern's spell. He regarded his mate. Her dark blue eyes gave no hint to her feelings. "It's here, isn't it," he said pointing to the alabaster stone, "that which bothers you so." He moved his hand over the design as he spoke. "But what is this answer? Red and blue. Destruction and healing. The spirituality of violet changes hate into love, and creates a new beginning - the white stone. I wish I could see the--"

Birth! The impossible solution to the stone riddle exploded into his consciousness. "This can't be true," he blurted, unable to control the impulse to voice his incomplete thought. He looked to the white tigress for denial of the idea that had presented itself to him. The fleeting smile that momentarily lightened her melancholy countenance told him that she had seen into his heart, and had confirmed the incredible result.

In the next moment, he moved more swiftly than seemed possible for a Thunderan of his size. When he held his mate in his arms, all of his arguments against the continuance of their race disappeared. In discovering that he had miraculously fathered a cub, he immediately connected to himself in a way that he never expected. He saw for the first time the truth that he had continually denied: he had always desired offspring. The deeper truth was that he had wanted to create them with Talitha from the first day that they had met.

As Tygra buried his face in the mystic's mane, all of his resistance crumbled. Through the gift of their mind-link, he confessed his strongest fears, and shared in those of his lover. When he realized that it was she who had been responsible for his accident by the River, he healed her sorrow with unconditional love. He sang the joy that blossomed in her soul with an aria of wistful sighs and melodic purrs that pledged a life of happiness together.

A discordant note forced its way into his song. "Panthro, what's this all about, snarf, snarf!"

"Damn it, Snarf," the panther growled, "I'll let you know when I finally figure out what in the seven hells they're up to." The tiger listened to the sturdy footfalls that circled him and his mate. He opened his eyes and held the panther's gaze. Tygra answered in unison with his mate, "Easy, Panthro. We'll behave."

"I'm not even sure who it is that I am speaking too," the grey warrior grunted with dissatisfaction. Panthro placed his hand upon the tiger's shoulder, and gave a nudge. "My friend, how about easing your grip on White. You don't realize your strength."

"No problem," they replied. His connection with Talitha lessened to something barely perceptible. The quieting of the mind-link reminded him of the drawing of a curtain across a window that had allowed too much sunlight to enter a room. He reluctantly released the tigress from his embrace. Talitha refused to relinquish her touch. The tigress kept the tips of her claws against his left palm.

"That's better," Panthro said. "Now mind telling the rest of us what in the Mutant hells is going on here."

Confusion and uneasiness shone in the faces of his friends. Tygra regarded his mate. The mischievous sparkle in her eyes conveyed her intention clearly: they should answer together as if still linked. He exchanged a nod with her to signal that he had understood.

"We're waiting," Panthro snarled.

Mystic and architect revealed the hidden truth. "We are pregnant, Panthro. That's all."

A moment of stunned silence gave way to a cacophony of declarations and questions. Tygra shouted above the din, "Let's have some order. As this certainly involves all of us, we need to discuss this matter calmly in formal council."

"This is a miracle, Tygra. I think it's a little late for a discussion, don't you," Panthro declared.

"I agree," Cheetara added. "After all the trouble you have caused us concerning our reproductive responsibilities, to drop a surprise like this--Goddess, Tygra, we have every right to bury your objections forever.

"And as for Talitha...." The cheetah pulled the mystic from his side before he could object, and led her back to her seat. "Mystic, just sit back and let the rest of us pamper you. After all of our hardships, it's about time that we had some joyous news to celebrate. Since you are the one who is actually 'pregnant', you must carefully pace yourself. How do you suggest that we begin our party?"

His flustered mate remarked, "Generous portions of Snarf's latest pastry delight would be a nice start."

"Wonderful!" Kitra cried. The kitten propelled her shy twin toward the door. "Come on, Katren, let's help Snarf ransack the kitchen." Her smiling brother nodded obediently.

Before Snarf followed the exuberant kittens, he said, "First sensible thing anyone's said all evening, snarf, snarf!" He shook his finger at the mystic. "You'll get some dinner first before any sweets, mystic. Your cub needs proper nourishment." The snarf waddled into the corridor. The hiss of the closing door put emphasis on his departing remark.

"Tygra...." The perplexed voice belonged to Lion-o. As if ill, the young king dropped unsteadily onto another chair.

Goddess help us, I don't need for the Lord of the Thundercats to become sick, Tygra thought. He approached the lion, and said cautiously, "I hope our news has not caused you any distress, my lord."

"Tygra, it's just that this is so unexpected. How did it happen? I mean, I can imagine how it happened, but why did it happen. I mean--Jaga's balls, I don't know what I mean!"

Anger. In the name of the gods, why this reaction, Tygra wondered.

Lion-o took a deep breath before providing an answer to his unvoiced question. "Tygra, it's been so long since Jaga has communicated with me. I am the Lord of the Thundercats. He should have informed me first. The responsibilities to this new life--I don't want to begin thinking about them. This pregnancy is good news, but also a burden." Lion-o shook his long mane. "No, I didn't mean to say that, Tygra. I just feel so--gods forgive me, Tygra, at the moment, I can't think clearly. Jaga, it seems, no longer comes to aid us in times of crisis, but when we are at peace. I don't understand why he no longer helps us as he once did."

Since the arrival of the mystic more than half a season past, the ghost of the deceased Jaga had for the most part remained silent. Only on rare occasions had Lion-o experienced the private visions that allowed him to communicate with the sorcerer who had departed to the silence during their voyage to Third Earth. Tygra thought sympathetically, My king, you have yet to comprehend that since you passed your anointment trials, and assumed the full power of the throne, your decisions alone must guide us. This you must discover yourself.

Before the architect could offer words of encouragement and comfort, his mate said tenderly, "Lion-o, it is your statements that are the first to make any sense at all this evening. The plan of the gods will be enacted no matter what we think or feel. So be of good cheer--or you too might be the beneficiary of a snarf lecture."

His king's laughter blended with the rumble of the returning snarf's pastry cart.

*****

Talitha lay upon her lover like the sphinx that crouched on the sands of the eastern desert. They had coupled swiftly and passionately where the trail of their discarded clothing had terminated. Poor tiger didn't have the comfort of a pillow upon which to rest his head, Talitha thought with guilt. I never gave him the chance to get one.

Her lover was nothing but an indistinct shape carved by the night. He had remained motionless for some time. "Tygra, are you awake," she asked, hesitant of disturbing his repose.

"No," he purred with amusement, "whatever made you think that I was awake, dear one."

"Tygra...I'm frightened."

His large hands massaged the tense muscles of her back. "So am I, Talitha, very frightened."

She shivered. Her heart still carried the cold seeds of her fear despite her brave promises. "Why this miracle, Tygra? What is the greater purpose of this pregnancy?"

"I cannot say, dear one. Only the gods know the answer, and they have not revealed it."

"Do you have any--"

"Regrets? Yes. I had hoped to prevent this from ever happening. My reasons were honest ones, moral ones. I never expected to battle the gods, and my own secret yearnings for a cub."

"Tygra, I--"

"Talitha, I have doubts and fears, like you, but I will find comfort in your love."

He shifted under her weight, and stilled his hands. The tiger took a deep, controlled breath. I've distressed him with my prodding, Talitha thought sadly.

"Talitha." His hands rubbed her shoulders lightly. "Please be patient with me. It is so very difficult for me to fathom this gift. I've experienced emotions today that I never suspected existed. This morning, I was Tygra, a person with whom I've had some familiarity, but tonight...tonight I have changed into something far greater than I was. I've become my father.

"I now know what Siberan must have felt when he sired me - the sadness and the joy, the pleasure and the burden. In me, in how I feel tonight, my father lives again, if only briefly. How can I ever match this other gift that you have given to me?"

The poignancy of his words had made speech almost impossible for her. "Dearest Tygra, you have shared yourself with me each time that you have whispered my name. You have gifted me beyond all measure."

Fighting his feelings once again, Tygra tensed beneath her. His delicate touch became too strong. "Foolish one," she chided gently as she massaged his neck.

He loosened his fierce grip upon her shoulders. As he relaxed under her care, his arms slid down to his side. The tiger began to snore softly. Pleased that she had lulled him to sleep, Talitha tried to ease herself off of his body without waking him.

"Mystic!" The power of his shout gave her a jolt that threatened to knock her onto the floor. She quickly grabbed his arms for support.

"Oh, you big--"

"By virtue of our special bond, your pregnancy is to blame for making me fat! Uncontrollable craves. Tell me, what other unpleasantness can I expect: swollen breasts, painful backaches--"

Despite the darkness, the mystic found her target. She swatted his nose harder than she had anticipated. Tygra recoiled at the sudden assault. "Oh, Goddess, Tygra, I'm sorry." His booming laughter tossed her about, and made any further apology impossible.

He patted her buttocks playfully, and whispered, "Ouch." His understatement launched them both into a spasm of undignified giggles.

"Talitha, you are--mmphf!

*I want your love, dear one, not your keen observations.* The mystic licked her lover's lips as she finished her kiss. Her tiny indulgence rekindled Tygra's desire. She flattened against his chest, and guided his hand.

*Will you find me this desirable when I am shaped like an overripe gourd.*

His answer drove away her doubts. *Rest assured, dearest mystic, enticed by the fullness of your condition, I will give you many pleasurable nights.*