Seasons in Reflection

The spring morning carried the seeds of the golden summer to come. Coils of warmth laded the gentle breezes that drifted from the west. The dew clinging to the grass dampened the mystic's sandals and the hem of his o'ba'ti as he traveled along the narrow path. The wooden door, embedded in the hedge which gave form to the labyrinthine garden, stood open before him in welcome.

The giant crossed into the first chamber, a circle which contained several stone benches and some shrubs. He breathed deeply of the fragrant orange blossoms that sprang from the greenery. "Wonderful," Tir'shan sighed. A sparkling blue in'risi alighted on a delicate petal. Its long antennae fluttered as it surveyed its surroundings. Tir'shan said to the tiny creature, "It is a pity that no one else has come to enjoy the dawn's perfume." He raised his arms, and stretched. "Even I am only partially awake."

The mystic walked toward the three open doors that led from the enclosure. "I think the middle road will suffice this day," he said, moving through the center opening into a larger chamber. He ignored the dwarf trees and the stone statues of the gods, and proceeded toward another collection of doors. Once again, he chose the middle one, and passed through it.

For some time, he continued this selection process. As he went further into the complex, he found a closed door that signaled that someone had reserved a chamber for his private meditations. Tir'shan reassessed his original belief, and wondered who had also entered the garden. Maybe a couple has remained from the night, he thought. The priest chuckled, remembering the pleasant encounters the maze had afforded him. Burning stars above; the scent of the grass intensifying with each movement; the summer winds caressing bodies passionately entwined; by all that is good, the gods surely made gardens for love, he decided.

Approaching the deepest recesses of the maze, he paused and considered his final choices. He passed through three more doors before finally entering a chamber that offered only one way into the space and one way out. It took a moment for him to notice that he was not alone. A figure perched on a flat stone placed near a pool. Lady Kalyn'ri dipped her foot in the water, and giggled at the colorful din'ya that mistook her toes for food. The mystic turned to go, and prayed that he had not intruded on her privacy. He had almost escaped when her velvety voice begged him, "Oh please don't leave! I kept the door open to see whom Ni'tara would bring to me for company."

Tir'shan traced the curves of her tall, shapely form. The thin yellow robe that she wore stretched at the most tantalizing places. The sunlight deepened the redness of her fur, and made the white border of her mane luminescent. Her black stripes held him like a web. The subtle shades of cream that patterned her face amidst the darker orange patches made a contrast that he had always found pleasing in members of her race. Although well into middle-life, the tigress had only grown in beauty. The perfection of balance of her features had made artists swoon. Her piercing amber eyes narrowed slightly at his hesitation. "I can think of better choices," the priest finally admitted, the words coming with difficulty from his suddenly dry mouth.

"You are too modest, priest. Go, if that is your wish."

Although she respected his position as her superior in the temple, her voice held the strength of one who had run a clan lord's household with cool efficiency, and had withstood the indignities heaped upon her by the younger members of her lord's rahildi. She had bravely gone against Trel's wishes by taking a clan sister to the temple for healing. She had left his household with dignity. Her fierce renunciation of her lord, and the rejection of the title and privileges his favor had bestowed upon her, had earned her respect from friend and foe. Her determination to dedicate her life to a new path in service to Mrísena marked her actions. She deserves better than a dismissal from me, Tir'shan thought with embarrassment. He moved closer to the tigress. Gods, how I wish I could negate the spell that she has cast upon me.

Tir'shan extended his hand in a gesture of peace. "Forgive my rudeness," he said. "On the few days that I have no formal duties, my guard is down. I indulge in a selfishness that my responsibilities usually deny me. This time I have earned at least one spectacular excess, for it was my words that convinced Ta'hir to return to us from exile and begin the restoration of his health."

Her mouth softened into a smile. "It is good to see that you have some weaknesses like the rest of us." The gentle gibe made his dark eyebrows arch. His expression caused her smile to transform into a hearty laugh. She put her right hand to her mouth in a gesture common to one of good breeding. With her other hand, she tapped the rock indicating that he should sit. He succumbed to her wishes knowing that refusal was not in his heart.

Her mood changed to one that was somber. "I could ask you how you plan to spend your day, but I am more concerned with how you are feeling," she asked. "You look a little thin, and for someone of your height, that shows easily. I probably could feel the line of your ribs if you allowed me to touch you."

The intimate suggestion made the heat rush to his face. A mixture of emotions made it impossible for him to speak.

She fought the silence between them with a question. "Have you eaten anything since Mei's funeral?"

A sorrow that he thought he had resolved burdened his heart once again. "Very little," he admitted. He studied their reflections in the pool, too uncomfortable to gaze directly upon his insistent companion. He put his hand to his chest to ward off the tightness in his muscles that had unexpectedly overtaken him. Tir'shan shook his head sadly. "I have found myself at a loss to understand the wisdom of the Goddess. Young Mei was a good cub, but given to the silence. Lately it seems that only those who cause unhappiness enjoy a long life."

Kalyn'ri rubbed his shoulder. Instead of relaxing him, the gesture made Tir'shan tense. He wondered with bewilderment where his happy mood had fled. The lady argued, "You are wrong. Those who cause unhappiness may live a long life, but they do not enjoy their days."

Her bitter tone negated his own concerns. The name of her abandoned lord hung unspoken between them. "I pity him," she said finally.

Although he knew that her lord despised mystics, the white tiger had never learned the full reason. He believed that the battle at Star Vale, where Trel's brothers had lost their lives battling Mutants, comprised only part of the truth. When he had taken his place on the mystic council, he had hoped that Te'sara would enlighten him. The feisty tigress and her twin sister Servalla had obviously been the target of most of Lord Trel's anger.

Tir'shan played with the end of his long white braid, a nervous habit he perpetually swore that he would break. He had not intended to intrude, but his curiosity compelled him. He blurted, "What drove Trel? Why did he willingly lose so much?"

Kalyn'ri answered, "Trel was born the middle son, and that influenced all his actions. He could not change this order, and to some degree, that is why I feel sorry for him. Destiny carved for him a difficult path in this life. Tiren, as the eldest, became not only leader of his clan, but the chief of all the red tiger clans. To have his brother's status was not something Trel desired. What he wanted was far simpler: Tiren's affection. That, I'm afraid, the Chi'ris'rin generously gave to his youngest brother Siberan. He treated Trel with indifference. You might find this hard to believe, but in his youth, my lord was quiet and shy. He should have been a scholar, not a warrior. Boisterous Tiren had little in common with subdued Trel."

Tir'shan leaned forward, his interest peaked. "I have never met Siberan, but I have heard many things about him. The stories suggest that while he was never the thunderbolt that Tiren was, he burned with an inner fire. The book of poetry that he had written, and which Servalla had shown me, confirmed this. As for scholarship, he was clearly Trel's equal. The library that he had established in the Southern City was renowned on Thundera. Many made use of Siberan's generous gift."

"What you say is true, but Siberan was always a warrior first, whereas Trel reluctantly followed this path. In addition, my lord's nature prevented him from mixing with his people, unlike his less reserved brothers."

The mystic straightened. "It is hard to believe that Tiren was that hardhearted toward his brother."

"Tiren was one of the finest leaders of his time, but in this one area, he was blind." The tigress looked to the open door, her expression distant. "Siberan tried to get close to Trel, and always attempted to bring his brothers closer together. My lord's jealousy of what his brother possessed with Tiren kept him behind a wall that he could not pass."

Kalyn'ri lowered her eyes. Her lips tightened as if she were experiencing pain. Tir'shan sympathetically took her hands into his own. "There is more, isn't there."

"Trel never cared for tigers of the white clan. No member of your race could ever match his serious standards. He mistrusted mystics in particular because the nature of their healing involved what he perceived to be an invasion of privacy."

"It is true that a mystic's touch is more intimate than a physician's," Tir'shan admitted. "It is one of the greatest obstacles that we face in treating patients. Trel's fear is really quite common, but the hatred he has directed toward us is not."

"Siberan caused Trel's feelings regarding mystics to transform from dislike to hatred. His brother dared to love a mystic, and sired a son by her."

"I knew that Siberan had a son, but the circumstances--name of the gods, who was it that he loved?" Tir'shan gasped.

"Can't you guess?"

Servalla had been so proud of Siberan's work, Tir'shan thought reflexively. Could she have been-- Leaping to his feet, he shouted, "Merciful Mrísena!" He paced, his hands twisting in furious gestures as he moved. "It was Servalla! You must tell me everything," he pleaded.

Doubt shaded Kalyn'ri's eyes. "I have already told you too much. Te'sara will be quite angry with me."

"Te'sara appointed me to our council after old Trisri's death. Although I am the youngest in the group, I have a right to know what the others do!"

Kalyn'ri smiled. "I don't find this amusing," Tir'shan snapped. "I am tired of this hate that has threatened me and my circle."

"Peace, Tir'shan. I was not laughing at you, but at the irony of the situation. Te'sara is Servalla's twin. She always knew the truth. However, those on the mystic council at that time learned of this special love, and the fruit that it bore, only after many seasons had passed."

Her sincere words dampened his anger. Tir'shan sat once again on the rock. Leaning forward, he rested his head against his hands. His body slumped with weariness.

The tigress placed her hands under his chin, and gave a gentle push. "I prefer that someone looks at me while I speak," she chided.

Raising his head, the mystic asked, "You will tell me everything?"

"Trel has named you his enemy. To understand why, you need to know what happened so long ago. Te'sara can fuss all she likes, but you do have a right to this information."

"Thank you, my lady," he answered, pleased at the respect she had returned to him. "I will try not to interrupt the telling. Please begin."

Kalyn'ri stood. Tir'shan waited patiently while she walked around the stone and the pond, and gathered her thoughts. The tigress finally settled back on the wide rock beside the mystic. She said softly, "Who can know what brings two people together? Siberan was 35 seasons old, and Servalla, 30. Neither had shone any interest in staying with one mate. Although Siberan was a clan lord, he was not the leader of his clan. He was still in his prime; he was in no hurry to produce an heir to his estates. He had spent much of his time fighting Mutants and the northern red tigers loyal to King Sartren. Servalla was still a mystic of the blue ray, not the violet. She traveled extensively in the performance of her duties. Although obligated to keep the mystic council informed of her work, and bound by her oath to obey that august body, she visited the main temple of Mrísena infrequently. One would not surmise that the paths of Siberan and Servalla would cross, given the nature of their interests, but they did. For that, we can blame Lord Jaga.

"My lord and I soon heard rumors of the couple's affair. Trel wanted to confirm what he had considered his brother's foolhardy interest in the mystic. Before he could send him a message of rebuke, Jaga requested his presence at Siberan's home. After much complaining, Trel acceded to the sorcerer's wish, and went to his brother's estate. To his shock, he was not the only visitor. The Chi'ris'rin of the white tiger clan and Tiren had also answered Jaga's summons."

The tigress pondered her next words. When she was ready, she said tentatively, "I understand that it was not a pleasant meeting. However, over Trel's objections, and under Jaga's firm hand, Tiren and Arran, as chiefs of their clans and of their respective councils, whatever their reasons, gave Siberan and Servalla permission to produce a cub."

Forgetting his promise, Tir'shan commented, "But what of the mystic council? Servalla swore an oath to obey the wise ones. She should have also had their permission for this mating, or at least, she should have informed them."

Kalyn'ri shook her head. "By the laws of both red and white tigers, it was an inter-clan matter, and one in which the mystic council had no dominion, since it did not involve healing. Besides, Jaga insisted on secrecy, and gained the agreement of the chiefs. Tiren and Arran informed the subordinate lords on their councils of this bargain. Although it is generally true that mystics put matters of the Goddess above those of their clan, and Thunderan law sanctions this, Servalla had no choice but to keep this secret, or both Chi'ris'rin would have denied their permission for the mating. She was only allowed to tell Te'sara of their decision, so that her sister could help her with the necessary arrangements."

The tigress pulled a leaf off a bush, and peeled it with distraction. Melancholy crept into her voice as she continued. "Although Siberan's line had northern tiger blood, so far as was known, no white tiger had ever tainted its purity. Given the dominance of red blood, there was no doubt that Servalla's cub would favor his sire. Tygra was born in secret in a small village far to the north. Those who lived there, and who helped the twin mystics, were well paid for their silence. A few suns after his birth, Te'sara took Tygra from his mother, and brought him to Siberan. Servalla accepted the restrictions of the situation; however, her sister always despised the secrecy surrounding her nephew. After Te'sara left Tygra with Siberan, she never met with either father or son again, for she felt that because of her strong feelings, she would compromise her sister."

"But surely Servalla saw her son again!" Tir'shan asked with desperation.

"It is true that until she journeyed to Star Vale, Servalla visited her son over the passing seasons. However, Tygra never knew that the mystic who came to his father's house was his mother."

Tir'shan stamped his foot in frustration. "For five seasons after the incident at Star Vale, Servalla was lost to us. Why in the seven hells did she never go back to her son after she returned from her servitude in the north!"

"That we may never know for certain," Kalyn'ri answered quietly, "but I suspect that it was Jaga's will that dictated her decision. He was angry that she eventually told the mystic council of her son when she reached the priesthood after her return." The tigress bent over, and with her hand lazily stirred the water in the pool. The glittering din'ya scurried to one planted alcove to hide. "Even now, the dead sorcerer tampers with our lives. The wounds that he inflicted with his demands have not healed. This is why Te'sara has kept this from you, but as Tygra's kin, not from me. To this day, she has not yet resolved her anger against herself. She has always felt that she should have done more for her nephew. Although the tiger warriors did destroy the Mutant force at Star Vale, their losses were heavy, and included Siberan and Tiren. Su'ti, Tiren's heir, declared Siberan disgraced for causing his father's death, and claimed his possessions. Tygra was 14 seasons old, and blameless, but no one in all the clans came to the aid of this youth. Trel wanted to exile Tygra, but he had to settle for a less harsh sentence after Lord Jaga interceded on the catling's behalf, and won Su'ti's trust. The new chief agreed to send Tygra to the court of King Claudus. Jaga promised that the youth would be welcomed there."

An image from the past crossed the mystic's mind: a red tiger lay on a blood-soaked cot. That was a close one, Tir'shan thought. I barely managed to save his life. To think that it was probably Siberan's son that I helped on the day that the Mutants attacked the royal nursery. At least I have finally learned his name after all these seasons. Tir'shan regarded a broken blossom that had fallen into the pool, and had attracted the attention of a few din'ya, who nibbled tentatively at the petals. There were so many that I could not save after the battle, he thought ruefully.

The mystic turned his attention back to the tigress to dispel the past and his sorrow. Tir'shan remarked, "Although I do not approve, I can understand Su'ti's reaction to Siberan's failure. However, that Lord Trel would push the new Chi'ris'rin to punish an innocent such as Tygra is something that baffles me."

The tigress gave a sigh that carried the sadness arising from all the seasons of her life. "You shouldn't be surprised to learn that Trel also hated Tygra for reasons other than his parentage. Trel blamed him for our son's death," she answered.

Tir'shan replied with incredulity, "What could Siberan's son have possibly done to have contributed to your son's death? I had heard only that Ash'i'ri had drowned. And considering your lord's feelings, how did Ash'i'ri and Tygra ever meet at all?"

Kalyn'ri answered, "Although displeased with Siberan's choice for a mate, Trel still associated with his younger brother in the hope of gaining the love of the eldest. Occasionally, all three households would meet on neutral ground. Much to Trel's chagrin, our son became close to his cousin. This was quite natural as they were close in age. Despite my lord's prejudices, he allowed Ash'i'ri to play with his cousin when the opportunity arose because of the pleasure it gave the kitten."

The tigress paused, her brow furrowed in thought. When she finally spoke, resignation reverberated through her voice. "In truth, it was not what Tygra did that enraged Trel, but what he failed to do. One season, Siberan called for the spring festival to be held by the ocean. Tygra was swimming with Ash'i'ri that day. A strong current pulled them out to a dangerous depth. Siberan's son swam back alone. The poor kitten was in hysterics, but managed to summon the adults for help. By the time the males in our household found our son, he was dead. Even if Servalla had been present, she could not have saved Ash'i'ri. Were it not for Tiren, Trel would have taken his sword, and would have run through Tygra and his father. After that horrible day, Trel and Siberan only met when in the presence of Tiren, such was the hatred of my lord. He only encountered Tygra again after Siberan's death."

The shifting wind turned cold, and made the hedge whisper. Kalyn'ri shuddered, whether from the temperature change or the icy memory, Tir'shan could not be certain. "Allow me to warm you, elder" he said politely. The tigress leaned against him, and he wrapped his arms about her. "You need not tell me more. I can see that in my search for knowledge that I have tread heavily on your heart."

Kalyn'ri reached for his hand, and stroked its edge. "Trel and I met when he was 27 and I was 21. Despite the gap in our ages, our mutual affection quickly blazed into love. When I came into my first fertility, I wanted to give myself to him and provide him with an heir. His father Tran'i'tiren disapproved of our mating, not because I came from merchant stock, but because the females in my family had a history of not bearing well. I gave Trel two daughters before his father's prediction came to pass. I miscarried during my third and fourth pregnancies, and my physician advised me to refrain from any further attempts to produce a cub.

"Trel loved his daughters, and we made a good life together. He never complained about lacking a son, but in my soul, I felt his disappointment. When I turned 31, I became very depressed. My daughters' kittenhood was approaching its end. When I came into my fertility, I could not bear resigning myself once again to the temple of Miritana and barrenness. Against all sense, I seduced my mate, and prayed that the Goddess would give me a son."

Kalyn'ri pulled free of Tir'shan's embrace. Her mouth bowed into a bittersweet smile. "I spent the last half of my pregnancy in bed, but I gave Trel his son," she said proudly. "He chose his name: Ash'i'ri."

"'Brilliant hope'," Tir'shan said thoughtfully, weighing the irony in what she had told him.

"From the day he was born, Ash'i'ri clearly held a special place in his father's heart. I guess because they were older, our daughters did not mind the favor their brother received."

Her voice cracked as she continued. "After Ash'i'ri died, I wanted desperately to give Trel another son. My lord, unlike my physician, was pleased with my decision, and supported my sacrifice and my commitment. The Goddess, however, did not favor me. After my next fertility, I miscarried. I almost died from an ectopic pregnancy. My seasons of bearing ended."

The mystic put his hand on her shoulder in comfort. "That is when he began his rahildi."

"Yes," Kalyn'ri answered. "I suppose I was partly responsible since I tried to overturn the dictates of the Goddess of Fate. Rather than eventually accepting our situation, as I had, Trel became obsessed with having another son in the hopes that Ash'i'ri would be reborn." Her eyes clouded with tears, but the smirk on her lips conveyed the strength she wielded over sorrow. "Over the seasons, he added thirteen to his rahildi. They have given him many daughters, but not one of my sisters in the rahildi has produced a son." She rubbed the tears from her eyes, and took a deep breath. Composed once more, the tigress added with a harsh laugh, "Two ironies exist. I truly wish that one day the Goddess will favor one of Trel's lesser consorts, for then, he might find his way back to the right path. I would have gladly renounced my position as Sar'i'rahildi, the Prime Consort, if one of my sisters had given Trel what he desired." Kalyn'ri looked to the sky, and suddenly fell silent, leaving the mystic to wonder about the second irony.

Fluffy clouds drifted slowly above the pair. Time lengthened. Tir'shan amused himself by naming the shapes that crossed the blue vault. That one looks like a serpent; and that, a wave, he decided. Amazing what one can see in a cloud if one looks closely. A warm hand brushed his face, and traced the patches of light brown fur that patterned the white. He gave Kalyn'ri a smile, pleased that she would tell him more. He also prayed that his attention to her words would cool the fire her touch had kindled.

"I have never stopped loving him."

"For your love and loyalty, Trel rewarded you with neglect. Why did you stay with him at all?"

"Beyond love, which knows no reason, I enjoyed my status. I performed my duties well, and I took pride in my achievements. Trel, despite his feelings, always respected my position in the household. After he had founded his rahildi, by law and right, Trel allowed me to choose joining with another in the temple of V'sri'sar, and make of my physical needs a sacred expression." She shrugged with a weariness that sank into her bones. "It was a privilege that I rarely invoked, for I never stopped wanting Trel."

Knowing that he could not offer reason in the presence of a love that would not wane, Tir'shan changed his tact, and commented, "Trel was clearly upset by your actions when you took Marini to our temple for healing."

"He has been angered before by my interest in healing and my fleeting association with mystics. My decision saved a wise and valued member of our clan. I had believed that Trel would only scold me on my return home that day, calm himself after a few suns, and finally accept my action with begrudging grace." Her hands balled into tight fists. "How I misjudged! I was shocked to learn that my lord had tried to assault you for the assistance that you tendered."

"You know that he paid dearly for that foolishness, my lady," Tir'shan replied sternly. He added, "What I would really like to know is this: after all these seasons, and all that you have endured, what finally made you leave Trel?"

"When I returned home from the temple of Mrísena...he struck me."

Tir'shan leapt to his feet in outrage, "That bastard! I should have broken his other shoulder too, and rendered him useless!"

Kalyn'ri gestured for him to sit, a request which he stubbornly ignored. "Peace, my friend! Although it was horrible to bear, from bad arose good. The moment that Trel attacked me, I could give him no more of myself. All the seasons of my pain roared forth, and slashed him in rebuke. For my own survival, I surrendered all that I had earned, and placed myself in the care of the Goddess. On that day, the door to my freedom opened, and I took to the path with sadness, but no regrets."

Hands on hips in defiance, Tir'shan growled, "You may have chosen the right road, but you lied to us. You said that your bruise came from a fall as you fled from your home."

Kalyn'ri admitted with embarrassment, "Yes, it was wrong to lie to the people who gave me refuge. But, Tir'shan, I feared that if I had spoken the truth that you would forget your oath, and would indeed break my lord as easily as a brittle twig. I could not bear to be accountable for your disgrace or Trel's injuries. Although my lord is a worthy opponent, indeed still fierce and strong, he is, in age, well on his journey to the north land. In less than ten seasons, he will be called ven'ris, old one. He would have fallen too easily to one of your great strength."

"No matter how much I would have desired it, I never would have deliberately harmed him!" Tir'shan protested.

"Your fury and your earlier statement indicate otherwise," she replied softly.

With a low growl, the mystic resumed his seat. For such a short time among us, she knows me too well, he decided.

The tigress opened her hands in appeal. "We are kindred spirits, Tir'shan. Te'sara told me that you also love someone that you cannot have. However, this one can never be yours because the destruction of our people brought her to the silence. The River separates you. You are far less fortunate than I, Tir'shan, for I, at least, have known a great love. While she was alive, Talitha was too young to accept your offering. The only reward that you have gained for your patience and your love is sorrow. The impassable veil erected by the silence now mocks you and the lost love which you still cling to your breast."

"Your words wound, Kalyn'ri," Tir'shan hissed, angered at hearing the truth aired.

"My friend, I meant you no pain; I only wanted to show you that you waste your pity on me. Because we have both loved deeply, a bond exists between us. Although we may not be in agreement, we can respect each others choices." She placed her hand against his bare chest. "You are young. Learn from my mistakes. For you there is still time to open this pure heart to the love of another."

The mystic raised her hand to his lips, and kissed it. "I think, Kalyn'ri, that you should listen to your own advice," he murmured. Tir'shan pulled a red flower from a bush, and gave it to the tigress. "Although your fur is tipped with silver, your beauty shames this blossom. Forget the north land. You have many seasons to pass before you reach it. There is time for you to find another whose soul is one with yours."

"Is that an offer?"

From the light southern inflection in her voice, he was unsure whether her statement was a tease or indicated a genuine interest in him. Despite the ambiguity, the fire he had struggled to cool blazed again, stoked by her suggestion. The mystic tugged nervously on his braid, uncomfortable with the depth of feeling he had uncovered within himself. "I can offer you the comforts of friendship, Kalyn'ri, for I like you, as well as respect you." Hesitantly, he added, "And if it is your wish, I will gladly offer myself to you in joining. Even now your presence is making a shambles of any discipline of body that I have ever claimed." He took another flower from the bush, and peeled away the petals. He showed the tigress the barren remnant of the bloom. "But once you pull away the layers of my being, you will see that my soul is not your twin."

"That I already know, young one," she answered, inevitability tingeing her voice.

As usual I've misjudged, Tir'shan thought with irritation. Damn southern subtlety! He dropped the stripped flower into the pool, and watched it sink, pulled under by the fluttering of nervous fins. "It is good that we understand each other," he said, with a finality that suggested that he did not wish to pursue the discussion any further.

A cloud passed over the sun, and matched the gloominess in the mystic's soul. Kalyn'ri patted his thigh. Tir'shan resisted the urge to force her hand away. "This is supposed to be your time of freedom," the tigress said. "I am sorry to have caused you to reach an ill-humor."

Her dismissal was unspoken, but clear in her expression. Grateful for the opportunity that she had presented, Tir'shan stood. Immediately he felt guilty for his desire to depart. There will be other days when I can wander alone and indulge myself, he thought. Here is one who needs me now. The mystic code recognizes no holiday.

Tir'shan offered Kalyn'ri his hand. The tigress shook her head in refusal. "Another day, but not today," she said in a commanding tone. "Be off."

He quickly straightened, his pride hurt. The corners of Kalyn'ri's full mouth twitched slightly, and threatened to break into a smile. "I have my own agenda, mystic. I will go to the dwelling of the historians, and visit with my daughter Makani. At least the gods have seen fit to leave me one descendant."

I wonder what great plan it would have unsettled for the gods to have been generous, and to have allowed your daughter Mi'wa to survive Thundera's end. Unwilling to match her statement out of respect for her losses, Tir'shan said, "I cede the stones in this game to you."

"But you will promise to tell me all about your adventures."

"I shall have to think about that," he grumbled, heading for the door in the hedge.

"You will," she remarked with a laugh. "You will bemoan your excesses."

"I shall politely suffer my well-earned indulgences in silence."

"You will be too proud of the fine rug that Casaphi has woven for you not to boast."

She has won yet again! Tir'shan looked back at the tigress who dipped her toes in the pool. I was a fool to worry about you, he decided.

The mystic passed into another chamber, and debated which intemperance he should engage in first.