Danal coughed, “er, me and Asya dealt with that little problem for you, proved quite a lesson for him.”
“I take it he’s dead?”
“Absolutely, Asya’s chelas are very sharp. He didn’t suffer though, at least not too much.”
“Did you manage to find out who was behind the attack?” asked Philip.
Danal shook his head. “I don’t think he knew.”
“Pity,” said Philip as he tried to stretch out his long legs in the space available. “What is it about boats that makes them so horrible below decks?”
“This is a cargo hold,” said Tala in a prim voice and Philip chuckled.
“Point taken. I hope we don’t have to stay here for much longer. My grandfather was badly affected by the rheumatism, he always told me that it was a sign of a misspent youth but I had my doubts as a boy and this confirms it. He must have spent time in a hold such as this. No other explanation is possible.”
“Wonder if Robain and the others have gone yet,” mused Tala to no one in particular. She shivered.
“You cold?” asked Danal with concern as he began to take off his cloak.
“A bit,” she admitted.
Danal laid his own cloak round her narrow shoulders.
“Thanks,” she said, “but you need it too.”
“I’ve got Asya to keep me warm,” he answered airily though he felt himself blushing.
Thank the lai it’s dark down here.
Tala had the ability to make him feel like a bashful cadet on his first date. A strange situation for the experienced Danal to be in, his motto having always been ‘love them and leave them’. Many vadelns felt much the same, a fair percentage believing that the life long bond they shared with their Lind was enough.
Asya ‘heard’ his thought and laughed to herself. She was also quick to pass on this little titbit to the other three Lind. That all four thought the situation an amusing one was a foregone conclusion.
: You like her : she said to Danal : She likes you. Where is problem? :
: What is the problem? : answered Danal : The little problem my dear of getting ashore for starters and then getting through Graham and north east Sahara unobserved. Then the desert controlled by the Larg. Then the hunt for the power-core in an area where the Larg kohorts may well be passing through on their way to the Island Chain. You don’t call that a problem? :
: Point taken : admitted Asya : but I cannot help but think you missed your chance there :
: How come? :
Danal was half-amused, half-annoyed.
: You could have invited her to share your cloak and you could both have snuggled in beside me. I would not have minded. I like Tala :
This was the first time Asya had declared a preference for any of the ladies Danal had felt attracted to.
: Think about it. We have a long way to go and bed mate is useful to have around :
: Bed mate? : exploded Danal : I think of her as much more than as a potential bed mate :
: Exactly : Asya concluded in tones that showed how much she was amused : You should listen to me more often. I know you better than you do yourself :
With that Asya closed the connection between her mind and Danal’s. Danal was left pondering her words. He hadn’t come to a decision by the time he fell into an uneasy sleep. He was still asleep when the Armageddon slipped her hawsers and left Port Duchesne. He had to be shaken awake by Philip when Rand came down to tell them that they could once again come up on deck.
* * * * *
Elliot
Elliot led Robain and James on to the pier. The three of them then walked the few miles to the castle of the Dukes of Duchesne. They stopped at the drawbridge.
“The Duke is here all right,” said James, noting the ducal flag flying from the mast on the roof of the central tower.
Elliot looked at them. “This is it,” he said, taking a deep breath as he prepared himself to become the Prince-Heir once again. “Are you ready?”
“Ready,” Robain and James replied in unison.
* * * * *
Danal and Tala
The skiff carrying Philip and Derek rowed to the beach. Danal and Tala stood watching.
“The game’s afoot,” Danal quoted and Tala shivered, even though the sun was beating down.
Remembering Asya’s words, Danal placed his arm round her shoulders. Tala didn’t try to move away.
“I know,” Tala said in a voice so low that he had to strain to catch her words, “but I’m scared Danal. Where’s all this going to lead. What if …?”
“No what ifs,” he replied, drawing her closer. “Let us live each day as it comes.” Turning her face towards his, he planted a tender kiss on her lips.
* * * * *
CHARACTERS
(*Vadeln-paired)
Alfei*: Male Lind, First Ryzck (Human: Deby)
Aline: Younger sister of Robain and captured by slavers
Alinetta: Sister of Franz, from Rocksprings
Alshya*: Male Lind (Human: Weaponsmaster Jilmis)
Alun*: Vadeln (Lind: Radya)
Alyei*: Male Lind of pack Gainsya, Susa of the Vada (Human: Julia)
Anavdr: Male Larg. Friend and pack-mate of Zaoaldavdr
Anders: Councillor of Argyll (see Horatio) and father of Julean
Angus: A nephew of Talan and Zanda who serves with the Garda
Angus: Professor of Mathematics at the University of Stewarton and considered to have one of the finest minds in the country
Anne Cocteau: Daughter-Heir of the Duchy of Cocteau and married to Richard Baker, also cousin of Isobel Cocteau
Anne: Young daughter of Anne and Richard Cocteau
Annert de Gras: Guildmaster of the Technicians Guild of Argyll based at Stewarton
Annette van Buren: Friend of Isobel from the ducal house of van Buren and who entered the Order of Grey Nuns
Ansell Hallam: Youngest brother of Robain and an officer in the Argyllian navy
Anselm Wallace: Father of Juliana (Julia)
Areen*: Vadeln of the First Ryzck
Asya*: Female Lind and Avuzdel (Human: Danal)
Balei: Male Lind from Lindar Dusnnei and with a dull red stripe pattern
Bellahouston: Garda Major commanding the Academie at Settlement
Berni: Vadeln serving with the Vada, in the First Ryzck (Lind: Dansya)
Beth Baker: Original fiancé of Elliot from the ducal house of South Baker
Breguswið: Reverend Mother of the Order of Grey Nuns where Isobel Cocteau received her education
Brion*: Ryzcka of the Fifty-first Ryzck (Lind: Quindya)
Bruce Johnson Jones: Officer Commanding the Garda at Settlement with the rank of Field Marshall
Catalina*: Younger sister of Niaill and Danal
Charles*: Vada Cadet, fourth year
Chizu: Male Lai and part of the delegation to the Gtrathlin
Coenberg: Sister of the Order of Grey Nuns and name in religion of Annette van Buren
Cynwise: Sister of the Order of Grey Nuns and name in religion of Isobel’s cousin Jessica Cocteau
Dafid Douglas: Garda Major and a well renowned tactician of the sixth century
Dahlson: Garda Captain who teaches tactical history at the Academie
Dalnya: Female Lind, mother of Taraya
Danal*: Older brother of Niaill, Vada, member of the Avuzdel (Lind: Asya)
Danei*: Male Lind (Human: Shona)
Danei: Name of Lind rtath from one of the four Vadathian home rtaths
Dangfrid: Cousin of Matt Urquhart who lives outside Stewarton
Dans: Councillor of the fifth ward in Argyll
Dansya*: Female Lind and First Ryzck (Human: Berni)
Danya*: Female Lind and Thirty-first Ryzck (Human: Markion)
Davanya*: Female Lind (Human: Hans)
David: Farmer’s son and sweetheart of Juliana (Julia) as a young girl
Davin*: Ryzcka and second in command of the Vada under Julia and Aleyei (Lind: Razdya)
Deby*: Vadeln serving with the Vada, in the First Ryzck (Lind: Alfei)
Denei: Male Lind and member of the Avuzdel
Derek Merriman: Kellen of the Kingdom of Murdoch and one of the companions to Prince-Heir Elliot
Disal*: Susa of the Vada (d 601) (Lind; Ranlya)
Dolvin Annson: Garda Officer Trainee and friend of Hilla
Dorson: Coachman of Matt Urquhart
Doug*: Younger brother of Niaill and Danal
Duncin*: Elderly host of the Supply Station not far from Dunetown (Lind: Stasya)
Durand: Father of Jen and a rich Councillor of Argyll about to retire
Dusnnei: Pack with a dull red stripe pattern
Dusik*: Ryzcka of the Fifty-first Ryzck
Dwoles: Butler of Matt Urquhart
Eanfled: Sister of the Order of Grey Nuns where Isobel received her education
Earcongota: Sister of the Order of Grey Nuns where Isobel received her education and one who looks after the young schoolgirls who are being educated at the convent
Elliot: Prince-Heir of the Kingdom of Murdoch
Estelle: Elder sister of Isobel Cocteau and married to Baron Brentwood of Symington
Falei: Male Lind, father of Taraya
Fastia*: Vada Weaponsecond (Lind: Xlei)
Franz: Young boy from Rocksprings captured by the bandits
Gainsya: Female Lind and Elda (leader) of pack Gainsya
Gemma*: Youngest sister of Niaill and Danal
Granny Beaton: Elderly resident of the Island of Hallam
Gsendei: Male Lind, Susa of the Avuzdel of Lind
Hanei: Male Lind and Elda of rtath Hanei
Hansei: Male Lind, Susalai of the Avuzdel
Hansel*: Retired Ryzcka of the Eighteenth Ryzck (Lind: Inya)
Hansel (Hans)*: Young boy from Rocksprings captured by the bandits (Lind: Davanya)
Haru: Male Lai and leader of the delegation to the Gtrathlin
Hereswald: Elderly Sister of the Order of Grey Nuns where Isobel received her education
Hilla: Eldest triplet daughter of Talan and Zanda and who began Garda officer training at the end of AL606
Horatio Anders: Head Councillor of Argyll after the elections in AL607
Iain McAllister: Councillor of Argyll and the new secretary for defence
Ilyei: Male Lind and Elda of rtath Ilyei
Inalei: Male Lind, Avuzdel and based at the domta of the Gtrathlin
Inya*: Female Lind, late of the Eighteenth Ryzck (Human: Hansel)
Isobel Cocteau: Margravessa. Betrothed of Elliot, sister of James and daughter of Count James Cocteau
Jackass: Name given by James Cocteau to the horse he rode in the north
James Cocteau: Count, best friend and Companion to Elliot, brother of Isobel
Jeannie: Research Assistant of Professor Angus
Jen Durand: Garda Officer Trainee and friend of Hilla
Jennifer Cocteau: Cousin by marriage of Isobel and married to Margrave Mark Cocteau
Jessica Cocteau: Friend and relative of Isobel from the ducal house of Cocteau, who shared Isobel’s education with the Grey Sisters and who entered the order at fourteen
Jhonas: Journeyman technician and year mate of Tala
Jill: Younger sister of Katia who joins the schoolroom of the Order of Grey Nuns
Jillson: Garda Drill Sergeant
Jilmis*: Weaponsmaster of the Vada (Lind: Alshya)
Jilsei: Male Lind and member of the Avuzdel
Joh Smithson: Friend of Zak and a member of the Dunetown Militia
Joseph Wallace: Younger brother of Julia
Julean Anders: Son of Councillor Horatio Anders
Julia*: Susa of the Vada (Lind: Alyei)
Kalavdr: Male Larg. The Largan
Karovitz: General of Murdoch
Katia: Sister-in-law of Isobel and married to James Cocteau
Lachlan*: Vada Riding Instructor
Lan: Young boy from Rocksprings captured by the bandits
Landor: Childhood friend of Hilla
Liam Hallam: Doctor and younger brother of Robain
Lainert*: Ryzcka of the Fourteenth Ryzck
Lightfoot: Rilla’s pony
Lvei: Male Lind, mate of Ranlya
Maddei: Male Lind, Susa of the Avuzdel of Lai
Mal*: Vadeln serving with the Vada, in the First Ryzck (Lind: Valennya)
Malaku: Male Lai and part of the delegation to the Gtrathlin
Mander Durand: Elder brother of Jen and a serving officer in the Garda
Maria: Friend of Alinetta from Rocksprings
Mark: Young son of Anne and Richard Cocteau
Markion*: Ryzcka of the Thirty-first Ryzck (Lind: Danya)
Martin Taviston: Head of Protocols at the Court of the Kingdom of Murdoch and son of Baron Peter Taviston
Mariya: Female Lind and Gtrathlin during Tara and Kolyei’s time (Wolves, Courage)
Mary: Friend of Isobel when she was at the convent of grey nuns and daughter of on of her father’s vassals and who remained to became a postulant when she was fourteen
Marya*: Female Lind, First Ryzck (Human: Mikel)
Matt Urquhart: Merchant of Stewarton and husband of Zala
Mathieu Urquhart: Eldest son of Matt and Zala Urquhart
Maura: Maidservant at the Little Rover Inn
Megan*: Vadeln serving with the Vada, in the First Ryzck (Lind: Sachdei)
Miggi: Elderly maidservant of Guildmaster Anders
Mikel*: Retired Ryzcka of the First Ryzck (Lind: Marya)
Niaill*: Younger brother of Danal, Vada, Ryzcka of the First Ryzck (Lind: Taraya)
Nibbles: Name given by Elliot to the horse he rode in the north
Nadala*: Vadeln serving with the Vada, in the Fourteenth Ryzck and then transferring to the First Ryzck, girlfriend of Niaill
Nesta: Retired Vada Holad and a lady who takes in and mothers orphan children at Vada
Paul: Prince-Heir, later Crown-Prince of Murdoch
Paul Farquer: Garda Officer Trainee and friend of Hilla
Paula*: Vadeln stationed at Stewarton and who reports to Susa Julia about what is happening there
Pete: Young boy from Valley Farm captured by the bandits
Peter: Childhood friend of Hilla
Peter Duchesne: Lord Marshall of the Kingdom of Murdoch
Philip Ross: Baron, Chief bodyguard to the family of Crown-Prince Paul at the Court of the Kingdom of Murdoch. Once Boy Companion to Paul and a close friend
Pierre: Eldest son of Anne and Richard Cocteau and eventual heir to the Duchy
Quindya*: Female Lind of the Fifty-first Ryzck (Human: Brion)
Quio: Dglai scout ship (Quorko) commander
Radya*: Female Lind (Human: Alun)
Rand: Privateer Captain
Ranlei: Male Lind of rtath Hanei and retired Susa of their Lindar
Ranlya*: Female Lind (Human: Disal)
Razdya*: Female Lind (Human: Davin, second in command of the Vada)
Richard Duchesneson: Councillor of Argyll and ex secretary for defence
Rilla*: Middle triplet daughter of Talan and Zanda (Lind: Zawlei)
Robain Hallam: Leftenant, later Captain of the Garda, from the Island of Hallam
Romauld: Father, private chaplain to the royal family of Murdoch
Ross: General of Murdoch
Rovenels: Elderly Garda General based at Stewarton
Sachei: Male Lind and Elda of rtath Sachei
Sachdei*: Male Lind (Human: Megan)
Sadei: Male Lind, Susa of rtath Hanei’s Lindar
Sandra de Groot: Garda trainee in the year ahead of Hilla and Jen
Sainjon: Garda General who is the head of intelligence and based at Settlement
Sanei: Male Lind, Lindar ryz Susa of pack Gainsya
Shona*: Vada Cadet (Lind: Danei)
Sernei: Male Lind from Lindar Dusnnei and with a dull red stripe pattern
Sindya: F
emale Lind and Elda of rtath Sindya and whose domta is situated beside that of the Gtrathlin
Stasya*: Female Lind (Human: Duncin)
Tala: Daughter of Talan and Zanda, younger than Zak and Zala and Journeywoman of the Technicians Guild at Stewarton
Talan: Innkeeper of the Little Rover Inn at Dunetown and father of Zak, Zala, Tala, Hilla, Rilla and Zilla
Talansdochter: Familial name used by the daughters of Innkeeper Talan
Taplin: Garda Warrant Officer
Taraya*: Female Lind, Vada, First Ryzck (Human: Niaill)
Teriyei*: Male Lind, mate of Taraya, First Ryzck (Human: Nadala)
Thomal Allanson: Prospective bridegroom of Juliana (Julia)
Tom Brentwood: Archbishop of Murdoch
Toinette*: Vada Cadet
Travis: Young boy from Valley Farm captured by the bandits
Trendor*: Ryzcka of the Forty-ninth Ryzck, a martinet (Lind: Ysnya)
Valennya*: Female Lind (Human: Mal)
Vanlya: Female Lind, Gtrathlin
Verro: Husband of Susa Julia
Villiers: Garda Leftenant who took Robain’s place at the Academie
Wallaceson: Garda Regimental Sergeant Major at Settlement
William Duchesne: Duke of Duchesne
Xavier: Younger brother to Prince-Heir, later Crown-Prince Paul and Prince-Duke of the Duchy of South Baker in the Kingdom of Murdoch
Xlei*: Male Lind (Human: Fastia, Weaponsecond Vada)
Ysnya*: Female Lind, Forty-ninth Ryzck (Human: Trendor)
Zak: Son of Talan and Zanda, twin of Zala
Zala: Oldest daughter to Talan and Zanda, twin of Zak and married to Matt Urquhart, a Merchant from Stewarton
Zanda: Wife of Innkeeper Talan and mother of Zak, Zala, Tala, Hilla, Rilla and Zilla
Zaoaldavdr: Male Larg, Susa of the Avuzdel of Larg
Zawlei*: Male Lind (Human: Rilla)
Zilla: Youngest triplet daughter of Talan and Zanda
* * * * *
GLOSSARY
All words are either derived from Lindish or Standard unless indicated otherwise
Academie: The training school of the Garda, based at Settlement
AL: Anno Landing, the years are counted from the first day in the summer of the first year of landing