A little stiffly, Klyd chuckled. "Yes, put that way, it doesn't sound so bad."

"And the Zeor genius saved the day, as usual. What have you learned of Andle's newest scheme?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? An awful risk you've been taking coming out here for nothing."

"A man can't live in confinement all his life."

"But a channel..."

Squirming uncomfortably, Klyd said, "Please, Nashmar, I have to listen to enough of that from Grandfather."

"Well, at least let me provide you with an escort home."

"That won't be necessary."

"The East Thodian Road is far more dangerous than the way you came... Runzi Raiders in the hills, and unlicensed bands in the valley!"

"I'm fully aware of that. We'll ride alone."

Nashmar shook his head in a way that told Valleroy that Klyd was playing it in character, so he held his peace. A real Companion of Zeor would support that brazen pride which seemed so much a part of the Farris House-holding.

"All right, Klyd, it's your neck and your Householding. But next month, when I send Zinter to you, it will be under heavy guard."

"Fair enough. Alter he joins Zeor, he'll learn to ride like a man."

"Like a channel you mean. Don't you dare send him out without a Companion!"

For answer, Klyd only gestured toward Valleroy.

"All right. Tell me, does Imil owe you selyn?"

"No. Enam didn't draw. He wasn't in hard need, and I think he just used that excuse to get at Hugh. Even high-intil, he could have used Zinter more effectively... if he'd wanted to."

"It's hard to see why he didn't"

"He might have been trying to discredit me by injuring Hugh-"

"Then he's a fool! A Companion of Zeor?"

"Or he might have merely been instructed to put Hugh low-field out of phase with me."

"Oh, Denrau could provide."

"We're not at Zeor yet. Besides, Hugh and I have a... commitment"

"I see. But how could Enam... or Andle... have known that?"

"Hrel could have reported it"

"But he's changed sides now."

"Only recently."

"Think it will last?"

"Yes, I do. Nashmar, do you realize what this means? If you can pull Enam through... and bring him over to our side..."

"That we can absorb any spy Andle sends? It means we'll win. But how can I bring Enam over without losing one of my own people like you did?"

Klyd leaned his elbows on the chair arms, twining tentacles thoughtfully. "I don't think it will be that costly. Disjunction is its own end... once it is achieved. His own body's new freedom will argue for us. His own mind's new clarity will show him our side of it. I think Hrel marks the turning in this war, Nashmar. Victory beckons."

"Now I know where Hugh gets his talent. Zeor has a poet for Sectuib! I wish I had your vision, Klyd."

"I wish only to assure that my grandchildren will never know a junct, never witness the agony of disjunction, and never fear for their safety among Simes."

Nashmar smiled. "I'll second that."

"Then on that happy note of agreement, let us part," said Klyd, rising.

"Just be sure to invite us to the birthday celebration."

"The invitations are probably at the engravers already."

"Designed by Naztehr Hugh, no doubt"

"I wouldn't know. My wife wouldn't let me see them."

"You mean," said Nashmar, escorting Klyd to the door, "that you didn't have time to look though she chased around after you all day. A woman in that condition. You ought to be ashamed."

"Nonsense. Zeor is much better organized than your primitive steading."

"Aha! What you mean is that you avoided her ambush!"

For a moment, Valleroy thought the two channels were serious... but then he saw the crinkle lines around their eyes and relaxed. He'd sleep well that night... his last night in Imil.

CHAPTER SEVEN.

Visions

THE NEXT MORNING SAW THEM ON THE TRAIL FOR home enjoying the fragrant Indian summer breezes. The air seemed alive, renewed from summer's dryness by the fall rains. Every intoxicating breath increased Valleroy's languid content.

They rode at a steady but unhurried pace, sharing the desire to store this moment against the fast approaching winter. To their left, a ridge of mountains running parallel to their road seemed to stretch long lingers toward them like a giant claw gripping the earth. The valleys between the ridges seemed rocky, forbidding gullies. Here and there some scar of Ancient handiwork could be seen. But for the most part there was nothing but stark cracked rock softened only by a wisp of fog.

To their right the neat patchwork of farms on the rolling flatland was crossed obliquely by an occasional farm road. It was a morning to enjoy being alive and free, a morning that conjured the happiest memories of childhood and the wildest exhilarations of youth.