I'm almost done, folks, having reached the usual stage of utter exhaustion and
break down
of brain proteins. Here's another exclusive snippet to tide you over.

Lynn
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Excerpt Ch. 34 Copyright 2005 Lynn Flewelling Do not copy or repost.


Despite what she'd said to the priest, Ki could tell that she left the temple no
happier than
when she went in. She paced around the square for a while, brooding and lost in
thought.
Ki waited patiently, arms folded against the chill. The stars were so bright
here that there
were shadows on the ground. It was hard to believe it was still summer below the
mountains.

At last she paused in front of him. "What do you make of it?"

"I don't know, Tamír. These priests and oracles don't seem much use to me. If
they're
trying to tell you to be like your uncle, though, I think you'd better stick
with Sakor, after
all. A warrior knows the difference between good and evil, honor and dishonor."
He took
her by the shoulders and gave her a gentle shake. "You are honorable, Tamír.
You're the
kindest, most honorable person I've ever met. If Korin is too blind to see that,
or too
cowardly to parley with you, then that's his own weakness showing again. But
you? If you
are Skala, then that's a good thing for everyone!"

She sighed and covered one of his hands with her own. Her fingers were icy.
"You've come out without a cloak." Ki unclasping his and wrapped it around her
shoulders.

Tamír gave him a wry smile as he fastened the brooch under her chin. "You sound
like
Nari."

"Well, she's not here, is she? So I guess it's up to me to look after you, if
you don't have
sense enough to take care of yourself." He finished with the ties, and then
chaffed her
arms through the rough wool. "There, that's better."

She pulled away and just stood there, eyes downcast. "You—that is—I appreciate—"
She
faltered to a halt, and he suspected she was blushing. There'd been too many of
these
moments of sudden shyness between them since the change.

He pulled her into a rough hug and was glad to feel her relax against him. Her
cheek was
cold and smooth against his. He patted her back. It felt good, holding his
friend like this. It
seemed only natural to stroke a hand down that black braid. She shivered against
him and
pressed closer. Ki's heart tripped a beat as he murmured, "I'll always be here
for you, Tob."
He'd hardly realized his mistake before she jerked away with a mumbled, "Thanks"
and
strode back to the guesthouse.

"Tamír! Tamír, I'm sorry. I forgot! It doesn't mean anything! Come back a
moment, won't
you?" he called after her, but she didn't so much as look back. The door slammed
firmly
behind her, leaving him there in the cold starlight, confused by feelings he
wasn't ready to
claim and calling himself nine kinds of fool.