Homesmind Read Online Free Page A

time.
    —True— Luret thought, answering Anra's musings. She smiled, but her green eyes were expressionless. —What I do is more important, though. I can't ignore the calls. Sometimes I reach out through the Minds and hear voices from all the world, calling out for the rescue of those infant separate selves, or for answers to questions and doubts. I can't turn away from them—
    —I can't, either— Marellon said, —but there are times when I wish I could— His thoughts, as usual, were tinged with anger and sharpened by doubt. —So many still want nothing to do with this village or the sky-dwellers—
    Lydee touched his shoulder. —At least now they don't try to harm us, as they did at first—
    —They also don't speak to this village through the Minds, although they could. I've touched many thoughts during this trip, Lydee. Those who see you as a sky-dweller to be feared sometimes open their minds to me. Some believe that the skydwellers will steal our Minds from us. Others say that this village and the separate selves in it threaten the unity God intended Earth to have. They may accept the Minds, but many still refuse to believe that ancient Earthfolk built Them, and think instead that God gave Them to us. A few even claim that this world will come to an end—
    — They fear change— Lydee said. —Their old customs and beliefs helped them to survive, and they're afraid to give them up. When they see that change won't destroy this world, they'll accept it—
    —I'm not so sure— Marellon's brown eyes narrowed. "Let me give you some advice," he said aloud to Anra. "You and your friends might do well to prepare yourselves for a life in the heavens with skydwellers. Except for this village, you will never be welcome anywhere on Earth."
    —Don't tell her that— Daiya objected. —Earth is Anra's home—
    Anra leaned forward. —Yes, we could escape. We could live for many cycles there, without death. But we would take the only refuge of the separate selves you rescue with us— Her thoughts were too pointed; she had wounded the man. She touched his mind, trying to ease his guilt at having spoken so harshly before. —I see what you really think. Your anger formed those words, not your true self. You wouldn't want us to abandon this village—
    —My anger will pass— Marellon said. —I'm too impatient—
    Lydee rose. —Farewell, sister— she said to Daiya, then turned toward Anra. —Walk outside with me—
    Anra went outside with her aunt, followed by Marellon and Luret. Lydee's shuttle was standing in the road. Lydee motioned her two friends inside, then led Anra to the side of the craft as its door closed behind the pair.
    "Maybe I was too hard with Marellon," Anra said. "Sometimes I've thought we should go to the skydwellers' world."
    "No. You were right to show him your thoughts." Lydee sat down next to the shuttle's runners. "You saw how his words hurt Daiya. Many whom she loved died during the time of discord here before you were born. Our own parents were lost—our father Brun and our mother Anra, the one for whom you were named." Anra seated herself. "When she hears someone speak of running away, she thinks of them, and wonders if they died for no reason."
    "I know."
    "You and I have held similar thoughts. I was born here, and I've lived here for more than fifteen years since my return, and yet I find myself raging at Earth's obstinacy. I didn't want to see Cerwen die. I wanted to force him to live."
    Anra swallowed.
    "But skydwellers are obstinate as well. Many want to forget Earth and return to roaming among the stars." Lydee averted her brown eyes. "I was afraid to come back to the village this time, because I knew Cerwen would not choose to live and I wanted to hide from his death. Other cometdwellers came to know him and yet not one, except for Reiho, came to his side." She sighed. "I've seen death, I've seen birth. I have to dampen my dreams or the blood would drown me. I reek of this world's