Ties of Power (Trade Pact Universe) Read Online Free

Ties of Power (Trade Pact Universe)
Book: Ties of Power (Trade Pact Universe) Read Online Free
Author: Julie E. Czerneda
Tags: Science-Fiction, adventure, Romance, Fantasy
Pages:
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an instant I believed the Council would allow me to leave in peace? I’d rather sleep at night, thank you.” I felt Barac explore the unseen boundary with a tendril of power, knowing what he would find. The Haven was a fortress against our kind. No Clan could send thought or form into this place using the M’hir. And, I smiled to myself, if any tried a more physical approach, they would be in for a similar disappointment.
    I switched on the lighting, adequate to let me see his face yet night-soft. Random beams played among the rain-soaked leaves and still-closed evening blossoms, sparkling like gems. I wasn’t the gardener, but I loved the exuberant life here—in its way as novel to me as the hordes of beings beneath our feet. “You can test my protections, Cousin,” I said dryly. “I assure you they are adequate against—” I hesitated, and he pounced cheerfully.
    “The rest of us? Don’t worry, Sira. I’ve no intentions of testing them again. I, a humble sud, remain glad you and I are on such good terms.” His fine-boned face was open, freed of the guarded tension it had borne in the tavern, revealing lines of stress and—was I wrong?—what seemed to be the beginnings of hope. “But you asked me why I’m here. I’ve been chasing rumors of the Silver Fox,” Barac confessed willingly. “I was looking for you.”
    I sat and waved him to another of the lounge chairs. There were sufficient puddles to make me glad Meragg had insisted on rain-resistant furnishings for this retreat of mine. I raised one brow at the Clansman, refusing to be charmed. “I was never hidden—not to eyes like yours. You waited a long time to visit, Barac. Why now?”
    Barac’s smiling face settled into a mask, his voice dropping to the sharp edge of a whisper. “I did as you demanded, back then. You know that, Sira. I gave up my brother Kurr and the search for his true murderer—the name you knew but wouldn’t give me.” He paused, his voice gathering strength, yet oddly without bitterness. “But it wasn’t enough for the Council, Sira—that I stopped my awkward questions. This past month I was to be offered Choice by the daughter of Xer sud Teerac,” an impatient wave silenced my question. “A minor House. They live on Asdershal 3. But it was a good match; assured of success. Then, just before we were to meet, I was refused.”
    I winced. I’d known Barac remained unChosen from the moment I’d felt his presence in the Haven—those of the Clan who were incomplete carried their overwhelming need in the M’hir like a flag of warning. There would be pain as well as hurt pride in being refused. “It’s not the end of things, Barac,” I said awkwardly, remembering what had been said to me time and time again. Unhelpful, meaningless words, but all I could offer. “There will be other Choices—”
    “Not for me!” Barac snapped, his power flaring so that I narrowed my perception as well as my eyes. “You don’t understand, Sira. It was my third refusal. The last. The Council has no intention of allowing me fulfillment—ever. I—” He bit back what he might have said, then continued heavily, quietly. “When I realized the game they played, I took the only honorable course left to me. I am now exile.” When I didn’t speak, Barac smiled—a thin, hurt expression with none of his usual confidence. “Got room for a warlock, Cousin Witch?”
    “You are always welcome,” I said quickly, gesturing respect and commitment. “Curse them all for fools!” This last burst from my lips before I could close them.
    Slowly Barac nodded. “Especially one, Sira. No,” he added immediately, reading my sudden stillness correctly. “I can wait until you are ready. I didn’t come to open old wounds, just to be with you for a while, to think things through.” A mischievous grin took years from his face. “Do you know, I’ve even missed your Human—the redoubtable Morgan. How is he? Where is he?” He glanced around the
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