CLARION

187

attack. And if Lord Tern decided to let some of them join him beyond the Far Peaks, then he would welcome them into his arms with gratitude and they would live forever in glory with him.

Jonny turned to his squadron commanders and began issuing his instructions.

*Kra'ith. (Group/touch)*

Paul felt acceptance emanating from Elli. Then, tentatively:

*Dorland kra'ith (?)*

Dorland's face tensed. "She keeps asking about my kra'ith—"

A memory of Diana and Shari came to Paul,

shadowed by the dark concept of death. He knew they were not images from his own mind, but from Dorland's. The images were flavored with alien perception, and it took Paul a moment to realize why: they weren't coming directly from Dorland, but were instead being filtered through Elli.

*Kra'ith (pain!)*

"Yes," Dorland murmured. "Pain." His mind was obviously on the past, and he seemed unaware of the mental bridge Elli had set up. Paul and Dorland had been linked in the sacred chamber, too, but in a much different way. That link was black and ominous, bringing out the doubts both of them felt. Elli's link was sympathetic and supportive.

*Shari kra'ith (worship) (Youth/touch) (acceptance) (!)*

"Yes," Paul murmured. "The Dorland kra'ith is ... separated."

Again came the feeling of warmth and

acceptance—and a glimmer of comprehension.

Paul's eyes went to Dorland, then returned to Elli. He was sure Dorland had felt it, too. Elli was trying to help Dorland cope with the trauma of his broken kra'ith.

There are levels of kra'ith, Dorland had said. One level is the family group . . .

If Elli was willing to help Dorland with his kra'ith at the family level, maybe she would help with the next level. Was it possible she hadn't been able to help them against Lord Tern simply because they hadn't asked the right questions?

Paul formed his statement carefully:

"Doriand/Paul kra'ith is also separated."

*Kra'ith (separation) (!)*

"Yes," Paul said. He thought for a moment, then added: "Youth has been taken from our kra 'ith by Lord Tern. Can Elli help return the youth to Dorland/Paul's kra'ith?"

Something changed on Elli's face an instant before Paul had completed the sentence. He winced under the backlash of horror. The flap on Elli's face snapped shut, then opened again.

*(Dorland/Paul) attempt to stop kra 'ith (separation!)*

"That's right," Paul said. "We want to prevent Lord Tern from separating our kra'ith. We need your help."

*Lord Tern (destruction) kra'ith*

The thought was accompanied by a feeling of such revulsion that Paul took an involuntary step backward.

*Lord Tern (negative)*

Paul nodded. "Will Elli help us?"

*Eh-hli (comprehension) Lord Tern (!) That is why Eh-hli exist*

That is why Elli exist.

A sound like a small thunderclap came from the roof of the building.