Free thefiremargins by Lisanne Norman Page B

large room for playing in. You know all about your Link days, don't you?"

"Yes," said Rrai, eyeing him cautiously. "That's when they come and do lots of tests."

"Well, there'll be no more tests on your Link days," said Vanna, her tone outraged. "You'll be left in peace from now on."

Picking up Jinoe's concern, Kusac added, "You can call us if you need us, or if you just want company, but you won't be disturbed on your Link days unless that's what you want."

Are they still virgins? he sent to Vanna. Have they been allowed to pair yet?

Vanna threw him a wry look. Not yet. They're on medication to suppress their libidos until they're a little older. It appears to be working, probably because of their age.

They'd walked deeper into the house and were now going up a smaller staircase that led to the rear courtyard area.

"You're the telepath who has the Human Leska, aren't you?" Rrai asked, looking up at Kusac. "Can we meet her?"

"Of course, but not yet," he said. "She got hurt in a Challenge and is too ill to see anyone at the moment."

"Tell her I hope she gets better soon."

"I will," said Kusac, stopping beside Vanna.

"Can you give Jinoe to Kusac, please, Garras?" she said, turning to her mate. "I think it best if we take them from here. I'll see you downstairs shortly."

Garras handed Jinoe to Kusac who took charge of her rather gingerly. "I'll see you later," he said, his hand touching his mate's cheek gently before he left.

Vanna opened the door and led the way in, Kusac following her. As soon as he was inside, he realized where he was.

"It's the old nursery," he said, recognizing it with a shock. He froze, his mind going numb as he remembered why this wing had been reopened.

Kusac! Vanna sent sharply. Don't let the kitlings pick up your distress! It's not just Carrie that has to come to terms with the loss of your cub, you need to as well.

He took a deep breath to steady himself, then set Jinoe down on her feet.

"Kusac will show you round," said Vanna. "A food and drink dispenser has been installed in your room so you don't need to worry about meals on your Link days. Do you know when your next one is?"

"In two days," said Rrai, letting go of her hand to wander over to the window that looked out on the gardens.

"Do we have to stay in?" he asked, half turning back to her.

"No, you can go out when you want, so long as you take a den-mother or your mother with you," she said, following him over to the window.

"This isn't like the hospital," said Kusac, making an effort to concentrate on the two kitlings. "This will be your home."

"Will it be better than home?" asked Jinoe in a small voice. "Home wasn't very nice."

Kusac looked down at her. Large brown eyes looked up at him from a small face that was so thin it looked pinched. The purple tunic drowned her, adding to her air of frailty. Her light tan pelt was thin and patchy around her face and scalp, testifying to her lack of proper diet and her recent ordeal.

Gods, Vanna! She's no older than my sister Kitra! he sent, reaching down to touch the kitling's face reassuringly. How could that priest justify beating these children like that?

I know. They're safe now, though. You show them where everything is while I get my medikit. I want to give them a quick checkup.

"It'll be better than home, Jinoe, that I promise you," said Kusac. "Would you like to meet my sister, Kitra?"

     
    * * *
     
    Twelfth hour came and, as agreed, they met in Kusac's rooms. There was c'shar and coffee on the lounge table, and while they waited for T'Chebbi and Dzaka, the others helped themselves. Kusac prowled restlessly between the room and the balcony overlooking the front garden. Despite what Vanna said, he was more worried about Carrie than he wanted the others to know. Their Link had become fainter since the morning and he was suffering none of her symptoms. It almost felt as if she was separating mentally from him. The worst part was there was no one to whom he felt he