Free Demonkin by Richard S. Tuttle Page B

argue your point,” frowned Chimene. “I can only assume that we are meant to learn to work together. In that light, the orders make little sense, but I will follow the orders given to me.”
    “Then we shall ride together,” sighed Lymm. “I only hope the strangers aren’t gone by the time we get back from camp.”
    The pair rode quietly for a while before urging their horses into a gallop. Within a half hour, they arrived at the secret canyon and gave the password of the day. Karaminian patriots and Rhodan warriors alike watched their progress along the canyon floor as they rode towards the dead end. They dismounted and moved swiftly up to the cave where Boric and Yortana resided. When they entered the cave, the two leaders were talking to Max Caber. Chimene let Lymm make the report. She remained silent and watched Yortana’s face for any sign of her feelings about the group. Chimene was curious to know if her leader would find anything strange about the travelers, but it was the Alcean who seemed to have the greatest interest.
    “Are you sure they were Occans?” asked Max. “Have you seen many Occans before?”
    “I haven’t seen many,” admitted Lymm, “and those that I have seen were from a distance, but there is no mistaking an Occan for another horse. Is it important?”
    “It might be,” Max replied distractedly. “I think I might go and have a look for myself. Where exactly were these travelers?”
    “Due west,” answered Lymm. “They could not have camped any closer to us and still been on the Calusa Road.”
    “You two have done well,” nodded Max. “Rest your horses a bit before heading back out. I will tend to our travelers.”
    Max did not wait for any protests over his course of action. He strode quickly out of the cave and down into the canyon. While he did not wish to say anything to the others, he suspected that some of the Alceans were nearby and didn’t want to announce their presence to the locals. He mounted his unicorn and rode swiftly out of the canyon. As soon as he was out of sight of the secret canyon, he halted and stuck his finger into his breast pocket.
    Runt immediately popped his head out and looked around. Seeing no one around, the fairy shot to Max’s shoulder. “It’s about time you let me get out and exercise. What is the mission?”
    “There is a group of travelers due west of here,” explained the Ranger. “I suspect they are some of our people on unicorns, but I want to know for sure before I get there. Go on ahead and scout them out.”
    “I will spy on them and return swiftly,” vowed the little man as he shot into the sky.
    Max chuckled softly and shook his head in delight. He always enjoyed the exuberance of the little people.
    “They are fascinating creatures, aren’t they?”
    Max whirled around to face the speaker. His eyes grew large as he stared at Fakir Aziz. “What are you doing here?”
    “Here, as in Karamin?” chuckled Fakir, “or here, as in the woods outside your secret canyon?”
    Max dismounted and turned to face the historian. “Is there a different answer for each of those questions?” the Ranger asked in confusion.
    “Very much so,” smiled Fakir. “Why I am in Karamin is of no consequence to you or the people you are with.”
    “So you say,” frowned Max, “but everything that happens in Karamin is our concern. And how do you know about our canyon? I doubt that you could have ever been there.”
    “Actually,” smiled Fakir Aziz, “I was there last night. You have your hands full trying to join those two forces together. May I make a suggestion?”
    “I may not know who you are,” sighed Max, “but I know you well enough to know that my answer to your question will have no effect on your actions. You are going to give me your thoughts whether I want them or not.”
    “I do not always behave in such a manner,” replied Fakir, “but in this case you are correct. The Rhodans are not used to being in the company of