Free The Gorgon Field by Kate Wilhelm

under him and caught the post for support, closed his eyes very hard. When he opened them again, the figures were gone. He raced back toward the gorgons. When he got there, Ramón was emerging, carrying Constance.
    Gently, he transferred her to Charlie’s arms. Charlie watched him walk to Don Carlos and lean over him. It was very clear in the moonlight. After a moment, Don Carlos stood up.
    “I didn’t ask for this,” he whispered, and his voice carried as if he was shouting. “I made no demands, asked for nothing.”
    “It is given,” Ramón said. “Now we must get the señora to the house and to bed.”
    “Is she going to be all right?” Don Carlos asked.
    “ Si . She is suffering from shock right now.”
    And Don Carlos moved without his cane, Charlie realized. Constance stirred and pressed her face against his chest She sighed a long, plaintive breath.
    Are you sure, señora? You don’t have to go back now. You can stay here.
    Oh no! I give it all to you, Ramón. I don’t want it. I told Charlie I’d come back. That’s what I want.
    You can never give it all away, señora. Some of the power will cling to you forever. Some day perhaps you will come home again.
    She took another deep breath, inhaling the familiar smell of Charlie’s body, and she let herself go, let herself fall into the sleep she yearned for. Charlie walked to the car with her in his arms, almost blinded by tears he could not explain or stop.