As Kulgan finished recounting everything to Meecham, the door opened and further conversation was interrupted. William entered leading Gamina by the hand. The old man’s ward looked even more pale than when Gardan had seen her the day before. She looked at Kulgan, Kasumi, and Gardan and her voice entered their minds. I am sorry I caused so much pain. I was frightened.
Kulgan slowly extended his arms, and the girl gingerly allowed him to gather her up onto his ample lap. With a gentle hug, he said, “It is all right, lass. We understand.”
The others smiled at the girl reassuringly and she seemed to relax. Fantus came padding into the room. William threw him a quick look and said, “Fantus is hungry.”
Meecham said, “That beast was born hungry.”
No, came the thought. He said he was hungry. No one remembered to feed him today. I heard.
Kulgan gently held the little girl away from him so he could look at her. “What do you mean?”
He told William he was hungry. Just now. I heard him.
Kulgan looked at William. “William, can you hear Fantus?”
William looked at Kulgan with a curious expression. “Of course. Can’t you?”
They talk to each other all the time.
Kulgan’s face became animated. “This is wonderful! I had no idea. No wonder you two have been so close. William, how long have you been able to speak to Fantus this way?”
The boy shrugged. “Ever since I can remember. Fantus has always talked to me.”
“And you could hear them speak to each other?” Gamina nodded. “Can you speak to Fantus?”
No. But I can hear him when he talks to William. He thinks funny. It is hard.
Gardan was astonished by the conversation. He could hear Gamina’s answers in his head, as if he were listening. From observing the girl’s private remarks to Rogen the day before, he realized that she obviously was able to speak with whomever she chose in a selective way.
William turned toward the drake. “All right!” he said in aggravated tones. He said to Kulgan, “I’d better go to the kitchen and get him something. Can Gamina stay here?”
Kulgan gave the girl a gentle hug and she nestled deeply into his lap. “Of course.”
William dashed from the room, and Fantus hurried after, the prospect of a meal motivating him to an atypical display of speed. When they were gone, Kulgan said, “Gamina, can William speak to other creatures beside Fantus?”
I don’t know. I’ll ask him.
They watched in fascination as the girl’s head cocked to one side, as if she were listening to something. After a moment she nodded. He said only sometimes. Most animals aren’t very interesting. They think a lot about food and other animals, is all.
Kulgan looked as though he had been given a present. “This is wonderful! Such a talent. We have never heard of a case of a human communicating directly with animals. Certain magicians have hinted at such an ability in the past, but never like this. We shall have to investigate this fully.”
Gamina’s eyes widened as her face took on an expectant look. She sat up and her head came around to face the door, and an instant later Pug and Dominic entered. Both looked weary, but there was no sign of the sorrow Kulgan and the others had feared.
Before the question could be asked, Pug said, “He still lives, though he was deeply afflicted.” He noticed Gamina in Kulgan’s lap, looking as if that physical contact were somehow vital to her. “Are you better?” Pug asked. She ventured a slight smile and a nod.
Some communication passed between them and Pug said, “I think he will recover. Katala will stay at his side. Brother Dominic has proved a great help, for he is versed in healing arts. But Rogen is very old, Gamina, and if he doesn’t recover, you must understand and be strong.”
Gamina’s eyes rimmed with moisture, but she nodded slightly. Pug came over and drew up a chair, as did the monk. Pug seemed to notice the addition of Meecham for the first time and they greeted each other. A quick introduction to Dominic was made, and then Pug said, “Gamina, you could be a big help to us. Are you willing?”
How?
“There has never been an occurrence like today’s to my knowledge. I must know what made you so afraid for Rogen.” There was something in Pug’s manner that revealed deep concern. He masked it well, so as not to distress the child, but it still wasn’t completely hidden.
Gamina looked frightened. She shook her head and something passed between the little girl and Pug. Pug said, “Whatever it was, it could make the difference in Rogen’s living. Something we do not understand is involved in this; we should know about it.”