The tall franklin said, “You can’t go alone,” as if that thought was the sheerest absurdity. “When shall we leave?”
Pug looked up at Meecham. “You don’t speak the language. You’re too tall to be a Tsurani.”
“I’ll be your slave. There are Midkemian slaves there, you’ve said often enough.” His tone indicated the argument was over. He looked from Katala to Kulgan and said, “There wouldn’t be a moment’s peace around here should anything happen to you.”
William came over, Gamina behind him. “Papa, please take Meecham with you.”
Please.
Pug put his hands in the air. “Very well. We’ll establish some charade.”
Kulgan said, “I feel a little better, which is a relative statement not to be taken as approval.”
“Your objection is duly noted.”
Dominic said, “Now the issue has been broached, I, too, wish to again offer to accompany you.”
“You offered before you knew where I was going. One Midkemian I can look after, two would prove too burdensome.”
“I have my uses,” replied Dominic. “I know the healer’s arts and can perform my own brands of magic. And I have a good arm and can wield a mace.”
Pug studied the monk. “You are taller than I by only a little. You might pass as a Tsurani, but there’s the problem of language.”
“In Ishap’s order we have magic means to learn languages. While you prepare your rift spells, I can learn the Tsurani tongue and aid Meecham in learning it as well, if the Lady Katala or Earl Kasumi will help.”
William said, “I can help. I speak Tsurani.”
Katala didn’t look pleased, but agreed. Kasumi said, “I also.” He looked troubled.
Kulgan said, “Of all here, Kasumi, I expected you would be the most likely to wish a return, yet you’ve said nothing.”
“When the last rift closed, my life on Kelewan ended. I am now Earl of LaMut. My tenure within the Empire of Tsuranuanni is but a memory. Even if it is possible to return, I would not, for I have taken oath to the King. But,” he said to Pug. “will you carry messages for me to my father and brother? They have no way to know I live, let alone prosper. “
“Of course. It is only right.” He said to Katala, “Beloved, can you fashion two robes of the Order of Hantukama?” She nodded. He explained to the others, “It is a missionary order; its members are commonly seen traveling about. Disguised as such, we shall attract little attention as we wander. Meecham can be our begging slave.”
Kulgan said, “I still don’t like this idea. I am not happy.”
Meecham looked at Kulgan. “When you worry, you’re happy.”
Pug laughed at this. Katala put her arms around her husband and held him closely. She also was not happy.
Katala held up the robe and said, “Try this.”
Pug found it a perfect fit. She had carefully chosen fabrics that would most closely resemble those used upon Kelewan.
Pug had been meeting daily with others in the community, delegating authority for his absence—and, as was understood but not spoken, against the probability that he would not return Dominic had been learning Tsurani from Kasumi and William and aiding in Meecham’s mastery of that language. Kulgan had been given Macros’s works on rifts to study so he could aid Pug in the formation of one.
Kulgan entered Pug’s private quarters as Katala was inspecting her handiwork. “You’ll freeze in that.”
Katala said, “My homeworld is a hot place, Kulgan. These light robes are what is commonly worn.”
“By women as well?” When she said yes, he said, “Positively indecent,” as he pulled out a chair.
William and Gamma ran into the room. The little girl was a changed child now that Rogen’s recovery was assured. She was William’s constant companion, playing, competing, and arguing as if she were a sister. Katala had kept her in the family’s quarters while the old man healed, in a room next to William’s.
The boy shouted, “Meecham’s coming!” and broke out in gleeful laughter as he spun in a circle of delight. Gamina laughed aloud as well, imitating William’s spin, and Kulgan and Pug exchanged glances, for it was the first audible sound the child had ever made. Meecham entered the room, and the adults’ laughter joined with the children’s. The burly foresters hairy legs and arms stuck out from the short robe, and he stood awkwardly in the imitation Tsurani sandals.
He looked around the room. “So what’s funny?”
Kulgan said, “I’ve grown so used to seeing you in hunter’s togs, I couldn’t imagine what you’d look like.”
Pug said, “You just look a little different than I had expected,” and tried to stifle a laugh.
The franklin shook his head in disgust. “If you’re done? When do we leave?”
Pug said, “Tomorrow morning, just after dawn.” Instantly all laughter in the room died.