“One day I’ll explain that, but suffice it to say I was not a happy child. My parents are exceptional people, talented beyond imagining, but they had no means to heal what I saw as a flaw in my nature.’’
Talon sat back, his expression one of open astonishment. “I perceive no flaw in you, Caleb. I judge you to be the best hunter I have known, and my people are renowned for hunting. I have studied enough with Kendrick with the sword to see you’re as gifted with the blade as with the bow. You’re plain speaking, yet thoughtful. You have patience and look deeply into things. What is lacking?’’
Caleb smiled and sat back. “Becoming a student of human nature, aren’t you? Robert will do that to a man, given enough time. It’s one of his gifts. What is lacking,” he said softly, “is magic. My brother is not the only practitioner of magic in my family; rather I am the only one who does not have the gift. I grew up on an island where I was virtually alone in this.’’
Talon said, “So Robert and your brother are both magicians?” He kept his voice low.
“You didn’t know?’’
“I never saw either of them practice, although . . .” He paused. “The lessons your brother teaches are all about using the mind, more . . .” He groped for a concept. “Stranger than the lessons in logic which Robert gives me. Magnus shows me how to do things”—he tapped his head—“in here, that I didn’t imagine were possible. Yet I have no talent for magic.’’
“You know that for certain?” asked Caleb, as if making light of the subject.
“Among my people we have very few who are called to be . . . shaman, a magic priest. Each baby is tested, and those who have the talent leave their villages as children to study with the shamans. Among my people, there are a handful, and they . . .” Suddenly feeling overwhelmed, Talon said, “It doesn’t matter. They are all dead.” He felt moisture gathering in his eyes and blinked. “It’s been a while since I’ve felt that.’’
Caleb nodded. “It never goes away, completely. But you’ll discover other things in life.” His manner brightened. “My point was that while I’ve long since recovered from the imagined slights of my birth and upbringing, one thing I was never good at was understanding women. And like you, I was an ‘outsider’ when I first came to this part of the world, with no bearings to go on.” He took a drink of ale, then said, “On the other hand, learning can be very pleasant at times.’’
Talon grinned. “It can be. Lela is . . .’’
Caleb finished for him. “Lela. She’s a lively lass, I’ll grant you that.’’
“How do I . . .’’
“What?”
Talon attempted to frame his thoughts. After a long silence, in which the two young men sat looking at one another while the porters engaged in a loud discussion in the background, Talon leaned forward, and said, “Among the Orosini our mates are selected for us by our parents. I have no parents, and I do not know about Lela’s parents—‘’
Caleb interrupted. “You’re thinking about marriage?”
Talon blinked as if surprised to hear it put that way, but at last he nodded. “I don’t know what to do.’’
Caleb said softly, “Talk to Robert.’’
Talon nodded.
Caleb then said, “But I must warn you, I don’t think it’s going to happen, even should Lela be willing, which I don’t think she is.’’
“But she loves me!” Talon said, just loudly enough to cause two of the porters to turn and regard him. With a laugh and a rude remark, they returned to their own conversation.
“As I said, I am no expert on women, Talon. But this you must know. You are not the first lad to warm Lela’s bed.’’
“I knew that,” said Talon.
Caleb sat back as if considering his words. After a moment, he said, “What passes between a man and a woman is their own business. But I will tell you this. You know men who have been in Lela’s arms.’’
Talon blinked, as if he hadn’t considered that. “Gibbs?” Caleb nodded. “Lars?” Again Caleb nodded.
Talon said, “But Lars is with Meggie.’’
“Now, but they fall out as often as not; Meggie is no one’s idea of a summer festival. She has qualities, but she can be a difficult woman.’’
“But that’s not right,” said Talon.
“Talon, it’s not a question of right or wrong. It’s the way it is. Among your people, your mates are selected and you can go through life knowing only one women, but here . . .” He sighed. “It’s different.”
Talon appeared distressed.
Caleb said, “You should know that I have been with Lela.’’
Talon looked shocked. “You!’’
“Last Midsummer, on the day Pasko and Robert found you, she and I drank too much ale and ended up spending the night together. And she has done the same with a few handsome travelers, as well.’’
Talon looked as if his world was falling in on him. “Is she . . . what is that word?’’
“What word?’’