You were
only eight or nine at the time, but I've thought of you at least a
hundred times since, and wondered what became of you. There was such
simple joy in everything you did.....'
And as a look of slow recognition and wonder came over the young
woman's face, the normally reserved Mission Commander was overcome by
emotion. He stood up, telling her to do the same. He moved closer, and
embraced her heartily.
'Dear God, it's good to see you. To know that you're still
alive.'
This was too much for Kalus. The chair on which he sat flew backward
and the sword leapt from its sheath, in the upward swing knocking hard
against the bottom of the table. Jolted, the company turned to face
him, as to contain his animal passion he took a step backward and
breathed heavily. But the tip of his sword he pointed at the leader in
a rage, saying with disciplined fire.
'LET HER GO.'
But none were more startled, or dismayed, than Sylviana. 'Kalus!'
she demanded, as if he were an errant child. 'Put the sword away.
Can't you see these people mean us no harm? This man was a friend of
my father's. And of mine.'
He stood pale in the artificial light, his limbs trembling and his mind
confused. He lowered the sword, and slowly realized that he had been a
fool, and disgraced them both.
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