Chapter Seven

Evan didn't know what to expect. He'd only known one other Sha'erah in his life, and not very well. Spencer had no interest in meeting other Keepers, so knowing Signus Harvey had been business, not pleasure. Though he couldn't help sense his former Keeper had, in fact, taken great pleasure in those strange and dangerous liaisons.

He'd seen the images and read all the files about Murcadia and its king, but there was little on the monarch's Sha'erah other than his name and a few images of Thomas standing, as always, behind his Keeper. The man was large and imposing, which probably went far when deterring the casual observer. But Evan knew he possessed certain abilities that went beyond the obvious. Doctor Zane hinted at possible mind reading talents, which made perfect sense considering his job as protector and Sha'erah to Regian Kellman. But he couldn't help sensing there were other talents no one knew about. At least, no one other than his Keeper.

Evan, too, had been custom-ordered to fill a specific purpose. The danger inherent in that was your limited use to other Keepers. But typically, the one ordering the developments had no care to think beyond his own ownership and needs. Not many people shelled out that kind of cash for something they intended to sell. It was just blind luck that allowed him to find a reason to be useful to Alex.

Since Murcadia was a major port, nearly a quarter of the Newton III's passengers were disembarking for vacations or just to have a look around. When they stepped off the shuttle transport and into the brightly lit morning, Alex took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"I told you to ignore them," Evan chastised, setting his pack on the ground by his feet.

"I don't see how you can." Alex let his pack drop to the soft ground and glared at the passengers rushing off the shuttle and past them. "No one on the cruise was that rude!" His voice raised in volume as he directed the last word at the crewman hurrying by.

"These are locals, I presume. Probably so accustomed to seeing only Thomas, they've forgotten other Sha'erah exist." Zane shook his head and looked around, smiling. "I know I'd forgotten how lovely this planet is."

Evan sighed. Since it was him being stared at all the time, he never understood Alex's problem. Sure, it could be irritating, especially when he was trying to keep a low profile for some reason. But for the most part, using the curiosity and intimidation of locals worked to his advantage.

Now they didn't need any real anonymity or secrecy. They needed to find a way to gain an introduction to Kellman, self-proclaimed king of Murcadia and head of the giant mining empire that had made this planet what it was. The other occupants of the shuttle had dispersed, leaving them relatively alone on the grassy section facing the main building where travelers could make arrangements for their stay and gain useful tourist information. Evan was keenly aware of the fact that not one of them had a clue what to do next.

Alex cleared his throat and turned to Evan. Before he could utter his first word, they all noticed a sudden change in the attitudes of the people in the building.

"Something's up." Zane nodded with his chin.

Evan stared into the crowd visible through large windows. The tiny hairs on the back of his neck were standing straight out, tickling his skin. Suddenly the door opened and a large, imposing man strode out heading straight in their direction. Evan eased himself one step in front of Alex and steeled his reflexes.

"Well, maybe we don't have to find a way to contact him after all."

Evan turned his head slightly to acknowledge Alex's words, but quickly turned back to stare as determinedly as he could at the very large Sha'erah only a few yards from them and closing quickly.

Thomas was flanked by men dressed in white jumpsuits sporting insignia and all manner of gold corded decoration. Evan presumed the emblems were royal in nature, some kind of advanced guard. None of them were armed in any visible fashion, but they obviously had prior knowledge of the arrival of another Keeper and had every intention of speaking to him.

When they were several feet away, Thomas stopped and his followers snapped to a sort of attention flanking him. The Sha'erah was a good foot or more taller than Evan, and wider at the shoulders by half. Dark brown hair dramatically short and spiked at the tips added to his look of authority. There was no discernable area one could call a neck, but a general assumption of thick, round muscles appeared to be holding his head to massive shoulders. He awarded Evan a quick glance from head to toe, then gave him a barely perceptible nod before addressing Alex.

"His Highness, Regian Kellman, ruler of all Murcadia, sends his regards and greetings."

Alex remained slightly behind Evan as if he knew -- should he try moving -- Evan would simply move with him. "Ah . . . thanks."

Thomas gave Zane the barest of glances, then returned his attention to Alex. "You are invited to be his guest during your stay." He moved his body slightly and held out one arm, indicating a general direction somewhere back the way he'd come. "I have been sent to offer you transportation and an unencumbered journey to the castle. If you will follow me." His tone suggested the invitation wasn't something anyone could, or would, think to refuse.

Evan didn't wait for Alex's reply. He reached down and picked up his, then his Keeper's, packs from the ground, all the while keeping an eye on Thomas and the other men. A quick glance back gave him a glimpse of a somewhat irritated expression on Alex's face, but there was no time to wonder about it.

Alex looked from Evan to Thomas. "Lead the way, then."

They were led through the large building, crowded now with tourists and the curious who recognized their king's Sha'erah and escorts. Immediately upon their entrance, the crowds had parted to either side. Evan watched the faces of the people as they passed, noting the mixture of awe and pride. He glanced sideways at Alex and caught him examining the crowd as well. Doctor Zane was behind them both, and presumably familiar with this planet and its inhabitants, so Evan didn't bother looking over his shoulder at the man.

Was it the fact that Thomas was Sha'erah? Was it his imposing height and wide shoulders supporting a massively muscled chest and thick neck? Or did the onlookers know full well he could read any thoughts regarding their king and wouldn't think twice about eliminating any and all threats to his Keeper? Only then did Evan fully realize the impact of that type of specialty, and how a king could so easily exploit its use and implications.

He inhaled more deeply and readjusted his grip on the packs. Thomas was Sha'erah, but so was he. They might have different talents, and they certainly varied greatly in size, but he was just as capable of protecting his Keeper in any situation.

The land vehicle they were led to was large and luxurious. Judging by the decoration and surrounding smaller vehicles the white-clad followers mounted, Evan presumed this was the royal vehicle the king himself traveled in. Guards had been posted at either corner of the land cruiser, and snapped to rigid attention when they approached. Without a word, Thomas opened the side door and waved to a guard who took their packs and popped open a storage compartment in the rear.

Evan glanced quickly into the vehicle's enclosed compartment, verifying its emptiness, then stepped aside so Alex and Zane could get in. Thomas would ride up front with the driver, since his Keeper wasn't in the vehicle, and the guard had secured their packs, presumably after having scanned them for weapons, then settled inside one of the trailing vehicles.

With one last glance around the general area for any signs of danger lurking about, Evan ducked into the vehicle and sat beside Alex on the wide, soft seat facing forward. Zane had chosen the opposite side and faced them, smiling contently.

"Well, this is going much easier than I thought."

Alex was leaning back in the seat, twisting the ring around his finger. He shook his head once. "Doesn't it bother you that they knew we were coming? And when?" He turned his head and looked at Evan. "Do you think Thomas could have broken into the PDA?"

Evan didn't answer right away. He hadn't seen any flash of silver on Thomas's hands, or anywhere else for that matter. "I doubt it. If his main talent really is mind reading, I can't imagine he could also interface. At least, not to that degree."

"And he's older than you, so even if he could he wouldn't be as good." Alex nodded absently.

"Well, there's something to be said for practice and technique you know. The kind of thing that comes with age and experience." Zane smiled to show he wasn't seriously considering Thomas was better than Evan at something they didn't even know he was capable of.

"I don't like it." Evan let his distrust of the situation show through his sternly set jaw and alert posture.

Alex laughed shortly, though there was little humor in it. "I guess we're all just getting a little too paranoid. He probably knew we were here because someone on that shuttle or in the spaceport recognized you and called ahead." He looked up at Evan again. "It's probably that simple."

Evan glanced through the tinted window at the back of Thomas's head. "Maybe."

The vehicle moved smoothly, hovering a foot above the terrain as they followed a wide, paved path out of the shuttle port and through a small town. Once out of reach of the town, the road began to wind gently over hills covered in bright green grass and flowering plants of all varieties and colors imaginable.

The entourage followed closely behind and at varying levels above the road until they rounded a long, wide corner and faced what appeared to be the only mountain on the planet. As they drew closer, Evan could see it wasn't exactly a mountain, but a huge rocky cliff bordering the edge of a massive lake or possibly an ocean. The road began a steep incline, heading straight for the cliff face and gaining altitude quickly. Eventually it became clear the cliff was carved, with a large stone door guarded by armed men and high tech devices.

"Good grief." Alex leaned forward in his seat to get a better view of the rock-enclosed castle as the car they were in headed toward the large door. "I guess that's the castle."

"The images you found must be the inside." Evan quickly looked around the area, trying to judge how large the cliff could possibly be. "If it's got an inside."

"Funny, he wasn't living here when I met him." Zane frowned. "Of course, he wasn't exactly King then, either."

"Things have changed." Alex watched the door open into the cliff, allowing their car to pass unhindered into a brief tunnel that opened up almost instantly, revealing a bright, sunny bowl.

"That was just the front door." Evan scanned the area as the car proceeded toward a large, stone castle. The grounds were green and opulent, lined with trees and flowering plants showing as much variety and color as the surrounding landscape. Protected on all sides by the massive cliff, the castle backed up against the sea, now several miles below. A perfect fortress.

The car pulled up to stone steps lined in purple carpeting and came to a halt with the passenger doors aligned at the bottom step. Before Evan could slide to the door ahead of Alex, Thomas was there. He opened the door and waited silently.

Alex held out an arm, preventing Evan from getting out first. "Just relax, will you? There's no one to impress here."

Evan felt his face burn, but Alex was too fast, and already climbing out of the car. He pointedly avoided eye contact with Zane as he followed his Keeper, sparing Thomas the quickest of looks. The larger Sha'erah showed no obvious sign of having noticed the breach in protocol. He simply shut the door when the doctor had exited, then motioned with one large, thick arm that they should all follow him up the stairs.

The castle fortress had the look of something ancient and magnificent, but was built and furnished with all the modern amenities. Even the stone walls, as it turned out, weren't actually stone. Monitors set in all the nooks and crannies followed with the utmost paranoia every move any visitor made. When they reached the large, simulated wood door, Thomas placed his palm on a reader. Evan watched him closely. The reader passed a green light over his hand, reading the palm print quickly. Once satisfied, the door opened slowly and elegantly. Too quick to have accessed anything. Even a high security door system would have required more time if Thomas was interfacing with it.

The room they entered was a wide hallway bordered by several connecting doors and corridors. Thomas stopped and turned, facing them. Before he could speak, a man entered the corridor from behind and strode purposefully toward them.

"Greetings all! Welcome to my humble home."

Regian Kellman was larger in person than the images on file. About Alex's height, but he had a gut that suggested many years of a soft life. Dull brown hair and eyes that matched clashed with his black pants and bright lavender shirt that flowed down to his knees, imitating a royal robe complete with fur lined collar and cuffs. Thomas stiffened instantly and took his place immediately behind his Keeper when the man came to a halt within hand-shaking distance.

"I'm Regian Kellman, ruler around these parts." Kellman smiled, showing off a glint of gem-enhanced teeth and held out a hand toward Alex. "I never pass up the opportunity to extend my every courtesy to a fellow Keeper and his, ah, entourage."

Alex glanced at Evan and raised one eyebrow slightly before shaking the offered hand. "Alex Marcase. Nice to meet you." He released the hand and gestured to Evan. "This is Evan, and a friend of ours, Doctor Phillip Zane."

"Ah, yes!" Kellman didn't offer his hand to either Evan or Zane, but he turned to smile triumphantly at Thomas who showed no emotion or acknowledgment. "I knew I recognized Zane." He crossed both arms over his chest and shook his head slowly from side to side, watching the doctor. "I thought you'd gone back to doctoring on some planet somewhere."

"Oh yes, to be sure." Zane nodded. "I've been doing quite a lot of things lately, actually. Most recently working for Captain Marcase, as a matter of fact."

"Captain?" Kellman looked back at Alex. "You wouldn't happen to be the Captain Marcase who just recently submitted reports of a Turbidium discovery?"

Evan's internal alarms dialed up a notch. Zane had assured them Kellman took little interest in outside affairs, and wouldn't likely even know or care who they were or why they came. He hated uncertain situations. He was used to them, but he hated them nevertheless.

"Yeah, that's me," Alex shrugged it off as being completely unimpressive. "It was a long expedition, so we're on vacation."

Evan applauded his casual approach, but said nothing, watching Kellman and Thomas for any revealing body language or change in attitude.

"Listen, we didn't mean to put you out or anything. We'd be just fine staying in some tourist spot for a few weeks."

"Heavens no!" Kellman expressed mock horror at the suggestion, then waved for several servants to pick up their luggage. "You'll stay here as my guests. I rarely get to meet other Keepers, and it wouldn't look right for the king to ignore such honored company. Come, come, they'll take your bags to your rooms. Let me show you around."

Kellman turned in a flourish of purple, waving one hand for Alex to accompany him. Thomas fell into step behind and slightly to the left of his Keeper without missing a beat, so Evan took to Alex's right. That put Zane more between them than the two leading the pack, but he showed no interest in wedging himself any closer to their host.

By his posture, and the short, somewhat irritated glances Alex was shooting his way, Evan could tell his Keeper wasn't thrilled with the situation. Whether it was Kellman he didn't like, or something else, he wasn't sure. Until they were alone somewhere, he couldn't really ask.

Evan steeled his expression to a mask of alertness, taking no obvious interest in the tour of the ultra-modern castle and elaborate grounds. He took mental notations of every hidden camera, listening device and security panel they passed, and counted the armed guards casually walking the edges of the ocean drop-off. Alex wasn't saying much aside from the occasional polite comment, but Zane suddenly spotted something that consumed his full attention.

"You have your own medical research facility?"

Kellman paused and turned to see the doctor. "Yes, I do indeed. A modest building, to be sure, but absolutely state-of-the-art! Can't be too careful, what with the latest in poisons so readily available to any would-be assassin."

"Get that many attempts on your life?" Alex raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, the odd try now and again," Kellman shrugged it off. "Poisons mostly, since they can't get much more than that past my security. Do feel free to poke around, doctor Zane. My physicians love visitors."

"If you don't mind, I would appreciate the chance to pick up a few pointers." Zane smiled at each of them, then walked happily toward the facility.

"Well, he's gone for a few days." Alex shook his head, smiling slightly. "Hope you don't mind, he seems to really enjoy new toys."

"Not at all." Kellman sighed and continued their walk back toward the mansion. "He's an interesting man, Zane. As I recall, last time he was here he was all excited to learn as much as he could about Keepers and their Sha'erah. Is he still on that quest?"

Evan gave Thomas a sideways glance to see if Kellman's question sparked any kind of reaction. If they did know why Alex had come here -- and it really wasn't going to be a stretch to figure that one out -- he might already have something in mind for him to find.

Thomas was unreadable, as any good Sha'erah would be, and simply continued to stare at the back of his Keeper's head as they walked. Must be able to read his Keeper’s thoughts at all times, as well as any others. The talent had more implications than he'd considered. If he could read thoughts pertaining to Kellman, what was his range? And how far did a thought about Kellman go? Was it restricted to negative emotions, or did any passing thought that included the King of Murcadia qualify? And if so, was he reading Alex's mind right now?

Evan swallowed to relieve a suddenly dry mouth. That was something he couldn't protect Alex from. If Thomas could read his thoughts, and relay them to his Keeper, they could have no secrets here. This is too dangerous! They could be forced off their quest before it even began. What was I thinking? Kellman might not care what they'd come for, but he might also be one of the very instigators who'd had Zane stopped the first time. And Alex wasn't one to hide his thoughts! Evan suddenly wished he could at least get a glimpse inside his Keeper's mind before those thoughts were put to words.

His heart was beginning to pound inside his chest by the time the tour led them up a long staircase to their rooms.

"I trust you'll find this sufficient? Better than the tourist hostels, I assure you." Kellman smiled widely as he opened the large door leading to the guest suite.

"I'm sure this will be just fine, thank you." Alex stepped inside, followed by Evan and Thomas.

The main room was opulent and heavily decorated in red and gold, with a gilded door at the far end. This led to a smaller room with a bed on one side and a washroom fit into the wall of the other. Through the other door was a second bedroom, much larger, with a massively wide bed and several dressing closets and a washroom.

"I've got a room next door here for the good doctor." Kellman proudly walked around the rooms, pushing curtains away from windows to reveal a bizarre set of conflicting views. "These are simulated views. The rooms are nestled deep within the rock for security. Your Sha'erah sleeps here, naturally, so even if something did find its way inside, he'll be between it and you."

Alex looked perturbed. "His name's Evan."

Kellman waved the comment aside with a flick of one hand. "Yes, yes, I'd forgotten. Have you had many security problems yourself since you acquired him?"

"No, not a one."

Evan froze his facial features so as not to react to the lie. What was he doing? Testing Thomas's abilities?

"Lucky for you. Have you had him long, then?" Kellman stood beside a tapestry depicting what appeared to be his father discovering a new mine.

"Evan's been my partner for just under a year now." Alex stood next to a chair, his posture taking on the same defiant stance he'd had when visiting his mother.

Kellman's eyebrows arched. He looked at Thomas, laughing shortly, then turned back to Alex. "Partner? Well I suppose technically, that's true, isn't it? I tend to prefer the term Sha'erah, though. Keeps them in their proper place." His smiled turned ice cold, frozen on his face like a weapon.

Had they shared something telepathically? This was going to drive Evan crazy! He had to get Alex out of here, or at the very least alone so they could talk!

"Yeah, well I'm a little different than most, I suppose."

They were sparring! Evan couldn't believe Alex would be this openly hostile so early in the game. They'd only just arrived, and already he was risking his entire mission.

Kellman reacted with a sparkle and a barely audible squeak of pleasure, as if he was enjoying the challenge of speaking with such an arrogant man. "Indeed!" He laughed out loud, shaking his head. "This is going to be a most interesting visit. I'm sure you'd like to relax a bit and freshen up. Feel free to explore the castle and grounds. We dine at eight."

"I'm looking forward to it." Alex bowed his head ever so slightly.

Kellman left still chuckling, with Thomas silently following close behind. Evan waited until the doors had shut, then turned to Alex.

"What in God’s name are you doing?" He could feel the anger burning in his face along with all the tension and uncertainty he'd been forced to lock tightly away since arriving on Murcadia.

Alex grinned, green eyes sparkling with juvenile mischief. "What can I say? People like him bring out the worst in me."

Evan blinked. "Do you realize there's every chance Thomas could read your mind? We don't know what his talents really are, or how far they go! For all we know, he could read everything you were thinking, and transmit that to his Keeper without saying a single word!" How could Alex be taking this so lightly?

"I hope he did." Alex walked to the huge bedroom in the far end of their apartment. "It'll save a hell of a lot of time dancing around what we really mean."

"It's also dangerous!" Was he the only one who understood what Thomas was for, and what he could do?

"This room is ridiculously large." Alex opened a closet and found his clothing, all neatly hung and arranged.

"If he can read your thoughts, regardless of how they affect Kellman directly, then anything you say to the contrary is going to make them suspicious."

"Look at that bed, five people could sleep in that thing and never touch each other." Alex walked to the washroom and called for the lights to come on.

"He probably knows exactly why we're here, and he's just going to play along to see what else he can learn. We shouldn't have come."

"How do we even know it's true?" Alex came out of the washroom and stood in the doorway, staring at Evan.

"What?"

"How do we even know Thomas can read minds?"

Evan stared back at him, eyebrows knitting together. "It's what Zane said."

Alex shrugged. "Because it's what he was told. But how do we know it's true? I mean, how can we check it out?"

"We can't. If you think any thoughts about harming Kellman, Thomas will stop you before you get the chance to explain it was a test. Actually, he'd kill me while I try to stop him from stopping you."

Alex looked disgusted again, just as he had earlier while on the walking tour of the castle grounds. "There you go again."

"What?"

Alex stormed out of the bedroom, through the smaller room and out to the living area. "Ever since we landed here and saw that Thomas guy, you've been all . . . Sha'erah on me!"

Evan blinked. That had to be one of the dumbest things Alex had said to date. "What does that mean? I am Sha'erah."

"That's about as important as saying you're male! Or you've got black hair." Alex stood next to a heavily padded, high-back chair, glaring at him. "I though we were partners. Friends. We get down here and you suddenly have to walk behind me? It's bad enough you won't talk in front of other people."

"You're over-reacting." To say the least.

"Who are you trying to impress, Kellman, or Thomas?"

Evan let out a quick snort of disgust and walked to a computer terminal decoratively hidden in a small side table beside one of several couches. "Don't be ridiculous."

"I'm not." Alex stayed where he was, watching Evan. "What are you doing?"

"You want to test Thomas's talent?" He pressed his left palm over the input pad and braced himself mentally for the rush of new information.

The first thing to hit him was a security wall, but as elaborate as it was, it took him less than a minute to wind his way through. At least that confirmed the fact that Thomas couldn't interface. Evan concentrated his search, passing financial information and planetary affairs with the barest notice. What he wanted to know was whether or not Kellman kept private records on the public, supposedly secure, system.

Perfect. Just as he suspected, Kellman kept mounds of personal records, behind some of the strongest security money could buy. Evan reached it within minutes. When he'd seen all he needed for the time being, he backed out, covering his electronic tracks out of habit as he did so.

"What did you do?"

He took a deep breath and let his eyes focus once again on Alex and his surroundings. The search hadn't taken more than a few minutes altogether, and was no strain at all on his abilities.

Evan shrugged. "Thomas can read minds. But, like Zane thought, only those thoughts that are focused directly at his Keeper and only in a negative emotion."

"Interesting." Alex started twisting the silver ring around his finger idly. "You'd think if you were a sibling trying to bump yourself up a notch by offing your older brother, thoughts of killing him would be very positive and upbeat."

"Which is probably why he has so many attempts." Evan shook his head. He almost felt sorry for Thomas, Sha'erah to Sha'erah. "He's older, probably ordered before mind reading techniques could be perfected."

Alex made a sound under his breath. "Ordered. You make it sound like . . . Never mind. I can't imagine anyone perfecting something like that anyway. Mind reading is pretty far-fetched."

Evan shrugged. "Would you have imagined what I can do is possible if you hadn't seen it yourself?"

Alex smiled, almost to himself. "I still don't think you're possible, and I've known you for almost a year." His expression changed to one of puzzlement. "How did you do that, anyway? Doesn't the king of a planet have better computer security?"

"He's got what should be the best, but I've come up against it hundreds of times. Once you know how, getting through it is easy."

"So, he keeps his personal diary out there for anyone to see?" Alex shook his head.

"Only someone very good. You thought your files were as safe as they could be, until Harvey tried to get in."

"So, do we tell him he's got security problems he's unaware of, or keep this little bit to ourselves?"

"Are you kidding?" Evan couldn't believe how unafraid his Keeper still was, considering their situation. "Have you noticed how dangerous this place is? Kellman's protection is just as good at keeping us in as it is keeping him safe. We're surrounded by armed guards, in a stone fortress, on a foreign planet, with a Sha'erah who can probably read any thought you've had of Kellman in a bad light. A man I might add who is capable of pounding either of us into the ground with one fist. And we don't know if he knows why we're here or not, or what he would think of it if he did."

Alex grinned. "So you agree, then. We'll keep this little tidbit to ourselves." He pulled the PDA out of his thigh pocket and checked it for messages, even though it hadn't beeped once. "I don't think this guy's gonna be much help, but we might as well see what we can get from him while we're here."

Evan sighed and ran a hand through his hair, smoothing back the black strands that had fallen forward. It was obvious to him Alex was adversely affected by wealthy surroundings. How else could he explain his Keeper's strange, irritating behavior whenever he was in the presence of anyone remotely like his mother? Never mind the fact that being a Keeper placed him in the same financial category. That was a subject he refused to accept.

Well, accept it or not, someone had to explain the facts. "Listen to me. I know this isn't something you're used to, so I'll explain it."

Alex lowered his eyelids, prepared to be irritated.

Evan didn't let it affect him in the least. "Thomas is a Sha'erah. Kellman obviously understands and enjoys what being a Keeper means. Do you understand what that can mean? They're not like you. They don't have the same ideas you do."

"That's obvious." Alex let out a snort of derision.

"And what it means, is that you can't address Thomas directly while in Kellman's presence." Evan paused, watching Alex's face for any sign of acceptance or rebellion. "Kellman will never address me directly, either. He will never use my name, and he will expect me never to enter the conversation. And he certainly won't expect you to try and include either of us in your discussions."

Alex's eyes were flashing angry green. "So you're going native on me after all?"

"We don't know this man, or what his motives might be. We don't know who stopped Zane in the first place, and we don't know how far they might go do to it again." Evan's voice threatened to rise to match the anger and frustration he was feeling. "Not to mention that incident on the Newton III. I still don't have any idea who tried to get into your PDA. I only know Thomas doesn't personally have that ability."

Alex made a noise under his breath. "I just don't like the way he treats you. Ignoring you like you're one of the servants or something. You're my friend, not some hired luggage carrier!" Frustrated, he turned to pace across the room. When he reached a wall, he stopped and sighed heavily, then turned back to face Evan. The fire behind his eyes was only slightly dimmed. "If you're such an expert here, what do you suggest?"

Evan let out a breath. He appreciated Alex's sentiment, even if he didn't understand it fully. His sincerity served to set him even further apart from his father every day. "If Kellman will go for it, separate him from Thomas. That's the only way I'll be able to speak with him. But he might not speak with me about his Keeper." And he might not know any more than I do. Actually, Evan was almost hoping he didn't.

"Fine. I'll play Keeper, if that's going to make you happy." Alex let out another loud sigh and walked back to the center of the room.

"I would feel more secure here if you would."

"Just don't think for a minute that I'm going to like it."

They left the huge apartment and back-tracked their way down to the main floor, then wandered a few elaborately decorated halls until they found the dining room.

"Ah, perfect timing." Kellman smiled widely as he entered the room from another doorway, waving at Alex to approach the massive table. It was set for four, with Kellman at the head, Alex to his immediate left, Thomas to his right, and Evan at Alex's side. "The good doctor is dining with my medical staff. He's in physician heaven over there, I do believe."

Alex rolled his eyes as he sat down. "He does enjoy his profession. I don't think we saw him for more than twenty minutes the entire trip here."

Evan watched Thomas as the serving people entered the dining room carrying plates of food. He seemed to stare at each one in turn for several seconds, then gave a nod and watched them serve first Kellman, then Alex. After the Keepers were served, the platters were left on the table for Thomas and Evan to serve themselves and the servants left the room quickly and quietly.

Kellman kept the conversation light during the meal, with polite inquiries as to Alex's home world, his explorations and many discoveries. In turn, he educated them on his own family, consisting of several younger siblings anxious for their turn at planetary leadership. He spoke of his father and how the man discovered Murcadia's mining potential, and gained his wealth and stature by being the only colonist interested in purchasing what were then thought to be worthless chunks of land.

Now and again, while Kellman was explaining his own rise to power, Evan caught Thomas scrutinizing Alex.

Great, he’s probably thinking what a pompous ass Kellman is. Evan was pretty sure Thomas would be adept enough to know the difference between an evil thought and one that was simply uncomplimentary. Judging by the barely perceptible upper tug at the corner of the Sha'erah's mouth, he was convinced that was true. Nothing says a Sha'erah has to like his own Keeper. Thomas probably had his share of negative emotions regarding Kellman, but he could never act on any of them.

"Would you care for a drink in the sitting room? I have some three hundred year old scotch that might impress you."

Evan blinked. He'd been so wrapped up in his observations, he'd missed the change in conversation.

"I'd love it." Alex stood, then glanced at Thomas and Evan. "Think we can leave these two alone?"

Kellman laughed lightly and pounded Alex's back with a large arm. "Oh I don't think anyone will steal them while we're away."

Slightly confused, Evan watched the two men walk through an adjoining door into another room. Since when had they become so friendly? He did note the signs of strain around Alex's mouth and eyes, suggesting he'd much rather be anywhere but in a room with Kellman alone.

"Don't worry, your Keeper is in no danger here." Thomas stood, pushing his chair back loudly with his legs. "We can go through there to another room and see them through the windows."

Evan stood, nodding. "Yes, that's fine." Thomas was speaking to him. And casually. This wasn't what he expected from a Sha'erah of such discipline, but he hurried to follow the large man through another doorway and down a winding hallway. They entered a smaller room, cozily decorated for comfort with large, overstuffed chairs facing a magnificent view of the ocean on one side, and affording a good glimpse into several rooms of the mansion on the other. One of those rooms held Kellman and Alex, seated in chairs opposite each other, drinks in hand, laughing and talking about God knew what.

"He's new, isn't he?"

"Excuse me?" Evan looked at Thomas, who pulled one of the chairs around so he could see into the other room while seated.

"Your Keeper. He's new, isn't he? Still adjusting to you?"

There was no sense in trying to lie about anything. "Yes, he is." Evan sat and sighed. "He inherited me less than a year ago."

Thomas nodded. "I was sold to his father ten years ago, after being with my original owner for thirty years. Then he died and left me with that twit."

Evan felt his face flush slightly at the surprisingly candid opinion. He wasn't used to speaking with another Sha'erah, having only known one other, and never expected to hear such a thing voiced.

"That's an interesting adaptation." Thomas pointed to Evan's hand, then touched his own palm, indicating the silver. "Harder to hide." He reached up and parted some of his short brown hair, revealing a splash of the metal on his scalp.

Evan tried not to react with more than a simple nod. "Have you met many others?"

Thomas shrugged. "A few. None like you, though." He nodded at Evan's hand again. "What is it? Weapons? Defense? I met one last year whose talent was lie-detecting."

"What did his Keeper do?" Evan didn't want to lie, in case Thomas could somehow detect it, so he tried to avoid the explanation. It was up to Alex to let other people know what he could do, including other Sha'erah.

"Lawgiver."

"That figures."

"He's the only one I know who hadn't ever been sold. At least, not yet."

Evan eyebrows arched. "You mean, he's original?"

"Last I heard." Thomas glanced out the window at the room across the courtyard. "How many have you had?"

"Alex, and one before him. His father." Evan didn't feel like getting into personal specifics, in case Spencer's name was known even here. And now, if he asked any direct questions about Thomas's mind-reading abilities, he'd be forced to admit what he could do, and risk the other Sha'erah making a connection between his talents and his Keeper's privacy.

"Lucky. Adapting to these people isn't easy. If any of his siblings are successful in their assassination attempts, and one day one of them will be, then I get passed down the line."

"Kellman left you to his successor?"

"Kellman's father did." Thomas turned to look Evan in the eyes as he spoke. "His father's will left me to whoever was in control of the estate, not this son specifically." He shrugged. "Regian Kellman can't alter that original will, there were stipulations."

"So, either way, you win?"

They both knew the implications, and restrictions, of such a statement. A Sha'erah could never do anything to cause harm to his Keeper, and was required to protect him without prejudice, regardless of personal feelings he or she wasn't even allowed to have. No outsiders, even Keepers, truly understood that. But as long as there was a will, the Sha'erah would have certain securities. That was something Evan was still struggling with. Alex didn't have a will, or so he said. And technically, he knew he now had options that weren't available to him before. But could he take advantage of that knowledge, if he really had to?

And if so, what was he to do with it? He might be free from the constraints of a will, but if Alex were to die, there would be nothing for him to hold onto. Free or not.

"How did your first die?"

Evan blinked himself back from his thoughts. "He -- He had a weak heart."

Thomas nodded knowingly. "That's what happened to Regian's father. The one thing we're helpless to prevent."

He wasn't really making any progress, was he? Alex probably expected him to grill Thomas about their origins, or home world, or anything he might remember from the time before. But sitting there, actually speaking with another Sha'erah for the first time in so long, he wasn't in the mood to delve into things neither of them were going to care about.

Trouble was, this wasn't about what he wanted.

"Your first . . . What was he like?"

Thomas's eyes took on the faraway look of remembrance. "Jonathan Hill. A good man, but careless with his fortune. He needed me to help him discern between those who meant him harm and those who didn't. Eventually the stress of his wealth was too overpowering. He sold me to Regian's father, gave away his fortunes and found religion somewhere."

"So, he had you specially ordered to keep him out of financial trouble?"

"Mostly. We're all specially designed, so they say."

Evan nodded. "They say a lot of things, but they seldom know what's right and what's just rumor."

"That's what helps us more than anything," Thomas smiled. "If my Keeper knew truth from rumor, my life here would be more difficult than it already is. It was easy to train this one to do as I say. Fear of death keeps him willing to listen to me, which in turn makes it easier for me to keep him close to home where I can keep him alive without too much trouble."

Evan sensed there was more to what Thomas was saying than simple bragging, but he wasn't sure how to press it. "Some are easier to keep control of than others. My first Keeper made all the rules, no exceptions."

"And this one?"

He glanced at the window where Alex and Kellman were visible in the other room. "He's not his father."

"Lucky for you he's at least nearer your age. Not likely to die from bad health any time soon. I met a Sha'erah last year who was kept by a man three times his age, and in ill health."

"Is he still alive?" Evan hated this subject, but he had to keep Thomas on the topic if he hoped to hear anything useful.

"I doubt it, but I haven't heard. We don't leave Murcadia, so my information is restricted to what visitors tell me." He leaned back in the chair and looked at Evan. "Why has he come to see Kellman?"

"Just vacationing." It fleetingly occurred to Evan he might be able to pick up a few tips from Thomas that he could use to keep Alex on a shorter leash. "He's never met another Keeper, aside from his father, so I think he was curious."

Thomas nodded, apparently accepting that explanation. "Understandable. I'm afraid he doesn't like Regian much, though."

Evan's face flushed slightly. "Alex is very . . . opinionated." This was bordering on disrespect. Was Thomas testing him, or did he actually expect to get him to open up about his Keeper's private affairs?

"Kellman's an idiot." Thomas stood suddenly and paced to the windows, glaring at the other room.

Well, if it was a test, Thomas just failed it. Evan stood, warily eyeing the larger man.

As if sensing his failure in protocol, Thomas shook his head and walked toward the door. "They're retiring for the evening."

Dammit. Had the man reacted to something he read in Alex's mind, Kellman's, or was it just an off hand comment that came out without thinking? Evan followed him to the hallway, then backtracked to the dining room, out to the main hall and back up to their rooms where he found Alex, already stripping off his shirt, both shoes and socks discarded to the side of the main living area.

"Well, did you two kids have fun?" Alex tossed his shirt over the back of a chair and ran a hand through his hair, watching Evan.

"Are you drunk?" The smell of whiskey wasn't too strong, but it was there.

"I hope so. That Kellman's quite an ass. It was his idea to declare himself king of all he surveyed the year his father died." Alex collected his shirt and one sock, and carried them through the first room, then into his larger chamber.

Evan followed, carrying the other sock and both forgotten shoes. "No, I didn't. But I do know Thomas belongs to whichever relative is in charge."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "So, Kellman dies, and Thomas just gets passed down the line? Sweet deal for him, then."

"Unless he's sold." Evan tossed his Keeper's shoes to the floor and sat on one of several plush chairs in the room. "I don't see how the original will can prevent Kellman from selling Thomas, if he wanted. But he said it would."

"Probably has some twisted legal angles that prevent it." Alex sat on the end of the huge bed and yawned. "If Thomas knew it was all lies, he could decide for himself."

Evan shook his head. "Not him. I don't think he would even want to know the truth." Sometimes he didn't even like knowing the truth. "He's happy the way things are." At least, he seemed settled. Maybe not happy.

"So were you. That's what you kept saying, anyway."

"I am happy with my life."

"That's what I mean."

"What?"

"You're happy now. With your life."

Evan sighed. It was hard enough to make sense out of Alex when he was sober. "I just said that."

"Right. But I mean you are now. Not like before." Alex pushed himself off the end of the bed and walked, slightly waveringly, toward the bathroom. He had to raise his voice slightly to continue the conversation through the open door. "I mean with me, knowing you have a choice now. It's better than before."

Well that’s obvious. "Before I knew any better, I had no complaints." Evan wasn't sure exactly what Alex was getting at, if anything, but he wasn't prepared to admit that the majority of his life thus far had been a complete and utter loss. Knowing his Keeper as he did he didn't think that was the point here. "Thomas has a different situation entirely. I don't think he'd care one way or the other, let alone understand or believe you."

"Kellman would never accept it anyway." Alex came back from the bathroom wearing only his shorts and yawning again. "The guy's nuts." He tossed his pants over the back of a chair and pointed to the gigantic bed. "You wanna sleep in this thing? It's so big it's freaking me out."

Evan shook his head and got out of the chair. "No thank you. I can't imagine what he had in mind having a bed that size built."

Alex shrugged, then pushed back a corner of the blankets. "Same thing they always have on their minds, these rich brats. Extravagance." He made a face and climbed into the bed. "If I remember anything from tonight, I'll go over it during breakfast. Kellman's got business in the morning, so we're on our own."

"Good night." Evan left the room when Alex got into bed, shutting off the lights as he did. His room was the ante-chamber between the main living area and the extravagant bedroom, and just the right size for comfort without going overboard on detail.

The bed was a double, nestled against one wall, while the washroom took up the opposite side, through a sliding wall. It was the perfect setup to protect a Keeper from any unwanted, unannounced visitations during the night. All the windows in the apartment were simulated, with several choices for display that could give guests a dizzying array of confusing images throughout the rooms. Right now, Evan had them all set to a dark, starry night sky to promote meditation and sleep. He'd set a timer in the control box to alter the image to a sunrise, coinciding with the morning alarm.

After checking the room locks, Evan washed up and got into bed, then started a meditation sequence to clear his head. It was almost tempting to sleep in the other bed, to protect Alex that much more closely, but in this unknown atmosphere he wanted to be sure anything coming in hit him first, keeping some room before it made it to Alex.

Today had been very confusing and somewhat overwhelming, and he still felt as if there was something he was missing. Something Thomas knew, perhaps, or something Kellman had in mind. But he couldn't think what it could be.

It was clear to him now that Thomas wasn't their electronic trespasser. And judging by Kellman's computer security, it couldn't be anyone working for him. Could it be a rival? Did one of his siblings own a Sha'erah that he was unaware of? That wasn't very likely. Unless that Sha'erah could block his Keeper's thoughts from Thomas. And if that were his talent, how good could he possibly be at interfacing? Even a Sha'erah had limitations. If too many talents were incorporated, there couldn't be as much devotion given to any particular one over the others. Spread too thin, each specialty would be inherently weakened.

So it was probably someone outside. Someone not associated with Kellman or Murcadia at all.

That's what bothered him.

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