Part 6 (2/2)

”When? Exactly how long do you think this is going to take?” She felt no

satisfaction when he didn't-or couldn't-answer her. ”You said I was some sort of healer. I can tell you right now that I have no healing powers whatsoever.”

He simply stared at her, in that aggravating Crocodile Dundee way of his.

She didn't give any ground, either.

Finally he blew out a breath and said, ”You're an empath. I don't know that

much about them myself, but they're common enough. Baleweg pegged you the moment he looked at you.” She arched an eyebrow, and he sighed. ”You understand the feelings of others. You have certain skills. Don't deny it.”

Talia wanted to, vehemently. But she was so taken aback by his simple summation of her abilities that she was caught off guard by his nonchalance.

His gaze remained unwavering and she heard herself say out loud what she

had never said to anyone, just to see how he'd react.”So, yeah, maybe I'm a... a... I have some skills, okay?” He didn't even blink. This both annoyed and entranced her. The very idea that someone was unfazed by what she could do stunned her. ”But I'm no healer,” she was quick to add. ”I know when animals are hurting, and where they are hurting. But that's the extent of it. I call the vet out here to fix those hurts just like everyone else. I wouldn't be of the slightest use to you.”

'Your mother was a healer.””So you say. I never saw any evidence of that. And it doesn't matter, because anything my mother may or may not have known in that area she was never able to pa.s.s down to me. So even if I were willing-””Baleweg can help you learn.””He's a healer? Then why can't he save your ruler, your... whatever?””Queen. Catriona Dalwyn. She inherited the throne three years ago when King Gynan, her father, was a.s.sa.s.sinated. She's fought a hard battle to keep her kingdom from chaos. Now she's fighting a battle for her life. If she loses this one, the kingdom will fall apart.”

That stopped Talia. Just the way he said it. Not with reverence, but simply as fact. Perhaps it was the lack of reverence that caught her. He didn't sound like a fanatic. He sounded like a man frustrated with his role in this crazy mission.

Which brought up another question.

”You're Australian, right?”

Now it was his turn to look wary. ”I was born there.”

”How did you end up a British subject?”

”I am no one's subject.”

Talia wholly understood that feeling and wasn't at all keen that she shared something in common with the man. ”Then what is in this for you?”

He didn't answer her. Instead, he said, ”Baleweg is not a healer. You're the last

in that line.”

”How can he help me learn, then?”

”I don't know!” Archer exploded in frustration. ”He can get inside your mind,

help you discover the hidden talents you possess. Whatever.” But- ”You have doubts, I understand that. I know this sounds ludicrous. I didn't believe in time travel, either. Believe me, it's not an everyday occurrence in my time. In fact, until a few days ago, I didn't know it existed. But I trusted Baleweg to get me here and he did. He'll get you there and back. It's not so

hard.” When she continued to stare at him, he slapped at his thighs. ”Why would I make something like this up?”

”I have no idea. I don't know you.”

”If you're concerned about the travel itself, I can a.s.sure you that it is quite

simple. Baleweg does all the work.”

”What if I refuse to go? What happens then?”

He held her gaze for some time before finally saying, ”I can't force you.

However,” he added quickly, ”I'd like you to think long and hard about what is being asked of you. In the context of the rest of your life, the output for you is small. And yet the rewards for an entire kingdom of people will be immense.”

He made it sound like a quick jaunt. Save the world and be home by dinner.

”What about the risks? You have no idea what might be required of me.” She couldn't believe she was even having this conversation.

”The risks exist whether you return or not. That much must be obvious to you.”Right at that moment, nothing was obvious to her, except this was too much to contemplate. ”There is suffering all over the world. Always has been, always will be. I can't take the weight of the world-present or future-on my shoulders. No one person could. Why is it so hard to comprehend that I might not be willing to put myself up to that task?”

”Because no one is asking you to save the world.”

”Sounds like it to me.”

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