Part 19 (2/2)

Hovan repeated the phrase, and Tarlac realized he must have spoken aloud--in English, for the first time since he'd been given Language.

”What things?” Hovan asked, still in English.

”That you're as much a Terran, and as such a citizen of the Empire, as I am.” He took a deep breath, then went on in Language. ”Kranath's Vision was . . . well, as thoroughly as Terra's been explored, I'd have said it was impossible. It's hard to believe archaeologists would miss--” He broke off, telling himself to get to the point. ”Hovan, what Kranath's Vision showed me was that the Traiti originated on Terra. Those who went before moved your ancestors here, because they were convinced that human population pressure would overwhelm you.”

Hovan looked perplexedly at the man walking beside him. Although Steve's words seemed to make sense, Hovan found them difficult to absorb. ”But the Lords . . .”

”The Lords know, yes.” Kranath did, so the others must . . . ”They couldn't tell you, because the time wasn't right. I'm not sure it is now, either, but that's not what has me worried.” Tarlac paused.

”Kranath was shocked pretty badly when he found out, Hovan, and so was I, even though he protected me from the worst of it. That's why I'm scared. As badly as it hurt us, mightn't it leave a lot of people more than hurt, knowing they've lost their first--their true--home? Home's so much more important to you than it is to most humans . . . I'm afraid that learning that Homeworld isn't really your home might be as devastating for most of you as being captured.”

Hovan was silent long enough to worry the Ranger, and when he spoke at last, Tarlac was practically holding his breath.

”It is not a pleasant feeling,” Hovan said slowly. ”I can understand your reservations, ruhar; in your place, I cannot say what I would do.”

He was silent again, for long enough to let Tarlac reflect that he might be troubled, but he was clearly neither insane nor dying. After some thought, Hovan added, ”I probably would not believe it from someone not of Ch'kara; I know I would not wish to believe it. But finding that I share such a tie with you, Steve, does not distress me.”

Tarlac managed a faint grin. ”That's a help, and I appreciate it. Do you think all of Ch'kara”--all of the Traiti?--”would feel like that?

Because I am going to have to tell them. That's the only honorable thing to do.”

”That is the Decision you have made?” Hovan asked formally.

”It is.”

”Then as your sponsor, I may say that you have decided correctly.”

”Thanks, ruhar.” Tarlac was still worried, but Hovan's acceptance of his story eased his fear. He felt relieved, almost refreshed. ”But how to do it best is another question. I'd feel safe enough telling a Speaker about it--”

”Or a Cor'naya?”

”Yes.” Thinking back, Tarlac had to admit that all the n'Cor'naya he'd met were individuals he'd trust not to panic, as Hovan had not. ”But Speakers and n'Cor'naya aren't exactly average. It's the risk to people like . . . oh, like Sandre and your twins. I don't like what learning about that loss may do to them. I guess I'll just have to hope it's not as bad as I'm afraid it will be.”

”I do not like such a risk either,” Hovan said. ”But since you have made your Decision, I may advise you, if you wish.”

”I wish,” Tarlac said grimly.

”If you judge it possible, I would advise silence a little longer.

Those who concern you will be able to accept such things more easily from one who has earned Honor scars, as you soon will.”

Tarlac didn't feel, at the moment, like restating his conviction that he wouldn't survive the last test of his Ordeal--but he still felt it.

By his previous reasoning, though, if the Lords had trusted him with Kranath's Vision, which they had, there was a good chance he'd be around afterward to make the safest possible use of it for the Traiti race. If the Vision itself wasn't enough to accomplish that . . .

”Hovan, I'd like to ask a favor of you, as my sponsor.”

The ma.s.sive figure walking easily beside him nodded. ”I believe I know what.”

”Probably, as well as you know me.” Tarlac felt warmth for his ruhar.

”If I die before I can tell this the way I should, I'd like you to do it for me. You're Cor'naya, and respected even by other n'Cor'naya.”

It all fitted so well that Tarlac wondered for a moment if Hovan had been selected to meet him and become his sponsor, the same way he himself had been selected to meet the Traiti. It wouldn't surprise him at all, given what he'd learned, but he didn't let himself dwell on the implications.

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