Part 28 (2/2)

'I'll make sure it doesn't happen.”

'Good. I want you to stay out here and keep watch while I talk to these two. If I need any a.s.sistance I'll call.

Otherwise, there are to be no interruptions. Is that understood?”

n.o.buro bowed. 'Absolutely.”

The Herald slid open the door-screen to the adjoining room and motioned Clearwater to enter. She bowed respectfully to both men, then went through. Her hand flew to her mouth as she saw the cloud warrior kneeling on the mat by the masked lantern.

Steve was equally surprised to see her.

Tos.h.i.+ro pointed to a spot on Steve's right. 'Move over there.”

As Steve shuffled round, the Herald motioned Clearwater to take his place. When they were both kneeling with bowed heads, he sat down facing her, c.o.c.ked his elbows outwards and placed his hands on his splayed thighs. 'Okay, straighten up! Let's get this over with.”

They sat back on their heels.

Tos.h.i.+ro flicked a hand towards Steve. 'This individual has made certain allegations which I wish to verify. You will answer me fully and with the utmost truthfulness. Is that understood?”

'Yes, sire.”

'Good. This may not concern you in the slightest but I may as well tell you that -' he pointed towards Steve again - 'if this person has lied to me in any material particular you will be a witness to his immediate execution.”

Clearwater bowed and stole a sideways glance at Steve.

Oh, my beloved cloud warrior/What have you said... ?

'Let us begin,' said Tos.h.i.+ro. 'Do you come from the underground world they call the Federation?”

'No. I was born under the sky.”

'So you are a Mute...”

'I have never claimed to be anything else, sire.”

'What is your true name?”

'Clearwater.”

'And the names of your parents?”

'I am the blood-daughter of Sun-Dance. My father was Thunder-Bird - a great warrior.”

'To which clan do you belong?”

'The M'Calls, from the blood-line of the She-Kargo, first-born of the Plainfolk.”

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