Shield's Lady

Shield class will be down on this gorge like the first snow of winter.”
    “Most will keep their distance rather than risk the destruction of whole towns. By then they will know I am fully capable of carrying out my threat. But there will be a few who will feel it their duty to try to stop me. That’s why I must strengthen myself by practicing my mind skills on you. For some reason the skills are useless against untuned minds. The strongest blast of light goes unnoticed by a non-Shield. I know. I’ve experimented. But I’m sure I can devastate a tuned mind. I need to know precisely how strong I am before I take on the fools who will try to stop me.”
    “You can’t escape all of them. Look how close I got to you,” Gryph said, pushing himself cautiously away from the wall.
    “You are here only because that idiot Rakken thinks he can use you and because I have a use for you. I’ve let Rakken have his way on several small matters because I needed him until recently. But soon I will no longer need him and then I’ll get rid of him. He thinks he controls me, but the truth is just the opposite.”
    “How about letting Sariana out of the middle of this power struggle?” Gryph asked.
    Targyn grinned. “Why should I let her go? You and I both know how hard it is to find potential Shieldmates. You’ve been able to link with her so I can assume she’s a proven mate. Intelligent and educated, too. I think I’ll link with her when this is all over. She can not only produce sons for me, she can replace Rakken as my business manager.” Targyn laughed as Gryph stared at him expressionlessly. “Think about it, Chassyn. You won’t be around to enjoy my good fortune, but your Shieldmate will. Take what comfort you can from that.”
    Gryph didn’t move as the door slid shut. The lock outside clicked into place. He waited a long moment and then he fingered the palm blade in his hand.
    It took some work, but the finely honed blade eventually sliced through the leather straps of the twist. When the last of the shackles had fallen away Gryph surveyed the door as he absently massaged his wrists.
    Getting free of the twist was only the first step. Now he needed someone to open the door to his cell.
    Having nothing better to do at the moment, Gryph closed his eyes and started groping mentally for Sariana. When he had successfully conveyed the image of the palm knife to her earlier he had learned something very interesting. It might not be possible to sort out the myriad prisma rays that were ricocheting through the mountain around him, but linking with Sariana was no trick at all now. The strange bond between them seemed to be growing stronger all the time.

    In the chamber where the meal had been served, Sariana paced the floor and tried desperately to appear attentive to and interested in the plans Etion Rakken was outlining for her. But all she could think about was Gryph. She had to get to him.
    “This is only a minor setback, Sariana,” Rakken assured her. But his attempt at reassurance was hampered by the fact that he was very nervous himself. He poured himself some more wine in an apparent effort to soothe his anxiety. “Targyn walked in at a most inopportune moment, but there will be other chances to complete our plans.”
    “I’m not so sure about that.” Sariana rubbed her palms up and down her forearms as she concentrated. If you ask me, Targyn is nearly out of control. Who’s to say he hasn’t already killed Gryph?”
    Rakken’s hand shook. Wine slopped over the edge of the glass. “He wouldn’t dare. Targyn knows I want Chassyn alive.
    “Yes, but does Targyn care about your wishes? I got the impression he thinks he can complete his grand scheme without any further aid from you. He’s dangerous, Etion.”
    Rakken’s palm slapped the table. “I know he’s dangerous. But I’ve been able to handle him until now. Damn it, he’s just another hotheaded westerner. I can handle the locals.”
    “Don’t count on it. I’ve been learning some lessons about the locals lately and I’m here to tell you they shouldn’t be underestimated. Targyn’s dangerous. He’s needed you until now.” Sariana stopped her pacing and gazed levelly at Rakken. “But does he really need you any longer?”
    Rakken met her gaze for a few seconds and then looked away. “If he knows what’s good for him—”
    “The man is insane, Etion. Furthermore, as you just noted, he’s a westerner,” she added with a weak