Just for my blog readers: a scene leading up to Into Tolari Space.

     “Kazryn,” the Jorann said.

     The man sitting on his heels before her shuddered, but did
not lift his eyes.

     “You are Kazryn,” she repeated, and watched another shudder
take him. “You are a farm laborer, of the same status as any wandering laborer,
with no rank.”

     He took a ragged breath. “Yes, highest.”

     She watched his ruling bond thin, and settled her senses
about him to catch him should it break. These first moments were critical. He
flared and dimmed as he struggled to keep his barriers closed. She almost
smiled. Even now, he thought first of her and how his energy would slam into
her extreme sensitivity.

     He took another ragged breath … and held. The struggle
subsided.

     “Good,” she said. She let gentleness creep into her voice. “You
cannot leave through the stronghold.”

     His eyes lifted, but only to her shoulders. “Highest?”

     She laughed, a vibrant, golden sound that belied her ancient
and wizened form. “You think I do not have my own ways to come and go? You will
reveal to no one what I am about to show you.” She picked up the pile of dark
green fabric beside her. “Take the ruler’s knots out of your hair and don
these.”

     “Yes, highest.”

Tune in tomorrow for Part II…