Key Out of Time · Chapter 14 (2/2)

There was an odd expression on the Polynesian girl’s face, first of measurement with some fear, and then of dawning wonder. From beneath the cloak of the middle Foanna came the rod of office with its sparking knob. Karara dropped Ashe’s hands, took a tentative step forward and then another. The knob was directly before her, breast high. She brought up both hands, cupping them about the knob, but not touching it directly. The sparks it emitted could have been flashing against her flesh, but Karara displayed no awareness of that. Instead, she lifted both hands farther, palm up and cupped, as if she carried some invisible bounty, then flattened them, loosing what she held.

There was a sigh from the crewmen; Karara’s gesture had been confident, as if she knew just what she was doing and why. And Ross heard Ashe draw a deep breath also as the Terran girl turned, allying herself with the Foanna.

“These Great Ones stand in peace,” she said. “It is their will that no harm comes to this ship and those who sail in her.”

“What do the Great Ones want of us?” Torgul advanced but not too near.

“To speak concerning those who are your prisoners.”

“So be it.” The Captain bowed. “The Great Ones’ will is our will; let it be as they wish.”