each other. Now, however, he deliberately slowed the process, visualizing each color particularly and fully before moving on to the next.
He was contemplating, with difficulty, the color blue when he heard the door cycle, and opened his eyes, fully expecting to see Er Thom.
But it was not Er Thom.
He straightened sharply in the chair, his heart jolting in what he could only hope was an unalarming and perfectly usual manner.
“Go away, Master Kestra,” he said, his voice harsh. “I don't want you.”
The Healer raised her hands, fingers spread wide.
“Peace,” she said softly. “I had only come to look, now that you are aware again.”
She paused, her eyes focused on some point just above his head, as Healers were wont to do.
“Well,” he snapped, “and what do you see?”
“I am not certain,” she answered, dreamily. 'I note that I am neither blinded nor deafened in your presence, and that we both know the Rainbow is not potent enough to quiet you. Normally.
“I see your pattern, and I see your anguish, and I see the abyss that you carry within. Apparently, choice is available to you.”
She blinked, her face sharpening as she looked directly into his eyes.
“You are not brain-burned, if that soothes you, Daav.”
“If I continue to have seizures, it will scarcely matter why,” he pointed out. “If I continue to have seizures, the Guild will have my license, and rescind my right to fly.”
“And you still care about that,” the Healer murmured. “Deeply.”
Anger licked through him, and he took a deliberate breath.
“Master Kestra, are you through looking?”
She bowed, gently. “In fact, Korval, I am. In this, I am timely. Your brother approaches.”
With no further ado, she turned and walked toward the door, triggered it and stepped back, allowing Er Thom to enter first, in deference to his rank, and then the chair, in deference to the inept driver.
“Master Kestra,” Er Thom murmured, pausing to give her a bow. “Have you business with my brother?”
“Our business is done,” she said, inclining her head. “He does not accept my assistance. If it should come about that he requires it, please have no hesitation in sending for me.”
Er Thom bowed. “Our House is grateful.”
“Of course,” she said, an edge of irony on her voice. “In the meanwhile, by all means take him home. Hospitals magnify every ill and pain; it is better to heal among kin, especially of such wounds as his.”
She bowed then, and passed through the door. Er Thom turned to Daav and offered his arm.
“Daav.”
Anne's embrace was sisterly and enveloping. He leaned his head against her shoulder and for a heartbeat simply accepted the comfort that she offered, feeling her warmth and her true affection.
She held him lightly, as would a woman accustomed to handling wild things, or small children, and released him the instant he lifted his head.
“Er Thom will have told you that the boy's with us,” she said, in her lilting Terran. “He and his cousins have been having a fine time of it, running Mrs. Intassi ragged. I took it on myself to have some of your things brought up and a room made ready. You're to stay with us for as long as you want and wish to, understand me, laddie?”
“I understand,” he said. “Thank you, Anne.”
“No thanks,” she said severely, and gripped him by his shoulders, forcing him to look up into her face. “No blaming yourself, either—do you hear me? She knew what she was doing.”
“I think so, too,” he whispered, and cleared his throat, blinking his eyes to clear them.
“Now, you'll tell me what you need to make you comfortable—a bite of food, maybe?”
“No,” he said, striving not to sound as if he found the thought of food nauseating. “No, I—I thank you. I think that I wish . . . to be alone for a time.” He paused and added, “I'm very tired,” which had the felicity of being perfectly true.
She glanced over at Er Thom, who was leaning quietly against his desk. He straightened and came forward.
“Of course you are tired,” he murmured. “Come, let me show you to your rooms.”
Daav glanced back as he followed Er Thom out of the room and saw Anne watching him, a look of naked concern on her face.
“Would you like to stop by the nursery and speak with Val Con?” Er Thom asked, as they mounted the back staircase.
Val Con, with his green eyes, and his face so like hers . . .
He took a breath and shook his head.
“Not just—yet, please.”
