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Running
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 To many Dwarra you, Flinx, have become far more real than these traditional,
far more mysterious and unapproachable gods.
 There is no harm in it. Storra finally spoke up.  What does it matter what
those who come seeking help think of you, so long as you help them? Isn t that
what s important? Your help, and what results from it?
 I don t know. For simple country folk, his hosts were proving surprisingly
adept at argument. Or maybe, he thought, they just did not want to let go of a
good thing. It did not take him long to come to a conclusion. One he probably
ought to have implemented some time ago. And would have, he told himself, if
his innate compassion for the needy had not kept him from putting it off.
 I m leaving, he told them abruptly.
His hosts were clearly agitated. While he could perceive their distress, his
Talent was not precise enough to let him identify the reasons behind it. It
might be the money, or they might genuinely be sorry to see him go. Or it
could be a combination of those factors, he told himself, or something else
entirely of which he was serenely unaware. It didn t matter. He d become so
involved in helping the genuinely needy natives that he d let slip the reason
for stopping at this world in the first place. His motives for becoming so
involved with the locals might be sincere, but it was becoming clear to him
now that his rationale was slipshod.
Besides, the
Teacher had informed him that the necessary repairs were almost completed.
Even if he wanted to remain longer, to help more of the needy, it was time to
go. Destiny had placed a greater claim on his time.
 But Flinx, Storra protested, gesturing toward the front of the domed
dwelling,  what about all the others? All those who have trekked here from
towns and provinces distant and difficult to reach? Can you just walk away
from them?
 I have no choice, he told her firmly.  While I might personally like to
stay, I have important business elsewhere. A cosmic wild-goose chase, he
thought to himself. But one to which he was committed.
 Others have placed prior demands on my help. I have to go.
Was their interest in him so great that they might try to restrain him? He
doubted it. Of all the Dwarra he had met and dealt with, his hosts were more
familiar with his capabilities than all the others combined.
Besides, as he had just learned, they had apparently done very well out of
hosting him. They should have nothing to complain about.
 Well then, if your mind is made up . . . , Storra began. Before she could
finish, Ebbanai trundled forward, extending all eight gripping flanges in
addition to his Sensitives.
file:///C|/Documents%20and%20Settings/harry%20kruis...0Flinx%2011%20-%20Runnin
g%20from%20the%20Deity.html (105 of 175)19-2-2006 3:44:42
Running
 We were proud to help you when you hurt your leg, the Dwarra net-caster
exclaimed,  and proud to have been able to help you help other less fortunate
ones of our kind. We wish you well in your future journeying, and may your net
always come back to you full.
Following Ebbanai s brave and honest declaration, the contrast in emotional
reaction between male and female, Flinx noted silently, was almost comical.
Neither wanted to see him go, but for an empath like himself who could read
the emotions of others, there was no mistaking which of them was the more
perturbed by his announcement.
 Close the grounds to new arrivals, he told them both.  I ll attend to those
who are already here. But no more. No new cases, no more supplicants. Then
I ll be on my way. Reaching up with one hand to absently stroke the back of
Pip s gleaming, triangular head, he smiled.  I ve enjoyed my stay here, and I
feel like I ve done some good. Now it s time I was on my way, if only to put a
stop to this ridiculous
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 cult before it has a chance to grow and do real damage. If the Dwarra are
going to venerate gods, it s important that they stick to their own.
With that, he turned and left the room, heading back to the part of the barn
that had been modified to serve as his quarters. Only after she was sure he
was gone did Storra turn to her mate.
 What did you have to go and wish him farewell for? Couldn t you see that he
still feels sorry for the sick who have come? With the right words and
emotions, we might have been able to persuade him to stay longer among us.
Ebbanai frequently deferred to his mate s judgment, but not this time.  He is
determined to go. Didn t you hear? He has other commitments. Better he should
leave with our blessings than with us clawing at his ankles, begging him to
remain. At least this way, he will depart with good feelings on both sides.
Maybe that will induce him to return someday. Turning slightly, he reached
toward her with his
Sensitives. She remained where she was, but jerked hers back.  Or did you have
thoughts of trying to hold him forcibly? He felt compelled to ask the
question even as he feared the possible answer.
 Thoughts, perhaps, she admitted.  But they were never more than thoughts.
Even if we could separate him from his devices, we would still have to find a
way to deal with that flying creature of his. And we don t even know what it
can do, except that Flinx said it was poisonous. Her gaze, like her thoughts,
shifted back in the direction of the departed alien.  Perhaps you are right,
mate-mine. Let him go freely, in hopes that someday he may come back.
Ebbanai gestured agreeably.  It is the best course to take. The only course to
take, I think. I am glad you concur.
But in his hearts, her mate knew that once Flinx was gone, it was most [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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