Corina said, caressing the dagger's hilt. She
turned and left.

"No," Thark said softly, watching her leave. "Not yet." As soon as
she was out of sight, he mindcalled his lieutenant. *Valla? I have a
job for you.*

*Yes?* came the calm reply.

*Corina Losinj must be eliminated. She broke through my shield when
your call distracted me, and discovered the Crusade. She has just
left, and is going to report to the Imperials.*

*Corina!* Valla's thought was surprised. *But I thought--* She
hesitated. *Are you sure, Master? Why would she--*

*Apparently her lack of Order schooling. I cannot fault her; it is
simply that her loyalties lie with the Empire rather than with us.
Still, she is a danger which must be eliminated.*

*Understood, Master. She was a good friend, and most Talented.* Valla
had felt the regret in Thark's mental touch, and shared it, but there
was no time for emotion now. *This is an unfortunate happening. I
will take care of it.*

*With your usual efficiency, of course. But not personally. Arrange
it. Tell the Sanctioners she is wearing that red-and-gold kilt. Then
bring Kainor and meet me at my ship. She is forcing me to speed up the
timetable; the Prime Chapter and other Crusade leaders are to gather as
soon as possible on Rendavi. Inform your people.*

*How do you wish her to die?*

*She has betrayed her Talent; let her be destroyed by Talent. Tell
your executioner to use darlas.* Thark regretted that, in a way; death
by telepathic attack was exquisitely painful. But it was just, and it
was honorable.

*What of her family?* Valla asked.

*They are oathbound. Disregard them.*

*Yes, Master Thark. Are there further instructions?*

*No.*

Thark broke the contact, then made three more briefer ones before his
general broadcast to the off-planet Crusade leaders. Once they had
been informed of the accelerated schedule, he was free to leave for his
private spacefield and the Prowler.

* * * * *

Thark's attention focused again on his immediate surroundings, the
Prowler's control room. In retrospect, he was as sure of Corina's
thoughts as if he had read them. He laid his ears back in a frown.
No, he could see no way he might have changed the morning's events. It
was most regrettable, both the loss of such a Talent and Corina's
death. He was still quite fond of her.

But enough of these useless memories, Thark told himself sternly.