shed, though, questions bombarded him to bring
out every detail of his first day's wilderness experience as if for a
skilled debriefing team.

Two hours later, Hovan called a halt. "Enough! He still has half a
mug of chovas we have given him no chance to drink even cold, and he is
becoming hoarse."

He paused, looking around with an expression Tarlac had never seen on
his face, almost a defiant challenge. "And you have given him no
chance to tell you what must be told. He was granted Kranath's Vision
last night, and has made his Decision about the information it showed
him. Only one part remains in his Ordeal."

His words brought a moment's silence, then a babble of astonishment and
doubt that sounded more like a human kindergarten than a group of adult
Traiti.

Doubt? Of a Cor'naya's word? Tarlac shook his head, not ready to
believe that. Was it the speed of his Ordeal, then, which surprised
him too? Or was it that a human had been given Kranath's Vision? No
matter which it was, he didn't like anyone doubting Hovan.

He stood and raised his arms in the stance that called for attention,
and while he couldn't use the extended claws that made this stance
demand it, he didn't have to. His Vision had changed things. These
people were his family, yes--but they were also citizens of the Empire,
and he was a Ranger; he used his authority without having to think
about it.

"Look, as far as I'm concerned, this whole thing is damn near
unbelievable. Maybe it's asking too much for you to believe I've had
what Hovan calls Kranath's Vision, or that I've made an Ordeal's
Decision so soon. But if you have to think someone's lying, don't
think it of Hovan. He's only telling you what I told him."

Hovan turned to him, at last understanding some part of a Ranger's
formidability. "Ruhar, you need not--"

"Yes, I do," Tarlac interrupted. "I'm still a Ranger, until the
Emperor relieves me of duty. We've got our own standards, and they
include taking responsibility for whatever we do--or say."

He returned his attention to his n'ruhar and waited.

After seconds that seemed to last forever, Yarra glanced around at her
n'ruesten and said, "Es'ruesten, I do not doubt your honor, or Cor'naya
Hovan's. None of us do. We believe you saw Kranath's Vision, and that
you have made your Decision, which Hovan judges correct. What concerns
us now is your endurance."

"Endurance?" Tarlac frowned, then understood with a si