Between Darkness and Light Read Online Free PDF

emphasized the last three words.
    â€œHis rank is known, Phratry Leader Kuvaa,” said Khassiss, “Our thanks for reminder.”
    From the convulsive movements of his mandibles, it was obvious the look Hkairass shot Kuvaa was one of pure dislike.
    â€œLatest actions of Phratry Leader Annuur only highlight dangers of contact with younger races,” he continued. “Phratry Leader Annuur put concerns for Children before orders from Camarilla. Actions endangered us all.”
    â€œThat matter waits till Phratry Leader Annuur is with us,” interrupted Khassiss firmly.
    â€œHe should be fetched now to answer this,” said a younger TeLaxaudin from the floor.
    â€œSoon, Zaimiss,” said Khassiss. “This discussion first. Keep to topic, Skepp Lord Hkairass.”
    â€œIsolationists do not support any intervention in affairs of younger races,” said Hkairass. “If no intervention, no need of agents in the field, then disasters like this not happen.”
    Azwokkuss unfolded himself and rose to his feet. “If no intervention, tell us what use is Camarilla?” he asked, then sat down.
    â€œTo protect ourselves,” said Hkairass, looking round the hundred or so people gathered in the hall. “We are Oldest, have seen many younger species rise and fall in our time. None advanced to any degree worth discussing. All fell because of war or stagnation. We survived, have wisdom, knowledge, Unity, a harmonious existence. No need to interfere in their self-destruction. No benefit to us doing that, only expenditure of people and energy. We say withdraw from younger races’ conflicts, open gateway and move our world far beyond them.”
    A shocked murmur of voices spread throughout the Council chamber. It was Khassiss who voiced what was in all their minds.
    â€œIs only theory this is possible. Energy required even attempting it would destroy our sun.”
    â€œCalculations have been checked many times by us,” said Hkairass, turning to look at her. “Is more than theory, is reality.”
    â€œThose calculations done only for extreme solution in time of dire emergency,” said Azwokkuss, shocked at his suggestion. “No such emergency faces us now.”
    â€œThe potentialities show the probability of a sand-dweller reunification with disastrous consequences we keep being told,” said Hkairass. “We offer alternate solution to interference. One where no agents in field to risk our discovery by going native and favoring others before Camarilla.”
    â€œGoing native!” exclaimed Kuvaa, getting up again. “Who has gone native, as you put it?”
    â€œObvious it is Phratry Leader Annuur,” said Hkairass. “No TeLaxaudin ever swayed by another species into betraying us.”
    Shvosi had been listening to Hkairass with growing anger. This second insult was enough. “Why speak of betrayal?” she demanded, leaping upright, her snout quivering in indignation. “Our Phratry Leader has not betrayed anyone! You and Isolationists betray other species constantly, particularly our Children!”
    â€œI deny we have responsibility for any but ourselves,” retorted the TeLaxaudin, eyes swirling and mandibles clicking angrily against each other.
    Aizshuss stood. “We have responsibility for our Children. You have. Does your Skepp not make use of them as employees like everyone here? Do you not rely on them for things physically beyond us?”
    â€œWe saved them from extinction hundreds of millennia ago. They owe us!” he retorted.
    â€œThey owe us for breeding Sholan stock into them? They owe us for bringing those living here from their world to serve us? For isolating them from their kind? Strange debt!” said Aizshuss bitingly, sitting down.
    â€œWe recompense them!”
    â€œHave you spoken with Children, Hkairass?” asked Kuvaa silkily. “Or are they beneath noticing by