Crystal Dragon Read Online Free PDF Page B

biology. Despite those chains, his essence extended well into the third level, half-a-dozen thin, mint-colored rays piercing even unto the fourth.

    Returning to her envelope, she cleaned herself, sat up, called a robe, and, at last, met his eyes.

    It is necessary in order to complete our bonding , she answered calmly, for the philosophy teacher had been adamant—one's submissive must, as soon as its intelligence was recovered, be shown the facts of its new existence. It was then able to grasp the futility of rebellion and realize that its only recourse was submission to she who held dominion over his existence.

    I do not wish to be bound. His eyes were hot.

    She lifted a shoulder. It is not your wish that bears weight here, but mine.

    A light ripple of gold and ebon—amusement, she thought. And despair.

    I thought the proud Iloheen ruled here.

    So they do , she made answer. I—and you—exist to do their work.

    You, perhaps , was his reply. Not I. He moved his head, insofar as the restraint would allow it, tried one arm against the bonds, then the other.

    Release me.

    It was not quite an order, not with that silver edging of fear. And, after all, there was no harm in allowing him so small a thing.

    Of course. She took care to thicken the air beneath his head, so that the vessel would not be damaged, then banished the restraints with a thought.

    Freed, he lay on the cold tiles, eyes closed, then slowly bent his right elbow, and shifted his right arm, until his palm lay against his naked chest. He stroked his own dermis, and shivered.

    Release me from this... object.

    Your vessel. Your body , she instructed him. That is not possible.

    His chest rose and fell.

    I am limited by this encasement. His thought was cool once more; detached alike from fear and from pleasure. If it is power you would command, release me.

    As if he would not immediately shift the ley lines and remove himself from her ken. She bowed her head, acknowledging his cleverness, but—

    It is not possible , she sent again. Observe.

    Carefully, in soft, measured units, she downloaded the relevant biologic theory. He resisted her touch at first, until he understood what she offered, then snatched at it greedily.

    There was silence while he accessed the information.

    Observing him, she saw the brilliant display of his thought as he assimilated the data; caught a flicker of puzzlement—and felt his cool touch within her mind—- behind her shields! At the secret core of herself!

    Stop! she commanded.

    Obediently, he ceased his rummaging, but did not withdraw.

    Those walls can withstand the will of an Iloheen , she stated, and this time she tasted his gold-and-black laughter, so closely were they linked.

    The Iloheen are fumblers and fools , he sent, with no concern that he might be overhead, and, snatching that half-formed thought from her core, made answer—

    Even the strongest walls cannot seal self from self. We are one thought, and one shield. Is this not what you wished for, when you forced us to share essence? He touched something, faded slightly in her unguarded perception—and reformed.

    Ah, I see. You had hoped for something less ...equal. You to enjoy unlimited access to what I am, and I to accept those mites you choose to bestow. These traps, receptors, and inhibitors woven into this ...body. They are careful and cunning work of their kind. Was all was done in service to the Iloheen?

    Yes.

    Why? His thought was not green now, but flame-blue. Do you not know the purpose you exist to further?

    To annihilate those who stand against the Iloheen , she answered promptly, that being the very first lesson. To assist in shaping the universe to reflect the glory of the Iloheen.

    And what reward shall be yours, for your aid in bringing about this glorious new universe so well suited to the Iloheen? Rool Tiazan asked, his thought bearing an edge reminiscent of the biology tutor—and which he had likely picked out of her