The old man considered him for a few seconds.
"Among the men of the hills," he said, "the simple word of a man may be
accepted. For only a clanless one would think of speaking other than
the truth. But I am told the men of the low countries have no such
faith. They require writings, and the speech of many witnesses. This is
also true?"
The question was obviously rhetorical. Pete smiled ruefully, but said
nothing.
The Korental allowed his lips to curl in a half smile.
"These customs of the plainsmen are not unknown to me," he said. "Men
of my clan have gone to the low country and have dealt with the men of
the cities. Even now, members of the Kor-en live in the cities. But on
the clan days, they return to their home, here in the hills." He looked
down at the matting on the floor.
"Your father mentions a clan book," he continued. "Do you have this
with you?"
Pete looked at him, then at his father. His expression was suddenly
blank.
Jasu Waern stepped forward. "This book is in a safe place," he said,
"in Riandar."
Don closed his eyes for an instant. "Oh, Brother," he told himself,
"the lights just went out! I'll bet they're tearing that house up,
stone by stone, about now."