Just that way: with no build up at all. And she was right, for he
needed no explanation of her meaning. He knew all of a sudden that she
had tuned in on all his unspoken debates with himself. He and Kwangtan
were supposed to be able to talk with the gods. That was pure nonsense.
The gift was largely a feminine monopoly. Falana undoubtedly knew all
about Linda, instead of merely about the Venusian Domes.
Verrill answered, "I can't rob a patient. If he dies or gets well, then
it will be different...."
Falana shrugged, and for no apparent reason, moved a bundle wrapped up
in a cape. "Suit yourself, Verrill, but you are letting your luck wear
thin. If you want it this way, though, I'll be ready whenever you are."
"You were all ready the other night?"
"Of course. And when the guardsmen caught me, I was scared silly. I
don't know what would have happened if that old devil hadn't been at
death's door. Now is your chance.... It won't ever be better."
Falana was right, so very right, yet Verrill balked. He mounted up,
with his medical kit, and with a pair of pistols thrust into his sash.
He was worried, and worn down. Tending to Kwangtan, and within reaching
distance of the ruby, had been difficult. Worse yet, there was the
problem created by Falana. Whenever he convinced himself that once
back in the Venusian Domes, he would forget the Terrestrian girl, his
argument went into reverse: and he knew that regardless of distance,
the bond could not be broken in fact. Then, pursuing the endless debate
from its other alternative, neither could he remain an exile from
Venus, and stay away from Linda by any choice of his own.
And all this went with him, oppressing him as he rode toward the new
valley which would so enrich Ardelan's people.