Conquerors' Legacy

He turned to face Gilag. "Gilag, do you accept this burden on behalf of the Zhirrzh people?"

Gilag took a deep breath. "I do," he said.

"And what say the Speakers of the Thousand Clans?" the Prime called.

For a handful of beats the chamber was silent. Then, gravely, Hgg-spontib, the Speaker for Kee'rr, rose from his couch and lifted his arms into the air. Another Speaker followed, and another, and another; and within a few beats the chamber was filled with the muted rustle of cloth as the rest of the Speakers rose to indicate their support.

"It's over, Gilag," the Prime murmured from beside him. "Or rather, it's just begi

Gilag considered. "Not frightened, Overclan Prime. A little overwhelmed, though. There'll be so much to do: the trading of goods and technology between our peoples, exchanges of diplomats and culture, adjustments of all sorts. And the Elders will be deeply involved, too—Bronski has already expressed interest in hiring them for interstar communication within the Human Commonwealth."

"Yes, you'll be busy," the Prime agreed. "But you can handle it. Your brother and father have already indicated their willingness to give up their family and clan names to join you in your new family. And your contacts with the Cavanagh family will stand you in good stead, too; I'm told that Lord Stewart Cavanagh will likely be one of the delegates the Human Commonwealth will be sending to deal with you."

He flicked his tongue. "But of course you'll need to begin your own family soon so that your work can expand and be carried on to future generations. I presume you'll be asking Kl

To join him outside Zhirrzh law, and outside the power of the Dhaa'rr clan to forbid their bonding. "She's already agreed," he said, looking down at her. She smiled at him; feeling a little awkward at the focus of so much official attention, he nevertheless smiled back.

And then his eyes moved over to his mother. His father was hovering at her shoulder now, talking earnestly to her. She wasn't looking at him, but even as he watched, she said a few words back.

They had a long way to go to rebuild their relationship. But it was a start. "What about my mother?" he asked.

"You're outside Zhirrzh law now, Gilag," the Prime reminded him soberly. "So is she, if you choose to bring her across into your new family. Whether or not she'll be forced to become an Elder will be for you two to decide."

"I see," Gilag murmured.

"Perhaps it's time for a change in the old customs," the Prime continued. "Or perhaps not. Whatever you and she decide, the rest of the Zhirrzh will watch and evaluate and learn."

Gilag felt his tail twitch. "And if I make the wrong decision?"

"Oh, you'll make plenty of wrong decisions," the Prime said matter-of-factly. "That's the way life is. But to be honest, it really won't matter all that much. The Zhirrzh are great survivors, Gilag. Whatever happens in your dealings with the Humans and Yycromae and Mrachanis, we'll ultimately come out of it all right."

"Yes," Gilag said, gazing out at the rows of Speakers standing together in acceptance of this new legacy of peace for their future. The Thousand Clans, all acting and working solidly together to create benefits for themselves, and to further the overall interests of the Zhirrzh race.

It was a new life and a new world they were all entering. And Gilag could almost feel sorry for the Humans.

Copyright © 1996 by Timothy Zahn.

Cover art copyright © 1996 by Paul Youll.

ISBN: 0-553-57562-7