Chapter 23‘The next thing I remember is Vashnar — his presence all around me. Just as vividly as he was when all this started.’ Thyrn looked at his listeners, easier now that he had embarked on his tale proper. ‘But I didn’t get swept up this time. I centred myself correctly. Took control. Watched, waited. I mightn’t know what’s happening, but this is my territory, I thought. I’m master here and whoever intrudes will be subject to my will.’ At another time this might have sounded like an empty youthful boast, but Thyrn’s manner transformed it into a determined resolution. ‘But it wasn’t like any of the Joinings I’d had with Vashnar — or like any Joining I’ve ever had. It was as though I was there by accident — an inadvertent eavesdropper. Something else — someone else — was Joining with hi
