Under a Starless Sky novel Chapter 37

Shen exited the dome and out of the castle. Where the wall met mountain, Irksome was there, with mates. He had built a nest. The females rushed him but stopped short of physically engaging him. Irksome made a noise. They pawed the earth.

“Have the corner, it’s yours,” Shen said, and continued on his way.

He made it to the tree house and slept the night there. TL was with him, but gave him space. It took effort not to talk to her. He found it difficult to sleep. Morning came just when he found he could sleep and decided to linger until lying on the wood irritated him. He got up went straight to Midelay. He was hailed but didn’t speak. He went to the circle, followed the protocol, and entered, went to his knees and waited to be officially recognized.

“Shen, I see you. State your request,” Flame said.

“I would like to speak to N’Ma,” Shen said. He did not look up.

It took an hour before N’Ma and her entourage arrived. Her chair-stool was placed. In some ways he was reminded of the Vulcan T’Pau and their protocols for bringing her present. N’Ma was just about her age, if not older.

“Rise, child of the forest,” N’Ma said.

Shen stood. “Please, teach me about the forest.”

“You already know more than you should,” N’Ma said.

“Why do you ban men from learning?” Shen asked.

“We do not ban them from learning,” N’Ma said. “They have a different path.”

“May I go to Sinter and speak with the Elders?” Shen asked.

“I will send a petition,” N’Ma said. “I doubt very seriously that you will be accepted.”

“Why?” Shen asked.

“You’re not on the path,” N’Ma said.

“Tell me what I have to do?”

“You won’t do it,” N’Ma said.

“What is it? Fight? You want me to kill people?” Shen asked. “I have sworn off killing.”