Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Prelude
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Interlude
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Interlude
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Interlude
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Interlude
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Interlude
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Interlude
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
The Om’ray of Cersi
STRANGERS OF CERSI
Teaser chapter
The M’hiray—Clan of the Trade Pact
Author’s Note
The Finest in DAW Science Fiction by JULIE E. CZERNEDA:
The Clan Chronicles:
Stratification:
REAP THE WILD WIND (#1)
RIDERS OF THE STORM (#2)
RIFT IN THE SKY (#3)
The Trade Pact Universe:
A THOUSAND WORDS FOR STRANGER (#1)
TIES OF POWER (#2)
TO TRADE THE STARS (#3)
Species Imperative:
SURVIVAL (#1)
MIGRATION (#2)
REGENERATION (#3)
Web Shifters:
BEHOLDER’S EYE (#1)
CHANGING VISION (#2)
HIDDEN IN SIGHT (#3)
IN THE COMPANY OF OTHERS
Copyright © 2009 by Julie E. Czerneda.
All Rights Reserved.
DAW Book Collectors No. 1480.
DAW Books are distributed by Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
eISBN : 978-1-101-13317-0
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To Luis Royo
There are moments in life you remember with such clarity, merely closing your eyes brings them rushing back. The moment I laid eyes on Luis Royo’s art for the first time is like that for me.
I’m sitting in a small room at the back of our house, the only spot with sun at three on a wintry afternoon. It’s not the cold draft down my neck that makes me shiver as I gaze at the envelope in my hand. My editor’s forewarned me. This is the cover art for my first novel.
Forewarned. The cover can’t be changed. I can make minor changes to the final draft of A Thousand Words for Stranger to suit, if I wish.
Roger stands beside me. Our kids are in school. I take a deep breath. “All I want,” I assure him, “is not to have a bimbo in a zipped-open spacesuit.” I’m brave. No, not really, but I intend to be professional.
My hands shake as I rip the tab. Inside the envelope is a single piece of paper. I grasp a corner carefully, close my eyes, and pull out the print. Then I look.
I see.
Tears well up so quickly the image blurs. I hand the print to Roger, grab for tissues, look again.
It’s a masterpiece. There’d been a lilt in Sheila’s voice, and now I know why. Suit my story? It’s better than any dream. To think, an artist of such surpassing skill has seen this in my words.
I love writing, but that was the moment I first understood the joy of being read. To have another mind be inspired by my words. To have another mind and hands produce something so wonderful from them. I remain in awe.
Thank you, Luis, for that moment and for every one since. As I begin each new story I look forward more than I can say to seeing your vision of it. Each time I do, I happily admit, there are tears of joy.
Usted toca mi corazón. Usted siempre.
Acknowledgments
Lucky thirteen! It’s a popular number in our family, being my Poppa’s birthday. Even better, he now lives close by, so my breaks while writing this book included our frequent Timmies’ Runs. Our thanks to all who’ve sent stamps and encouragement this past year. As Poppa would say, you’re the best. (And Yum!)
Among those who helped us the most this year are the wonderful folks at DAW. I appreciate all you did (and suffered!) to publish this book in a timely fashion, and make it beautiful too, I might add. Sheila, I will never forget your phone call during the second period of the Leafs/Canucks game. You’d finished Rift, and wanted to reassure me immediately it was not only done, but very well done. What a relief that was!
Several individuals supplied names for characters, many contributing substantial sums to charity for the privilege. I hope you like what I’ve done to “you.” My thanks to Karen Witthun Gould (congratulations!), Cindy Raskin, Howard Slapcoff, Kelly Scoffield, Karina Sumner-Smith, Jana Paniccia, Kristen Britain, Gene Maynard, and last, but not least, the real Lawren Louli! (Who looks great in that hat.)
My thanks to Jennifer Czerneda for being my alpha reader for this book. Couldn’t have managed without you. Merci, Jihane Billacois, for your thoughtful comments. Thank you, Mike Gillis, official first reader. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks to my BF and fellow writer, Janet Chase, for coming through as always.
In 2008, I had to cancel most of my public appearances, and I apologize to any who were inconvenienced. 2009 should see me all over the world, so hopefully we’ll catch up. I must thank the marvelous concom of Ad Astra 08 and staff of Bakka-Phoenix for more stunning book launches. And Necronomicon 08? You rock. Hugs to Heather (and family), Rick, Ann, and Cap’n Kendall! Our thanks to Janny Wurts and Don Maitz for giving us a very special break from it all when we most needed it.
Rift is in many ways about the power of family. May it be a gift, from ours to all of you.
Cersi
Prelude
MOTHERS SCREAMED.
Tikitik listened for the sound, harkened to it, drew pleasure from it. None other could be mistaken for the wondrous mo ment of birth.
When the screams died, echoes fleeing through the dark mists of the Lay Swamp, Tikitik would press their necks against the trunk of the great, fertile rastis and strain to be first to hear the soft sizzle and pop of its tissues bursting within, proof of life unleashed.