The T’carais sighed gustily.

“It seems that Silver Mark Sweeney was both kinless and clanless, as is not uncommon among that family of the Clans of Men named ‘Terran’.” He paused; signed summation.

“And so the knife is undelivered and the Trader Clan is bereft of its fee. It is to be considered that the Knife clan had also considerable investment in this venture. There is an entire room filled with blades refined, awaiting only handles and sheathes, all too small for our use.”

He inclined his head to the Elders. “Thus does the Knife Clan answer.”

There was a large quiet while the Elders conferred silently, after the manner of the very old. in time, Eldest Speaker’s voice was heard.

“It is seen that the Trader clan has come before the full T’car to state its concerns and to give notice of intention to make formal complaint, should there be no balance forthcoming from the Knife Clan.

“It is seen further that the Knife Clan erred in failing to teach the Trader Clan its attempt at solution.

“Thus, it is the decision and will of the T’car that the T’carais of the Knife Clan go to the T’carais of the Trader Clan and speak as egg-kin, seeking to resolve all equitably. If this is not done, then shall the T’car make disposal.” She paused, and all awaited her further words.

“It puzzles the T’car that the Knife Clan so hastily encouraged an entire cavern of blades fit only for those of the Clans of Men. However, there has been no complaint made of this, and no judgment is made.

“The matter in this phase is ended. All may go.”

* * *

HE WOKE SOBBING, the echo of his cry still shuddering the metal walls.

“Daria! Daria, untrue!”

But it was true.

Painfully, he pulled air into laboring lungs, stilled the sobs and straightened from his cramped coil of grief.