Don relaxed. The formal session was over for a while.
"I took a shot at them," he said, "with a Ghar rifle."
"Ha! They do have a weak spot, then. We'll discuss this later." The old man looked at Jasu Waern.
"Let us suppose that this young man should ask to be adopted into your clan. What would your answer be?"
Waern looked confused. "Why—— But he's been giving us——"
The Korental chuckled. "I know. He has some of those characteristics attributed by legend to clan talu, and to them only." He bent his head for a moment.
"Suppose I put it this way. When the clans and tribes meet for full consideration of your request for support, you will need strong council. And the councilor who presents your cause must be a member of your clan, of course. He must speak for you, the head of the Waernu."
Waern looked at him. "I see," he said thoughtfully. "And here, we may find strong council." He looked across at Don.
"You would consider this?"
Don paused. This, he thought, was getting serious. It had been fine at first. He had just followed instructions from an experienced agent. And there had been quite a thrill at being in the middle of things. But somehow, everything was flying apart. All at once, he was on his own.