Chapter 5

When Cobweb delivered the news at dinner, the reaction was ecstatic, particularly on the part of his two sons.

"You don't know how happy I am for you!" Swift declared, embracing his hostling.

"But I do, my pearl, I do," Cobweb murmured, straining his neck so he could glimpse little Sage tugging on his pants leg.

"I'm going to have another brother?" he asked excitedly.

"We think so," Cobweb told him, then lowering his voice to tell Swift, "We're almost sure, but I suppose we'll still want it tested in a few days."

"I'm sure you were successful," Swift declared confidently. "You and Lis probably have it in you to make a hundred more harlings!"

Lisia couldn't help but be offended. "Don't say that Swift, that's, that's--"

"Oh, by Aghama, Lis, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that, I swear, I--"

"You let your tongue get ahead of you," Cobweb cut in, taking Lisia's hand. "He's sorry. He didn't mean to imply that you and I are starting any sort of breeding program. I think two will round things off nicely, however."

Cal, still at the table, looked uncomfortable. Seel asked what was the matter.

"Same business I was moaning about before," he grumbled. "Just before dinner Cobweb said something that meade it all seem even worse. I just realized that four of these five harlings are going to my responsibility. Four! What am I, the god of fertility?"

"Funny, Cal," Cobweb drawled, "that's the last thing one ever would have thought of you -- well, besides that you'd be Tigron one day!"

"I know!" Cal agreed. "So you see why I'm so anxious?"

"Don't be," said Lisia, stepping over and patting Cal on the shoulders. "Remember, you're in control of your life -- and the creation of life -- even if you are a Tigron. You and Pellaz and Caeru should be making these decisions on your own, not because of what the Hegemony or anyone else says. If you want the harlings, it's one thing, but in general, harlings shouldn't be made to order."

"Well said," Swift concluded, after an awkward silence. "We created Abrimel under pressure and although I don't regret it, natural might have been nicer."

"Hmmm, well, thanks all. Maybe I should discuss it with Thiede." When the other hara were startled, he shrugged. "I know, doesn't seem like Thiede would be the type to 'discuss' things, but actually he's mellowed out since losing his body. Still wants some measure of control, of course, but in matters of the heart, he's a little more sympathetic now."

Just then Morrow, the night servant, entered the room, obviously with news. "Tigron Calanthe, there's an urgent call for you on the transference unit. It's Immanion."

"Oh, wonderful! Either I'm being called back or I'm going to be told I'm now an 'uncle' or step-father or... whatever I'd be if Pell has a harling." Cal stood up and went to the door. "I'll be back shortly, I hope."

During the ten minutes Cal was gone, the family went over some of the household changes that might occur due to Cobweb's hosting. Sage was among the most talkative, offering a wide variety of ideas for games he could play with the harling. Cobweb told him he might have to wait a few months.

Suddenly Cal was back, his face registering what was either shock or wonder, the others couldn't tell.

"What is it, Cal?" Swift asked worriedly. "What's happened?"

Cal put his hands to his face and rubbed, as if warming up to reality. "That was Pell."

"And?" Swift prodded. "He's hosting?"

Cal nodded abruptly but a moment later, raised his hand -- there was more. "Yes, but not by Rue. It seems... well, it seems that a few days ago, Pell thought he might have conceived, but he wasn't sure because..." Here Cal made sure everybody was listening, although of course everyone was. "He wasn't sure because aruna is always so good between us! He just wasn't sure if it was 'more.' Anyway, since he wasn't sure, he hid it from me! Last night he was talking with Rue about it and then today he went to Rayhala, the palace doctor, who confirmed it. Pell's hosting and I'm going to be a father! Here I've been all anxious about it and all along I'd done it and not even known! Hope the next four are as easy!"

"Yes, hope that." Cobweb came up and kissed Cal on the cheek. "Congratulations."

"Thanks. It's going to be a busy and fruitful spring!"