"I thought you'dapprove," Ruel murmured to Jane. "It seems you're not the only womancapable of bossing a railroad crew."
Dilam rolled out the dice.Immediate groans and derisive whoops erupted from the other players. Shegrinned and said something in Cinnidan before calling to Ruel, "They donot like it because I'm lucky. I told them the gods reward with luck the onewho has already been given the gift of cleverness." She began gathering upthe stakes. "Wait for me outside. It's too noisy in here for greetings."
Ruel nodded and steered Janeand Li Sung from the tent.
"A woman?" Li Sungasked.
"Medford asked theCinnidar high council for an intelligent native to supervise his crew, and theysent Dilam. On Cinnidar you don't offend the council by refusing theirchoice."
"She speaks English verywell."
"She learned it in onlyfour weeks. I told you she was extraordinary."
A moment later Dilam strolledout of the tent and came toward them, moving with a springy step and athleticgrace. She was of middle height, with broad shoulders and a body that appearedboth strong and lithe. She was dressed in a dark green tunic, loose blacktrousers, and brown sandals that, though worn, appeared spotlessly clean."You are Jane Barnaby?" She beamed. "I give you greetings. I amDilam Kankula. You may call me Dilam."
"Thank you." In thedimness of the tent Jane had received only a fleeting impression of sparklingdark eyes and an equally gleaming wide white smile. Now she could see the womanwas probably close to her thirtieth year and those fine eyes were set in asquare face whose only other claim to beauty was a well-shaped mouth and anexpression of intelligence and good humor. "Ruel didn't tell me you were awoman."
"But it is better, yes?We will work in harmony and understanding. I will not have to teach you myvalue as I did Samir Medford."
"And are there otherwomen on the crew?"
"Oh yes, but not many.Men are better for physical labor. Women have more endurance and reasoningpower, but men possess more physical strength. It is best to let the men dowhat they do best and leave the rest to us."
"I beg your pardon."Li Sung's tone had a distinct edge as he stepped out of the shadows cast by thehuge tent.
Dilam's gaze swung to Li Sungand her eyes widened."Youare Li Sung? I did not see you there inthe shadows behind Jane."
"Even though I'm a merehumble man destined to do only what he does best, I donotstand in theshadow of any woman."
"I meant no insult by mywords." Her tone was absent, her expression totally absorbed as she gazedat Li Sung. "But it is the truth, you know."
"I donotknow."
"The Cinnidans have aprincipally matriarchal society," Ruel said. "Did I forget to mentionthat?"
The devil knew very well hehadn't mentioned that important fact, Jane thought crossly. Ruel's eyes wereshimmering with mischief as he looked from Dilam to a bristling Li Sung.
"I'm sure we'll all getalong very well," she said.
"If she does not try totreat me as a mindless beast of burden," Li Sung said caustically.
"Oh no, that is not myintent." Dilam frowned earnestly."Youmisunderstand my words.Men are truly splendid creatures."
"Creatures," Li Sungechoed. "Like mules or elephants perchance?"
"They do not deserve tobe bunched together. Elephants are much more intelligent than mules."
"And where do men rank inthis bestial hierarchy?"
"By the gods, you'reprickly," Dilam said, exasperated. "What do you wish me to say?"
"I wish you to explainthese acts of splendor of which you deem men capable."
"I think you wish toquarrel with me." Dilam shrugged. "Men are good hunters and warriors.They can also be fine craftsmen."
"But we are not worthy togovern?"
Dilam shook her head."Their temper is too hot. Before women took over the council, we had manytribal wars."
