"Other things? Whatother—" He stopped, paused and then said, "Good night."
She could feel his thoughtfulgaze on her back until she entered the shadows beyond the firelight.
Shadows.The word reminded her of Ruel's wordsabout Li Sung. She had never wanted to keep Li Sung in her shadow. She hadalways wanted sunlight and happiness for him, to give him everything he wantedand needed.
But he did not need anythingfrom her any more and what he wanted he could win for himself.
She would just have to becomeaccustomed to this new Li Sung.
"It's hard tobelieve," Ruel murmured as he watched Danor press his forehead against thebole of a young tree and push against it. "I've never seen this before.Amazing. . . "
Danor pushed again and thetree moved, the roots tore from the earth, and the tree toppled to the ground.Jane nodded. "Li Sung seems to be able to do anything with that elephant.I think we're going to be able to give you your railroad in those two months.We're up to almost five miles a day." She smiled with an effort. "I'mvery grateful, of course."
"Are you?"
She turned to see Ruel's gazefixed on her face. "Do i you doubt it?"
"Yes." He held uphis hand. "Oh, I'm sure you're happy about the increase in production, butthere's something wrong."
"What could bewrong?"
"Li Sung," Ruel saidsoftly. "He doesn't need you anymore."
Pain twisted within her."He never needed me. Li Sung was always completely independent."
"Not this independent. Herelied on you for understanding and affection."
"We're still friends andfriends always need each other."
"He's mad about thatelephant and he's become accepted by the Cinnidans as he's never been acceptedby any people."
"I know." She couldhear the huskiness in her voice and swallowed. "And I'm happy forhim."
"He's not going to wantto leave the elephant or these people. If you leave Cinnidar, you'll have to goalone."
"And I suppose thatpleases you."
"Yes, it does," Rueladmitted. "Because with Li Sung here, it gives you another reason to stayafter the railroad is finished."
"I can't stay."
"You can do whatever youwish to do." He smiled. "I simply hope to make sure your wishescoincide with mine. And I think I'm getting closer to doing that everyday."
He was getting closer. Sincethat evening by the fire he had never again touched her, but they worked together,ate together, strove toward a common goal. He was always there, helping her,encouraging her, sharing her problems and triumphs. Sometimes she felt so closeto him that it was as if they were one person. She tried to change the subject."Have you had a report from Med-ford lately?"
"This morning. He'salmost reached the canyon floor. Another two days should do it." His gazesearched her face. "You look tired. How much rest have you beengetting?"
"Enough."
He muttered a curse. "Yousaid yourself you're ahead of schedule. Let me and Dilam and Li Sung shoulderthe load for a while."
"Abdar will be—"
"And let me worry aboutAbdar."
She shook her head.
He stared at her inexasperation."Damn,you're stubborn!"
