ill lumpheads.

What would wingmen like himself do without a war?

As the complications multiplied rapidly, Steve blocked off this

alarming train of thought and switched back on to Mr Snow. He found

the old wordsmith watching him with an amused expression. 'You've

overlooked something too.

I'm your prisoner. You've ribbed me about escaping but we both know

I'm not going anywhere. Who am I going to tell?"

Mr Snow shrugged. 'Who knows? Things happen."

Steve wasn't sure what that meant but couldn't be bothered to find

out.

The old wordsmith loved to make things sound mysterious. Why not?

Keeping people's attention was part of his job. 'Tell me something is

Motor-Head one of the guys who've got it in for me?"

'He's not the leader but, yes - he's one of them. And you are right.

Despite what I've told them about you being under Talisman's

protection, they have been looking for an excuse to get rid of you.

Your, uhh - how can I put it... ?

Your interest in Clearwater could be the opportunity they've been

waiting for."

'Who said I'm interested?"

'Come on, Brickman - it's written all over your face."

Steve felt his cheeks begin to burn again.

'Don't be embarrassed. It happens to all of us. It's nothing to feel

bad about." Mr Snow stopped and studied Steve intently. ,I'm wrong.

You really are upset. Is it because she's a Mute?"

'She's not a -' Steve bit on his lip to stop himself getting in

deeper.

'Yes, I see what you mean." Mr Snow nodded understandingly.

'It must be difficult for you."

'Look,' said Steve. 'You're way off base, believe me. The fact that I

now know Cadillac is a straight does not alter the way I feel about

him. Clearwater is - well, another matter entirely. I can understand

the clan wanting to keep her under wraps. Let's face it, she's ..."

'... unique?"

Steve answered cautiously. 'I wouldn't know about that.

She's certainly a rare specimen. But then you know that.

Just make sure you take good care of her."

Mr Snow chuckled. 'She can look after herself."

'This is nothing to laugh at,' insisted Steve. 'The wagon trains will

be back. Lots of them. It's only a matter of time before the

Federation starts treading on your turf. When they do, the M'Calls may

be glad of the opportunity to trade Clearwater instead of paying

tribute. She's your greatest asset. Put her together with Cadillac

and you'll be able to write your own deal."

Mr Snow shook his head. 'The Plainfolk have never paid tribute and

never will. What you say is true - Cadillac and Clearwater are like

bright jewels in the crown worn by a great king of the Old Time. But

we possess something of even greater value. The greatest asset of the

M'Calls is our readiness to accept our destiny. That demands a courage

be]fond your understanding."

'You're right,' replied Steve. 'I don't understand."

'You will one day."

It sounded more like a threaVthan a promise. Steve gazed at Mr Snow in

silence then said, 'So... what do you suggest I do?"

'Do?" Mr Snow shrugged. 'You play it as written. Life goes on. The

Wheel turns."

'Is that all?"

'Not quite. I've taken the liberty of assuring the clan elders that

you will say or do nothing now or in the future that will harm

Clearwater or her relationship with Cadillac.

And that you will not attempt to approach her or converse with her

except in the presence of others and only if requested to do so. Is

that clear - and do you accept?"

Steve laughed. 'What d'you think I'm planning to do run off with

her?"

He saw the old wordsmith's expression and wiped the grin off his