Scorpion Mountain by John A. Flanagan Page B

our way back to the ship in Socorro, with the released prisoners, remember how we came face-to-face with a platoon of Mahmel’s guards?”
    Hal frowned uncomfortably. He thought he could see where Ingvar was heading with all this, where the problem lay.
    â€œYes. I remember.”
    â€œDo you remember what you said to me?”
    Hal spread his hands dismissively. “Oh, come on, Ingvar. You can’t have let that get you to this state—”
    But Ingvar gently overrode him. “You said ‘Stay back, Ingvar.’ Remember?”
    â€œYes, but that was just because . . .” Hal stopped, not wanting to proceed. But Ingvar finished the thought for him.
    â€œBecause I can’t see. Everything beyond a few meters is a blur for me.”
    â€œThat’s not your fault!” Hal protested and Ingvar placed a hand on his arm to calm him.
    â€œNo, it’s not. And it’s not your fault either. It’s just the way things are. I know why you said that and you were right. With my eyesight, I’d be a danger to the rest of you. I might accidentally hit one of you without realizing. Worse, I might put you in danger because someone would have to watch out for me, and they might be hurt while they were doing it.”
    Hal opened his mouth to protest, then shut it without saying a word. Ingvar was right. And he knew he was right. If Hal argued against the fact, Ingvar would know he was lying.
    Ingvar noted his skirl’s silence and nodded. “Thanks for not trying to tell me I’m wrong. And the problem is, Hal, I’ll always be a burden to the rest of you when it comes to a fight. You simply can’t depend on me.”
    â€œBut we don’t care!” Hal said.
    â€œI do,” Ingvar replied. And there was no answer to that, Hal knew. “There are only a few of us in the crew,” Ingvar continued. “We’re not a big wolfship with a crew of twenty to thirty warriors. There are nine of us. We can’t afford passengers when it comes to a fight. Worse, you can’t afford to have someone who’ll distract another crew member and may leave him vulnerable in a battle.”
    Hal dropped his gaze. Ingvar was right, he realized. But he was also wrong—so wrong.
    â€œIngvar, you’re part of our brotherband. We accepted you for what you are—and as you are. If you pull out, you’ll be destroying something very valuable.”
    â€œYou can always find someone to replace me, Hal. There are plenty of big, strong boys out there. And, as I said, strength is the only thing I bring to the
Heron.
But I couldn’t live with myself if someone was injured, or even killed, trying to look out for me. To tell the truth, I’m weary of being told to stand back whenever there’s a fight brewing. And there are going to be more and more occasions when we’re called upon to fight. Best if I make a clean break now.”
    â€œOh, Ingvar.” Hal felt a prickle of tears on his eyes. “You are so, so wrong. You bring so much more than just brute strength to the brotherband. You bring a sense of loyalty and humor and wisdom. In a way, you personify the very spirit of the brotherband. Can’t you see that?”
    The minute the last four words left his mouth, he regretted them. Ingvar smiled that slow, sad smile again and shook his head.
    â€œNo, Hal. I can’t. I can’t see and that’s the whole point. This is hard for me. Please don’t make it harder by arguing.”
    Hal slumped back in his chair and covered his face with his hands for a moment or two, his brain racing. Then he lowered his hands and sat up straighter once more.
    â€œAll right. I’ve heard what you’ve said. I can see your point. But I think you are underestimating yourself and your value to me and the crew. Please don’t do anything about this for a day or so. Let me think. There must be something I can do.”
    â€œYou