For I am weary wi hunting and fain wald lie down."

brought me to Optheria. I am more eager than you can imagine to complete the organs repair and depart. Im sure we will all feel relieved when Im safely homebound. Patently Elder Torkes could not be more in agreement, although he kept throwing skeptical glances at Killashandra as he made his farewells to Olav Dahl. Lars kept in the background. Meanwhile sailors in Council uniform had formed up into a guard of honor all the way from the Residence down to the pier where the cruisers boat awaited its distinguished passengers. Just as she reached the top of the steps, Killashandra looked up at the terraces, at the polly trees, the dwellings, at the old volcano on the Head, at the fishing skiffs serenely clearing the harbor, and she didnt want to leave Angel Island. Someone touched her arm and there was Olav with two garlands in his hand. Indulge me in an island custom, Guildmember. He draped the fragrant blossoms about her neck. Killashandra had just recognized the blooms as those with which Lars had handfasted her, when she saw Olav bestow one on his son. Discharge your duties assiduously to the protection of the Guildmembers person, my son, and return to us only when you have seen her safely to the shuttle port! Before Killashandra could say anything in acknowledgment, Olav had stepped back. So, she could only smile her gratitude for his vote of confidence and proceed to the waiting boat. Impatiently she brushed aside the tears in her eyes before anyone could notice, and took a seat under the awning amidships. She was not surprised when Lars did not elect to join her for she could well imagine that he had been equally astonished by Olavs farewell. She sat staring at the squat bulk of the cruiser, and liked it less the nearer she got to it. Nor did her opinion change during the three-day voyage back to the City. The Captain, a dour man named Festinel, was waiting at the top of the gangplank and escorted her himself to her cabin, explaining that her bodyguard would be quartered in the next cubicle, within hearing distance. She did not groan but saw this trip would be a repetition of the Trundomoux voyage. Well, she had survived that, too. Lars came along the companionway at that point and was greeted almost effusively by Captain Festinel. During the evening meal, it was apparent from Festinels deference to Lars that the man had been impressed by the islanders seamanship, or rather, the false account of his rescue of Killashandra from the dangerously positioned islet of exile. Killashandra added only camera card digital memory sony her physical presence to the officers mess. She was tired. She could feel muted crystal resonance in her body, though it was insufficient to raise the hair on those nearby. She was pleasant when addressed but limited her answers, contenting herself with enigmatic smiles. Elder Torkes kept shooting her wary, surreptitious glances but did not engage her in conversation. Which satisfied her. Keep him guessing about her, and off balance. Only how were she and Lars to have any sort of normal relationship if her quarters in the Conservatory were monitored? On the crowded cruiser there was no way for them to have a private word or even the chance of a caress. Abstinence after the feast did nothing for her temper. So, preoccupied, she didnt notice the subliminal whine until the second evening, when she twitched all through dinner, rubbing at her neck and ear. Something was wrong. Youre very unsettled tonight, Guildmember, Lars said finally, having endured her contortions throughout dinner. He spoke quietly, for her ears only, but his voice carried. Nerves No, its not nerves. Does this cruiser use a crystal drive? She spoke in a loud, accusing tone, looking to Captain Festinel for her answer. It does, Guildmember, and I regret to inform you that we are experiencing some difficulty with it. It urgently needs to be retuned. As soon as youre in port. The way it sounds right now, itll be broad-casting secondary sonics by morning. The engineer has been monitoring an uneven drive thrust but it should see us safely to the Mainland. You have reduced speed? Of course, Crystal Singer, the moment the instrumentation recorded resonance. What is the matter with the cruiser? Elder Torkes asked, only then aware of the nature of the discussion. Nothing for you to worry about, Killashandra said curtly, without glancing in his direction, for she was rubbing that side of her neck. She felt Lars stiffen beside her, and heard the tiny intake of her left-hand partners breath. I hope. She rose. The whine is subsonic but highly irritating. Good evening, gentlemen. Lars followed her and for a miracle they were alone in the companionway as he escorted her to her cramped quarters. Is it monitored? she asked him in a low voice. He nodded. Do you require any medication to

True, she has forced thee from my breast,

he thought we were never going to see you again," Andrea said quietly. "Neither did I. But here you are, safe and sound." "Yes," Mallory nodded. "Thanks to Dusty and his nasty suspicious mind that cottoned on to Panayis while all the rest of us were asleep." "Where is he?" Louki asked. "Panayis?" Miller waved a negligent hand. "We left him behindhe met with a sorta accident." He was across at the other side of the room now, carefully cutting the cords that pinioned Brown's injured leg, whistling tunelessly as he sawed away with his sheath knife. Mallory, too, was busy, slicing through Andrea's bonds, explaining rapidly what had happened, listening to the big Greek's equally concise account of what had befallen the others in the keep. And then Andrea was on his feet, massaging his numbed hands, looking across at Miller. "That whistling, my Captain. It sounds terrible and, what is worse, it is very loud. The guards" "No worry there," Mallory said grimly. "They never expected to see Dusty and myself again. . . . They kept a poor watch." He turned round to look at Brown, now hobbling across the floor. "How's the leg, Casey?" "Fine, sir." Brown brushed it aside as of no importance. "I got through to Cairo, to-night, sir. The report" "It'll have to wait, Casey. We must get out as fast as we can. You all right, Louki?" "I am heart-broken, Major Mallory. That a countryman of mine, a trusted friend" "That, too, will have to wait. Come on!" "You are in a great hurry," Andrea protested mildly. They were already out in the passage, stepping over the cell guard lying in a crumpled heap on the floor. "Surely if they're all like our friend here" "No danger from, this quarter," Mallory interrupted impatiently. "The soldiers in the townthey're bound to know by now that we've either missed Panayis or disposed of him. In either case they'll know that we're certain to come hot-footing out here. Work it out for yourself. They're probably half-way here already, and if they do come . . ." He broke off, stared at the smashed generator and the ruins of Casey Brown's transmitter set lying in one corner of the entrance hail. "Done a pretty good job on these, haven't they?" he said bitterly. "Thank the Lord," Miller said piously. "All the less to tote around, is what I say. If you could only see the state of my back with that damned generator" "Sir!" portable professional digital camera Brown had caught Mallory's arm, an action so foreign to the usually punctilious petty officer that Mallory halted in surprise. "Sir, it's terribly importantthe report, I mean. You must listen, sir!" The action, the deadly earnestness, caught and held Mallory's fully attention. He turned to face Brown with a smile. "O.K., Casey, let's have it," he said quietly. Things can't possibly be any worse than they are now." "They can, sir." There was something tired, defeated about Casey Brown, and the great, stone hail seemed strangely chill. "I'm afraid they can, sir. I got through to-night. First-class reception. Captain Jensen himself, and he was hopping mad. Been waiting all day fbr us to come on the air. Asked how things were, and I told him that you were outside the fortress just then, and hoped to be inside the magazine in an hour or so." "Go on." "He said that was the best news he'd ever had. He said his information had been wrong, he'd been fooled, that the invasion fleet didn't hold up overnight in the Cyclades, that they had come straight through under the heaviest air and E-boat escort ever seen in the Med., and are due to hit the beaches on Kheros some time before dawn to-morrow. He said our destroyers had been waiting to the south all day, moved up at dusk and were waiting word from him to see whether they would attempt the passage of the Maidos Straits. I told him maybe something could go wrong, but he said not with Captain Mallory and Miller inside and besides he wasn'the couldn't risk the lives of twelve hundred men on Kheros just on the off chance that he might be wrong." Brown broke off suddenly and looked down miserably at his feet. No one else in the hail moved or made any sound at all. "Go on." Mallory repeated in a whisper. His face was very pale. "That's all, sir. That's all there is.. The destroyers are coming through the Straits at midnight." Brown looked down at his luminous watch. "Midnight. Four hours to go." "Oh, God! Midnight!" Mallory was stricken, his eyes for the moment unseeing, ivory-knuckled hands clenched in futility and despair. "They're coming through at midnight! God help them! God help them all now!" CHAPTER 15 2000-2115 Eight-thirty, his watch said. Eight-thirty. Exactly half an hour to curfew. Mallory flattened himself on the roof, pressed himself as closely as possible against the low retaining wall

As I was walking all alane

exchanged glances with Corish. Lodged by a Stellar of the Federated Artists Association. Really? Nahia clapped her hands together in delight, grinning at Lars with triumph. I told you they were a good choice. Corish had straightened up in his chair. You were also told to investigate? Oh, yes, but the organ repair should have been the priority! And she gave Lars a stern glance. We can discuss this at a later time, Olav said, raising his hand for silence. We have a much more immediate problem in the imminent arrival of an official search party. Ive outlined the way to deal with that, havent I? said Killashandra. To what purpose? Olav asked. Not that I am grateful for you forgiving my rascally son I think that would be my preeminent task, Olav Dahl, Killashandra replied with a grim smile. I dont know which Elder supervises Security on this planet, but from what I have seen, your son is probably first on their list of suspects whether or not theyve any evidence at all. Oh, I agree, Olav, Nahia said. Will Security believe your explanation? Corish asked skeptically. What? Killashandra rose in a flowing movement, drawing herself up to her full height, in a pose of haughty self-confidence. Refute the statement of a crystal singer, a member of the Heptite Guild, a craftsman whose services are vital to the all-important tourist season? You must be joking! How, under which ever name you hold sacred, can they challenge what I say? Besides, she said, relaxing and flashing a friendly smile, I have every confidence in Larss ability to lend credence to the account. Dont you? I must say, when you assume that pose, Killashandra, Id hesitate to contradict you. Corish rose to his feet. But now, I think that Nahia and I had better join Hauness and prepare to disappear. If they credit Killashandras explanation, theyll not be likely to mount a twenty-five hour radar watch, will they? So we wont have that problem to contend with. Nahia had returned to the console, and was taking some hard copy from the retrieval slot. Ive all the charts we need, Olav, and my thanks for your suggestions. Just in case, I think we will take the devious course through the islands and then double back north. Lars, Olver survived the purge and you can contact us through him when you need to. Corish had her camera digital security baltimore by the arm and was drawing her toward a rear exit. May I hope to see you again, Killashandra? If that is at all possible, officially, yes, of course, and I look forward to the occasion. Abruptly, annoyed at her stilted phrases, Killashandra stepped forward and swiftly embraced Nahia, kissing her on both cheeks. She stepped back, rather surprised at her uncharacteristic effusiveness until she saw the pleasure in Nahias brilliant eyes and smiling face. Oh, you are kind! Dont he ridiculous! Killashandra replied fiercely, and then smiled with embarrassment. She felt Lars take her elbow and squeeze it gently. Should I need to contact you, Killashandra, Corish added, opening the door and all but pushing Nahia out, Ill leave a message at the Piper Facility. As I already have. The door closed behind them with an emphatic slam. Come, Olav said, striding toward his front office. Well signal the jet. Fortunately, the return of the Pearl has been entered in the Harbor log and not too much time will have elapsed before we inform them of this good news. Olav paused in front of the huge console, frowning slightly at Killashandra. You are certain you wish to go through with this? It could be dangerous! Far more dangerous for them, Killashandra said with a snort. To have put me in such a situation in the first place. Then she laughed. Just think, Olav, with Larss confession that Torkes and Ampris hired him to assault me, to prove my identity, how they have compromised themselves. I actually had not considered that aspect. He turned to the console and began to send out the message. The jet cruiser responded instantly with a request for visual with which Olav instantly complied. Look pleased but humble, Lars , Killashandra muttered before she turned to the screen, once more the haughty and arrogant crystal singer. Elder Torkes, I must protest! It is over five weeks since I was abducted from the City a City, I might add, in which I had already been assaulted though I had been told in unequivocal terms that Optheria was a secure planet, where everyone knew his place, and no unusual activities were condoned or permitted. Killashandra stressed the words as sarcastically as possible, enjoying the shock on the Elders face. Yet I could also be insulted by a minor and officious idiot, and kidnapped! I could be abandoned on this dreadful world. And it has taken you

She buried him before the prime;

exchanged glances with Rimbol, before they examined the proof on Antonas extended arm. Antona laughed reassuringly, laying gentle fingers on Killashandras forearm. A perfectly normal phenomenon for a singer whos been out in the Rangers steadily for over a year. Neither of you would be affected but, as I dont sing crystal, I am. Get used to it. Thats what identifies a singer anywhere in the Galaxy But the Rani hot springs will diminish the effect considerably. So does time away from here. See you. As Killashandra watched Antona enter the lift, she felt Rimbols hand sliding up her arm affectionately. You feel all right to me, he said, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. Then he felt her stiffen and suppress a movement of withdrawal. He dropped his hand. Privacy sorry, Killa. He stepped back. Not half as sorry as I am, Rimbol. You didnt deserve that. Chalk it up to another side effect of singing crystal that they dont include in that full disclosure. She managed an apologetic smile. Im so wired I could broadcast. Not to worry, Killa. I understand. See you when you get back. Then he made his wobbly way into the yellow quadrant to his quarters. Killashandra stared after him, irritated with herself for her reaction to a casual caress. Shed had no such reaction to Lanzecki. Or was that the problem? She was very thoughtful as she walked slowly to her quarters. Fidelity was an unlikely disease for her to catch. She certainly enjoyed making love with Lanzecki, and definitely he exerted an intense fascination on her. Lanzecki had unequivocally separated his professional life from his private one. Rani, huh, she murmured to herself as she put her thumb to the door lock. She entered the room, closing the door behind her, and then leaned against it. Now, in the absence of background sounds, she could hear the resonance in her body, feel it cascading up and down her bones, throbbing in her arteries. The noise between her ears was like a gushing river in full flood. She held out her arms but the static apparently did not affect her, the carrier, or she had exhausted that phenomenon in herself. Mineral baths! Probably stink of sulfur or something worse. Immediately she heard the initial phluggg as radiant fluid began to flow into the tank in the hygiene room. Wondering why the room computer was on, she opened her mouth to abort the process, when her name issued from the speakers. Killashandra Ree? The bass voice was unmistakably Trags. Yes, good first digital camera Trag? She switched on vision. You have been restored to the active list. Im going off-world as soon as I can arrange transport, Trag. Expressionless as ever, Trag regarded her. A lucrative assignment is available to a singer of your status. The Optherian manual? As Trag inclined his head once, Killashandra controlled her surprise. Why was Trag approaching her when Lanzecki had definitely not wanted her to take it? Youre aware of the details? For the first time Trag evinced a flicker of surprise. Rimbol told me. He also said he wasnt taking it. Was he your first choice? Trag regarded her steadily for a moment. You were the logical first choice, Killashandra Ree, but until an hour ago you were an Inactive. I was the first choice? Firstly, you are going off-world in any event and do not have sufficient credit to take you past the nearer inhabited systems. Secondly, an extended leave of absence is recommended by Medical. Thirdly, you have already acquired the necessary skills to place white crystal brackets. In the fourth place, your curriculum vitae indicates latent teaching abilities so that training replacement technicians on Optheria is well within your scope. Nothing was said about training technicians. Borella and Concera both have considerably more instructional experience than I. Borella, Concera, and Gobbain Tekla have not exhibited either the tact or diplomacy requisite to this assignment. Killashandra was amused that Trag added Gobbain to the list. Had Bajorn told Trag who had inquired about transport to Optheria? There are thirty-seven other active Guild members who qualify! Trag shook his head slowly twice. No, Killashandra Ree, it must be you who goes. The Guild needs some information about Optheria Tactfully and diplomatically extracted? On what subject? Why the Optherian government prohibits interstellar travel to its citizens. Killashandra let out a whoop of delight. You mean, why, with their obsession for music, there isnt a single Optherian in the Heptite Guild? That is not the relevant issue, Killashandra. The Federated Sentient Council would be obliged if the Guilds representative