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