look in Killashandra´s direction, Tanny shot one horrified glance at Lars

as the latter smoothly invented a note that she had been removed from the

island by a passing vessel. He even flourished a piece of paper from his

pocket as he commented that he was glad she was safe.

        »That tears it,« Erutown said gloomily. »We´ll all be in trouble.«

        »I doubt it. A very good friend of ours skippered that ship,« Lars

replied without a blink »She can´t go anywhere without my knowledge.« Tanny

made a strangled sound and Killashandra grinned, choking on her laughter.

»There´s nothing you could safely do without jeopardizing yourself at this

point, Erutown. It isn´t as if you´ll be out of touch,« and Lars handed the

man a small

but powerful handset. »The frequency to use for any contact is 103.4

megahertz. All right? You can listen in on any of the other channels but

communicate only on the 103.4.«

        Erutown agreed with ill grace, hefting the set doubtfully. With a

sideways grin at Killashandra, Lars handed over hatchet, knife, and polly

book.

        »There now, you´re completely equipped,« Killashandra said

cheerfully. »You´ll find that a polly island is quite restful.« She glanced

maliciously at Tanny and Lars. »Everything you require -- polly for food,

fish in the lagoon for sport and a change of diet, and a fine reef to

prevent the omnivorous from dining on you. You´re far better off than I was

on my polly island, I assure you.« Tanny squirmed, noticeably discomfited.

        »Oh, we´ll do fine, Carrigana.« Theach grinned as he began to

unpack the solar reflectors.

        Lars chuckled, linking his arm in hers, and swinging her down the

slope to the beach.

        »C´mon, Tanny, I want to be at the Bar Island before sundown.«

        What with the routine necessary to up anchor and maneuver the Pearl

through the one gap in the reef, there wasn´t time for discussions until

they were once again under full sail and beating due north for the Bar

Island.

        »Tanny, I think you´d better go below,« Lars began, signaling

Killashandra to join him in the cockpit. »What you don´t know won´t hurt

you -- «

        »Who says?« Tanny growled.

        »Fix us some grub, will you? All this excitement gave me an

appetite. So,« and once Tanny had slammed the hatch closed, Lars turned

expectantly to Killashandra, »could I have some explanations?«

        »I rather think a few are due me!«

        Lars cocked an eyebrow, grinning sardonically at her. »Not when you

must have figured out many of the answers already if you´re half as smart

as I think you are.« Lars slid a finger across the scar on her arm, then he

reached for her hand and held it up before her face, his thumb rubbing

against the crystal scars. » ‘I came from the City.´ Indeed!«

        »Well, I did . . .« she said, deceptively meekly.

        »Your best line, you witch, was the one about your having had no

choice about coming to the islands!« Lars could not contain his mirth then

and tilting his head back, roared with laughter.

        »I wouldn´t laugh if I were you, Lars Dahl. You´re in an unenviable

position in my files. » She tried to sound severe but couldn´t.

        His eyes were still brimming with humor when he abruptly switched

mood. He touched the garland. »Yes, I am rather. And on Angel Island. For

one thing, according to island tradition, this announces us handfasted for

a year and a day.«

        »I had guessed that the garlands signified more than your loving

wish to adorn my person.« The words came out more facetiously than she

meant for she ached with a genuine regret. Lars´s steady blue eyes caught

her gaze and held it. He waited for her explanation.

        »With all the will in the world to continue what we started, I

don´t have a year and a day here, Lars Dahl.« The words left her mouth

slowly, unwillingly. »As a crystal singer, I am compelled to return to

Ballybran. Had I understood yesterday morning precisely what these blooms

meant, I would not have accepted them. Thus does ignorance wound the giver.

I am . . . tremendously attracted to you as a man, Lars Dahl. And in the

light of what I have been told, heard, and overheard,« she gave him a faint

smile, »I can even forgive you that idiotic abduction. In fact, it would

have been far more humiliating for me to have been caught in a raid on a

bootleg brewery. What you cannot know is that I wasn´t sent to Optheria

merely to repair that organ -- I am here as an impartial witness, to learn

if restriction to this planet is popularly accepted.«

        »Popularly accepted?« Lars lifted half out of the cockpit seat in

reaction. »What a way to phrase it! It is the most singularly unpopular,

repressive, frustrating, discouraging facet of the Optherian Charter. Do

you know what our suicide rate is? Well, I can give you hard statistics on

that. We made a study of the incidents and have copies of what notes have

been left by the deceased. Nine out of ten cite the hopelessness and

despair at having no place to go, nothing to do. If you´re lucky enough to

be unemployed on Optheria, oh, you´re given food, shelter, clothing, and

assigned stimulating community service to occupy you. Community service! --

Trimming thorn hedges, tidying up hillsides, dusting boulders in the

roadways, painting and repainting federal buildings, stuffing the faces and

wiping the bottoms of the incontinent at both ends of life. Truly rewarding

and fulfilling occupations for the intelligent and well educated failures

that this planet throws upon the altar of the organ!«

        He had been emphasizing his disgust with blows of his fist to the

tiller, until Killashandra covered his hand with hers.

        »Which one of our messages got through? It´s been like tossing a

bottle message into the Broad Sea with precious little hope of its ever

floating to the Mainland.«

        »The complaint originated with the Executive Council of the

Federated Artists´ Association, who claim a freedom of choice restriction.

A Stellar made the charge, though I wasn´t told which one. His principal

concern was with the suppression of composers and performers.« She gave him

a wry grin.

        Lars raised his eyebrows in surprise. »It wasn´t me who sent that

one.« Then he seemed to lake heart, his expression lightening with renewed

hope. »If one appeal got through, maybe others have, and we´ll have a whole

school of people helping us -- And you´ll help us?«

        »Lars, I´m required to be an impartial -- «

        »I wouldn´t dream of prejudicing you . . .« His twinkling eyes

challenged her as he threw his free arm about her shoulders, nibbling at

her ear.

        »Lars, you´re crushing me. You´re supposed to be sailing this ship

. . . I´ve got to think how to go on from here. To be candid, I really

don´t have much more than your word that there is a widespread

dissatisfaction, and not just a few isolated instances or personal

grudges.«

        »Do you know how long we´ve been trying to reach the Federated

Council?« Now Lars gestured wildly in his agitation. »Do you know what it

will mean to the others when I tell them one message has got through, and

someone is actually investigating?«

        »There´s another matter that we have to discuss, Lars. Is it

advisable to tell them, or would it be wiser for me to continue covertly?«

His jubilation subsided as he considered her question. »I suppose the

suicide file would be acceptable as valid evidence. Has the restriction

matter ever been put to the vote here?«

        »A vote on Optheria?« He laughed sourly. »You haven´t read that

abominable Charter, have you?«

        »I scanned it. A boring document. all those highflown phrases

turned my pragmatic stomach.« Before Killashandra´s eyes rose the vision of

tortured architecture coping with »natural formations« so as not to rape«

the Natural World. »So there is no referendum mechanism in the Charter?«

        »None. The Elders run this planet and, when one of them keels over

and can no longer be resuscitated, a replacement is appointed -- by the

remaining undefunct Elders.«

        »No rising from the ranks on merit here?«

        »Only in the Conservatory, and for especially meritorious

composition and exceptional performance ability. Then one might possibly,

on rare occasions, aspire to reach the exalted rank of a Master. Once in a

century, a Master might possibly gain an appointment to the Council of

Elders.

        »Is that what you were after?«

        Lars gave her a wry grin. »I tried! I was even willing to assault

you to gain favor and show them what a good, useful, boy I was.«

        He snorted at his gullibility.

        »Granted, I haven´t heard an approved composition, much less yours,

played on the sensory organ,« Killashandra began in casual accents, »but I

was tremendously impressed by your performance the other evening. The

musical one.«

        »The time, the place, the ambiance . . .«

        »Not so fast, Lars Dahl. I was a trained musician before I became a

crystal singer. I can be a critical auditor . . . and when I heard your

music, I didn´t know you as well as I do now, so that is an unbiased

assessment. If by any chance the Stellar who lodged the complaint with the

Artists´ Association had had you in mind, I second his concern.«

        Lars regarded her with a genuine surprise. »You would? What music

training did you have?«

        »I studied for ten years at the Fuerte Music Center. Voice.«

        Lars nearly lost grip on the tiller and before he had altered the

course, the Pearl yawed in the rough seas, throwing Killashandra against

him »You were the soprano that night?«

        »Yes.« She grinned. »I recognized your tenor at the barbecue. Where

did you learn Baleef´s Voyagers? And the Pearl Fishers duet? Certainly not

in the Conservatory.

        »My father. He´d brought some of his microlibrary with him when he

came to Optheria.«

        »Your father is naturalized?«

        »Oh, yes. Like yourself, he didn´t come to the islands by choice.

If we mention your true identity to no one else -- and what is your true

name? Or don´t crystal singers give them?«

        »You mean to say you don´t know the name of the woman you assaulted

and then abducted?« Killashandra pretended outrage.

        Lars shook his head, grinning at her with an almost boyish

mischief.

        »Killashandra Ree.«

        He repeated the syllables slowly, then smiled. »I like that much

better than Carrigana. That was a rather harsh name to say endearingly. The

ells and the sh are sweeter.«

        »Possibly the only sweet thing about me, I warn you, Lars.«

        He pointedly ignored that remark. »My father must know who you are,

Killashandra. It will give him new heart for I´ll tell you frankly, he was

far more discouraged about those arrested in the Elders´ search than he let

on to the others. Nor« -- he paused, only then aware of the water sloshing

in the cockpit about their toes -- »nor do I like deceiving Nahia. She

doesn´t deserve it.«

        »No, she doesn´t. Though I have the feeling she already has a good

idea that I´m not the island maid I´ve been portraying.«

        »Oh? Was she at that reception in the Conservatory?«

        »No, but she sensed the crystal resonance.« Killashandra stroked

her arm explanatorily. Lars caressed her then.

        »You mean, that´s what I´ve been feeling whenever we touch?«

        Killashandra gave him a reassuring smile. »Not entirely, lover.

Some of it is a perfectly spontaneous combustion.«

        Lars guffawed at that, embracing her once again.

        »Shouldn´t I bail or something?« she asked as the chill sea water

splashed over her toes. His arm restrained her.

        »Not just yet.« He frowned, glancing off to port, not really seeing

the sprouts of islets as he corrected their course a few points easterly.

»However, if we tell my father and Nahia who you are -- «

        »Hauness, too?«

        »What Nahia knows, Hauness does, and safe enough in both their

hands. But then what? Hard copy on the suicide files is rapidly available.

But I should insist that you meet with other groups to prove unquestionably

that the arbitrary restriction to Optheria is not popularly acceptable.«

        »I´m glad you agree to that.«

        »In doing that, you will also need to avoid the Elders. It wouldn´t

do for them to discover you blithely treading the cobbles at Ironwood or

the terraces of Maitland.«

        »You never told them you´d kidnapped me, so why couldn´t I visit

other communities?«

        »Because you´ve now been missing for five weeks. How would you

explain such an absence, much less why you haven´t repaired their precious

Festival organ?«

        »I´d´ve done that if that wretched security officer hadn´t been in

his flatulent dotage! My absence is easy to explain. I just don´t explain

it.« She shrugged diffidently.

        Lars sniggered. »You don´t know how much our Elders dislike

mysteries -- «

        »You have seen me playing a humble island maid, Lars. Try seeing me

as a highly indignant and aristocratic member of the Heptite Guild.« As she

spoke, her voice became strange, disdainful, and Killashandra pulled

herself arrogantly erect. Lars started to remove his arm from her shoulders

in reaction to the transformation. »I´m more than a match for Ampris or

Torkes. And they need my services far too much to annoy me again.«

        »I´m obliged to mention that they´ve sent for a replacement -- «

        »I know that.«

        »How could you?«

        Killashandra grinned at him. »Crystal singers have preternaturally

acute hearing. You and your little band of conspirators were only across

the room from me. I heard every word.«

        Lars momentarily let the tiller slip but Killashandra grabbed it

and steadied the helm.

        »A second crystal singer might be all to the good, depending on who

they send. But we´ve time to spare -- it´ll take nearly ten weeks to get

another singer here. I happen to need the contract money so I´ll repair

their damned organ. Maybe this time, I´ll get the kind of help I need.« A

thought suddenly struck Killashandra. »By all that´s holy, I´ll get you!«

She prodded Lars´s chest with her forefinger.

        Lars snorted with derision. »I´m the last person welcome in the

Conservatory!«

        »Ah, but you will be welcome -- as the man who rescued this poor

abandoned crystal singer from durancevile!«

        »What?«

        »Well, that would answer why I´ve been absent. But, of course, I

never set eyes on my abductor so I can´t say who it might be.« Killashandra

fluttered her eyelashes in mock horror. »There I was, taking a stroll to

compose myself after that horrible confrontation with an officious oaf and

wham! bung! I´m coshed on the head and wake up, all alone, on a desert

island, heavens know where!« Killashandra got into the part with a faked

swoon. »I´m less of a ham with a properly respectful audience, I might add.

But there I am. Lost! Who knows who the dastards are -- using a plural will

suggest a whole group of conspirators, you see -- And then you . . .«

Killashandra laid a delicate hand on Lars´s arm. His eyes were bright with

mirth and he had his lips pressed together against distracting laughter.

»You -- loyal despite your terrible disappointment« -- and Killashandra put

her hand to her breast and breathed hard » -- rescued me and insisted on

returning me to the safety of the City, to install the crystal manual so

that the priceless organ will be ready for the Summer Festival. Thus

currying favor with the powers that be -- which, in view of your subversive

activities, is a very good idea -- and saving them the cost of another

expensive crystal singer. We are very expensive to hire, you see. And I

have the impression that the Elders are credit-crunchers.«

        Lars began to chuckle, rubbing his chin as if he was visualizing

those moments of triumph.

        »If you can be trusted not to overact« -- he ducked as she shook

her fist at him -- »you know, it might work.«

        »Of course it will work! I was able to gauge audience reactions to

a pico. And more than just give you a well-deserved return for their

meanness and chicanery to you, I´ll pretend that I´m so very nervous about

a repetition of assault and battery that I´ll need you by my side all the

time.«

        »I think,« Lars began, slowly, thoughtfully, »Father and the others

will like this plan.«

        »Oh?«

        Lars gave a rueful snort. »I got rather soundly told off for acting

in a unilateral fashion when I abducted you, you know. My father is a mild

mannered man most of the time -- «

        »Then let us by all means present this idea to him -- them. And by

the way, speaking of mild-mannered men, what do you know about Corish von

Mittelstern?«

        »The man looking for his uncle?«

        »That´s the one.«

        »Well, he´s not an Optherian agent if that´s what you´re worried

about. We checked him for residue.«

        »Checked him for what?«

        »D´you recall the arc at the shuttleport? That´s to prevent

Optherians from leaving the planet. The arc is set to detect a mineral

residue that is present in our bone marrow. There´s absolutely no argument

with the port guards if you try to enter the shuttleport. They just shoot.«

        »And that´s activated by any Optherian passing the sensors?«

        »Even visitors who´ve stayed long enough to absorb sufficient trace

to be detected.« Lars´s expression was sour. »Like my father.«

        Killashandra half heard that comment, as she was thinking back to

her exit from the port. Thyrol had been right beside her and the alarm

hadn´t gone off for them, though it had when the rest of the Optherian

quartette had passed.

        »Strange, that,« she said half to herself. »No. Corish isn´t

Optherian. He came out on the Athena with me. But I´ve a very good notion

that he´s an FSP agent of some sort. I mean, what good is just one

impartial observer if the object is to change the status quo of an entire

planet? Even if I am a crystal singer.«

        »Did Corish know that?«

        »No.« Killashandra chuckled. »To Citizen von Mittelstern I was a

brash and impulsive music student traveling cheap to the Summer Festival!«

When Lars gave her a puzzled look, she laughed. »Being a crystal singer

entails some rather curious disadvantages which are not relevant to the

more important discussion at hand.«

        »I don´t know much about crystal singers -- «

        »What you don´t know won´t hurt you,« she said, waggling a finger

under his nose. »But I´d very much like to know more about Corish, and if

there is a missing uncle.«

        »Why didn´t Corish recognize you on the beach?«

        »The same reason you didn´t. And he didn´t know me all that well,«

she added, a bit amused by Lars´s reaction. »He rather obviously, at least

to me, cultivated the company of an innocuous and silly young music

student. And one or two other anomalies alerted me.«

        »I´d encountered a few of those creatures recently myself,« Lars

remarked in a reproving drawl.

        »I did the best I could with the background material I had.«

        Lars pulled her as close to him as the tiller allowed. »Your only

mistake, now that I think back on it, were your comments about singing.

Everyone in the islands sings. But voice is not an instrument for real

music . . . according to the Masters.«

        Killashandra began to sputter indignantly. »That in itself proves

how stupid they all are!«

        Lars laughed in delight at her reaction and then drew his feet up

as the water began slopping up their calves.

        »Tanny!« he shouted. »On the deck, on the double.«

        The hatch was opened so quickly in response to his call that

Killashandra wondered how long the young man had had his ear to the wooden

panels.

        »Haven´t you found us something to eat yet? About time.« For Tanny

held up two heavy soup mugs. »Give it over and start bailing.«

 

Chapter 15

 

It took quite a bit of persuading on Killashandra´s part to reassure Tanny

that she intended no reprisals against him for his very minor part in her

abduction. Lars explained that he had managed to sneak her on board the

ocean jet with the help of another friend who merely thought Lars´s latest

girl friend had had a shade too much new brew.

        »One for the girls, are you, m´bucko?« Killashandra had asked in an

arch tone.

        Lars nodded at her garland. »Not any more, Sunny! I´ve made an

honest woman of you!«

        That exchange did more to reassure Tanny than any other argument

Killashandra had presented. That and the fact that she was perfectly

willing to help bail out the cockpit.

        Bar Island was reached just before sunset, with enough time to

unload the emergency supplies. The Bar Islanders had been directly in the

hurricane´s path and suffered more damage than any of the other islands on

their sweep. Two men, a woman and a young child had internal injuries which

the medical facilities of the smaller settlement could not treat

adequately. Lars immediately offered them passage on the Pearl Fisher,

giving Killashandra a guarded and rueful grin of regret. Nor did they have

a chance to be private that night. Everyone pitched in to finish

constructing temporary communal shelters, and Killashandra found herself

once again plaiting polly fronds, pleased that her deftness caused no

questions. When a halt was called at midnight, Killashandra was far too

tired to do more than curl up gratefully against Lars on the sand, her head

pillowed on his arm, and fall asleep.

        At first light of a sullen day, the injured were floated on bladder

rafts to the Pearl, carefully hoisted aboard, then secured in the cabin

bunks. Killashandra was given instructions by the medic for the

administration of necessary drugs and care. The patients had been sedated

for the voyage, so he expected no problems.

        As soon as she could, Killashandra went up on deck. She found care

of the sick and injured a distasteful necessity and the faint odor of

antiseptics and medicine made her slightly nauseous. She said nothing about

her disinclination, uncharacteristically wanting to sustain Lars´s good

opinion of her. He was bent over the chart display on the small

navigational terminal, plotting the most direct course for Angel Island´s

North Harbor where the main medical facility was situated.

        »Tide and wind are in our favor this morning, Killa,« he said,

reaching his arm about her waist and drawing her in to him without taking

his eyes from the display. He tapped for an overlay of the route he had

chosen and she could see how it made use of the swift channels between the

islands and the fuller morning tide. »We´ll be in North before we know it.«

He made a Final correction and laid in the course. Now the display cleared

to show him the compass headings and the minimum required tacking to slip

into the swift current just beyond Bar Island´s western reef. »Is the

spinnaker set, Tanny?«

        »Aye, aye skipper,« the young man called from the bow as

Killashandra watched the vivid red and orange sail bellying out briefly

over the bowsprit before the wind caught it.

        There´s an exhilaration to sailing a fast, trim ship, with a

following wind and a current to assist smooth passage. The Pearl slipped

into the flow as effortlessly as a slide down a greased pole. The sea was

almost calm, and gunmetal green-gray, not quite the same color as the gray

sky.

        »Lucky it´s today instead of yesterday,« Killashandra said,

settling herself in the cockpit beside Lars. He had the tiller on its upper

setting so that he could see forward without the cabin blocking him.

        »They´re all secure below?«

        »Secure and asleep! I´ll check on the half hour.«

        They sat together enjoying wind, sea, and sail while Tanny coiled

lines and set all fair. Then he joined them in the cockpit, maintaining the

companionable silence.

        Just before noon, sailing smartly on the same westerly current that

had nearly defeated Killashandra, they rounded the Toe and tacked eastward

to sail right up to the large North Harbor pier at the elbow of the Angel.

When Lars had been able to estimate his time of arrival, he had called it

in, so medics and grav units were waiting for the injured. Killashandra,

dutifully checking every half hour, had had no problems with her patients

but it was an immense relief to turn them over to trained medical

technicians.

        »Father wants a word with us,« Lars said quietly in Killashandra´s

ear as they watched their passengers being trundled away. »Tanny, anchor

the Pearl at buoy twenty-seven, will you? And keep her ready. Don´t know

where we´ll have to go next. Stay on the page, okay?«

        Tanny nodded, his expression rather strained, as if he was relieved

to stay on the Pearl, whose eccentricities he could cope with and

understand.

        If the Wing Harbor on the south side of Angel Island had appeared

rustic and homely to Killashandra´s eyes, North Harbor was the antithesis:

that is, within the framework of the Charter´s prohibition against raping

»a natural world.« The colorful buildings set up above the harbor behind

sturdy sea walls utilized manmade materials and modernistic surfaces in

some sort of tough, textured plastic and a good deal of plasglas so no

vista would be hidden from the occupiers. If the architecture lacked warmth

or grace, it was also practical in a zone where wind speeds could make a

dangerous missile out of a polly branch.

        Lars guided Killashandra up a ramp that climbed to the top of the

Elbow, where a dormered structure commanded views of the main harbor as

well as the smaller curved bay that featured the old stratovolcano that was

the Angel´s Head. A small sailing craft was tacking cautiously through the

Fingerbone reefs at the end of the Hand. From the different colors in the

sea, Killashandra could distinguish the safer, deeper channel, but she

didn´t think she´d like to sail that in a ship as large as the Pearl.

        To her surprise, the first person they saw as they entered the

Harbor Master´s office was Nahia. She had been using the terminal and upon

their entry she half rose, her expression eager for Lars´s news of the

stranded crystal singer.

        We needn´t have worried ourselves for a moment about out captive,

Nahia.« Lars strode up to the empath and, before she could protest, kissed

her hand.

        »Lars, you simply must stop that,« Nahia protested, giving

Killashandra a worried glance.

        »Why? I only do you a courtesy you fully deserve!«

        Would Nahia comfort Lars, Killashandra wondered, after she had

departed Optheria?

        »The woman is all right, isn´t she, Carrigana?« Nahia was by no

means reassured by Lars´s droll comment

        »Never better,« Killashandra replied affably. She wondered why Lars

was drawing the game out when he had specifically said he didn´t wish to

deceive Nahia. She gave him a sharp glance.

        »Where´s father!«

        »I´m here, Lars, and there´s trouble on its way,« the Harbor Master

said, appearing from the front office. »I´m only grateful we had the

hurricane, for it slowed down the official transport. There´s to be a full

search of the Islands. Torkes leads it so it´d be the height of folly to

protest or interfere.«

        »Then isn´t it fortunate that the crystal singer has been rescued,«

Killashandra said.

        »She has?« Olav Dahl looked about, even to peering outside, seeking

the woman.

        Unerringly now, Nahia turned her worried face toward Killashandra,

her eyes widening.

        »And, Olav Dahl, by your courageous son, who found her abandoned on

an island while he was on a hurricane rescue mission in the vicinity.«

        »Young woman, I -- « Olav Dahl began, frowning at her light tone.

        »You are Killashandra Ree?« Nahia asked, her beautiful eyes intent

on Killashandra´s face.

        »Indeed. And so grateful to the loyal upright Optherian citizen

Lars Dahl that this much-abused crystal singer feels secure only in his

presence.« Killashandra beamed fatuously at Lars.

        Nahia´s slender hands went to her mouth to suppress her laughter.

        »I presume that in your official capacity you can inform the

official vehicle of the felicitous news?« Killashandra asked Olav Dahl,

smiling encouragingly at him to coax a less reproving response.

        Olav Dahl regarded Killashandra with an expression that became more

and more severe, as if he didn´t believe what he was hearing, didn´t

condone her levity, and quite possibly would not accept her assistance.

Slowly he sank onto the nearest desk for support, staring at her with

amazement. Killashandra wondered that this man could be Lars´s father until

suddenly a smile of great charm and pure mischief lightened his

countenance. He got to his feet, one hand outstretched to her, radiating

relief.

        »My dear Guildmember, may I say how pleased I am that you have been

delivered from your ordeal? Have you any idea at all who perpetrated this

outrage on a member of the most respected guild in the galaxy?«

        »None under the sun,« Killashandra relied, the epitome of innocent

bewilderment. »I left the organ loft, rather precipitously, I hasten to

add, because of a distressing incident with an officious security captain.

I hoped that a stroll in the fresh air might compose my agitated spirits.

When all of a sudden -- « She brought her hands together. »I think I must

have been drugged for a long time. When I finally regained consciousness. I

was on this island, from which your son fortuitously rescued me only this

morning!« Killashandra turned, fluttering her eyelashes at Lars in a parody

of gratitude.

        »I find that absolutely fascinating, Killashandra Ree,« said a

totally unexpected newcomer. Lars half crouched as he whirled toward the

doorway framing Corish von Mittelstern. »Evidently your credentials were

far more impressive than you led me to expect. So you´re the crystal singer

who was dispatched?«

        »Oh, and have you found your dear uncle?«

        »Actually, I have.« Corish, his lips twitching with the first real

amusement she had seen him exhibit, gestured toward Olav Dahl.

        Lars was not the only one who stared at his father. Nahia gave a

silvery laugh.

        »It was too amusing, the confrontation, Lars,« Nahia said,

chuckling. »They were circling the truth like two hemlin cocks. It was all

I could do to retain my composure, for, of course, Hauness and I have known

Olav´s history. It didn´t take me very long to perceive that Corish was not

looking for the man in the hologram.«

        »I could hardly brandish Dahl´s real likeness in case I jeopardized

him. I´d memorized his facial characteristics so I thought I´d recognize

him once I did see him.« Then Corish turned to Killashandra. »He hadn´t

altered as much as you had. I didn´t recognize you at all, with your hair

and eyebrows bleached and a good few kilos lighter. If it matters,« and

Corish gestured at the matched garlands, »this is an improvement over the

mawkish music student.«

        »So are you Council or Evaluation?« Killashandra shot a triumphant

glance at Lars. »Olav´s no more your uncle than I am. That inheritance

business was very thin.«

        »For you, perhaps,« and Corish inclined his body toward her, and

his manner turned starchy at her criticism, »but you´d be surprised at how

effective it was. Especially with Optherian officials who might get their

percentage out of it.« Corish made an age-old gesture with his thumb and

forefinger. »Since all off-planet mail is censored, and not always

delivered to the addressee, such a problem is peculiarly applicable to

Optheria.«

        »I withdraw my comment.« Killashandra nodded graciously and then

seated herself in the nearest chair. »Do I also assume that Olav has been a

-- misplaced -- agent?«

        »Inadvertently detained,« Olav replied on his own behalf, with a

nod to Corish. »My briefing was at fault, on a point no one had considered

at headquarters. To whit, the mineral residue, which is what trapped me

here. And which provides the Optherians with such simple means of

preventing unauthorized departure from this planet. The exile has not been

without profit to me,« and he smiled warmly at his son, »though my time was

not spent in activities of which the Council wholeheartedly approve. ‘If

you can´t lick ‘em, join ‘em´ is useful advice.« He winked at Killashandra,

who gave a crow of laughter. »However, you appear to be remarkably tolerant

of the abuse you have suffered at my son´s hands.«

        Killashandra laughed. »Oh. yes, since it has afforded me the chance

to investigate a complaint.«

        »Oh?« Olav 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.«

        »I´ve outlined the way to deal with that, haven´t 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 don´t 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 they´ve 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 Lars´s ability to lend credence to the account. Don´t

you?«

        »I must say, when you assume that pose, Killashandra, I´d 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

Killashandra´s explanation, they´ll not be likely to mount a twenty-five

hour radar watch, will they? So we won´t have that problem to contend

with.«

        Nahia had returned to the console, and was taking some hard copy

from the retrieval slot. »I´ve 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

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 Nahia´s brilliant eyes and

smiling face.

        »Oh, you are kind!«

        »Don´t 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, »I´ll 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. »We´ll 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 Lars´s 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 Elder´s 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 all this

time to come to the islands which you yourself told me were populated by a

dissident group. Dissident they might be, but courteous they are, and I

have been made to feel far more welcome in these islands than I was during

your pompous, ill-provisioned reception. I will also inform you, if you

haven´t already heard from them, that my Guild will take a very dim view of

this whole incident. In fact, reparations may well be required. Now, what

have you to say to me?«

        »Honored Guildmember, I cannot adequately express our horror, our

concern for you during your terrible ordeal.« Those in the Harbor Master´s

office saw the effort which Elder Torkes was forced to make to moderate his

own manner. »I don´t know how the Council can ever redeem itself in your

eyes. Anything we can do -- «

        »I suggest that you begin by expressing gratitude to the young man

who rescued me after that frightening hurricane -- Why, I thought I´d be

swept to sea and drowned during the night. This is the young man,« and

ruthlessly Killashandra pulled Lars beside her. Torkes´s face was

unreadable as he inclined his head in the curtest possible recognition.

»He´s the skipper of the -- what did you say your boat´s called, Captain

Dahl?«

        »The Pearl Fisher, Guildmember.«

        »I might add that he took considerable risk to himself and his

vessel to put in to that island. The monsters in the lagoon and all about

it were in some sort of frenzy. The storm does that, he told me. But I was

so relieved to see another human after all that time . . . Look at me! I´m

a sight! My hair, my skin! I´m nothing but skin and bones!«

        »Our estimated time of arrival is 18:30, Guildmember. Until that

time, the Harbor Master will be able to attend to your comfort to the

limits of his facilities.« Torkes regained some of his usual repressive

manner as he eyed Olav Dahl significantly.

        »Begging your indulgence, Elder Torkes, but the Guildmember

insisted that you be contacted before any personal comfort was seen to. We

are hers to command until your arrival.«

        The picture was cut off at the cruiser screen. No sooner was it

blank than Lars seized Killashandra in his arms, whirling her about the

communications room, roaring his approval.

        »His face! Did you see how he had to struggle to control himself,

Killa?«

        »You´ll break my ribs, Lars -- Leave off! But you can see how easy

it is -- «

        »When you have one of the most prestigious Guilds in the FSP to

back you,« Olav said, but he was grinning as broadly with satisfaction at

the confrontation as Lars was.

        »Well, you have the FSP Council -- «

        »Only if they are in the position to acknowledge me,« Olav reminded

her, raising a hand in contradiction. »Which they are not, as my mission

here was covert. The Council does not interfere with planetary politics

when no other planet or system is affected. Optheria could not be

approached on an official basis, you know. The FSP had ratified their

Charter.«

        »With you to explain all about the lack of popular acceptance of

the restriction, surely -- «

        »My dear Killashandra Ree, the situation on Optheria cannot be

altered by one man´s testimony, especially a man who could by planetary

laws to which he is now subject under intergalactic regulations, be tried

and convicted of treasonous acts.«

        »Oh!« Killashandra´s elation drained away quickly.

        »Don´t concern yourself with this problem now, my friend -- for I

count you one,« Olav said, gripping her on the shoulder. »I am grateful for

what you have already achieved.« He took Lars´s shoulder in his other hand,

smiling with great affection at his son. »Ever since we saw the cruiser jet

on the screen, I´d been wracking my brains on how to protect Lars from

interrogation by Torkes. You have scuttled that plan, but do not deceive

yourself that all will be fair sailing.«

        »It was a superb performance, Killa! When I tell the others -- «

        »Softly, Lars, softly.« Olav said, »Torkes has had enough to

swallow. Give him no more on your peril. Now, Killashandra, we must do the

courteous for you, and lavish you with suitable gifts and personal services

-- «

        »Teradia, of course, Father. And I´ll advise her about our visitors

-- and their preferences.« Lars grimaced with distaste.

        »Yes, I´ll warn her you´re coming up and then I´ll organize

appropriate festivities.«

        »Why waste a barbecue on Torkes? He doesn´t eat!« Killashandra said

in disgust.

        »But you do, Killashandra, and it´s your return to civilization

that we´re celebrating!« Lars squeezed her about the waist.

        »One point, Lars,« and Olav laid a restraining, hand on his son´s

arm as he reached and removed the garland from his neck. »I am sorry, but

these would bring unwelcome questions.« He reached for Killashandra´s and

she hesitated before giving it to him.

        »Not half as sorry as I am.« She walked out of the building, Lars

following quietly behind her.

 

Chapter 16

 

Teradia´s house was situated on one of the upper levels facing North

Harbor, and as they hurried up the steep, zigzag stairs that linked the

terraces, Killashandra saw that much of the debris occasioned by the

hurricane had already been removed. Groups of young people were unhurriedly

staking polly trees upright and replanting those young pollys which had

been entirely uprooted. Others were pruning bushes or restoring bedding

plants.

        »Are there any snakes in this paradise?« Killashandra asked when

they paused at the first level to let her catch her breath.

        »Snakes? What are those?« Lars asked, humoring her.

        »Normally, a long, slender, legless reptile -- only I meant humans

with unpleasant characteristics.« She made a weaving, sinuous gesture with

her hand, and grimaced with distaste. »Surely the Elders make use of

informers and spies.«

        »Oh, they do. Most of whom report themselves to us and pass back

such information as we want the Elders to have.« Lars grinned as his

fingers caressed her arm. »It´s not naive of us; islanders stick together.

The Elders can give us little that we lack -- except the freedom to leave

the planet. To be sure, not many of us would leave: it´s having the option

to do so. And my father has a small detector so that people posing as

tourists can be quickly identified. Father has a theory that only a certain

type of personality is attracted to such an infamous occupation, and they

often give themselves

away. Strangely enough, by not singing!« He gave her a mischievous grin. »I

was relieved to hear you singing lustily at the barbecue.«

        »I nearly didn´t because, if I could recognize your tenor, you

might have spotted me as that midnight soprano. So I sang alto. But, Lars,

isn´t Nahia in jeopardy for being here? Someone might just slip up and

mention her presence?«

        Lars took her by the elbows and pulled her against him,

unconcernedly stroking her hair. »Beloved Sunny, Nahia would be protected

under any circumstances but, as it happens, only my father, you, and the

people she came with, know she was on this island during the hurricane. Her

party´s ocean jet has been secreted in another of the Back caves, unseen by

anyone. It´s still there and won´t emerge until we´ve had a chance to jam

the cruiser´s surveillance systems. Nahia and Hauness will use the islands

to screen them from any possibility of detection when the cruiser takes you

-- all right, and me -- back to the Mainland. Satisfied? I told you my

father is efficient. He is.

        »There will also be no one here tonight from Wing Harbor who might

inadvertently remember the girl Lars Dahl had as his partner.«

        »But -- «

        »No one in Wing will feel slighted: they´re all too busy with storm

damage. Every building on the waterfront collapsed. And Wingers avoid Elder

inspection as they would a smacker school.«

        Killashandra did feel relieved by his explanations. She was rather

pleased, too, as she reviewed her confrontation with Torkes. Nor would she

fail to be exceedingly cautious in the presence of any of the elders.

Torkes would never forgive her for that tongue-lashing, and she knew that

he would do everything he could to rank the others against her if a second

confrontation was to occur. Still, she was glad she had launched her

frontal assault on the fardling tyrant.

        »We shan´t leave anything to chance, however, Sunny, Lars went on

as they climbed to the last terrace level. »If sun-bleached hair and

eyebrows alter your appearance enough to deceive an FSP agent -- «

        »Corish was not expecting me to be on that beach, any more than you

-- «

        »Then Teradia can restore your beauty. With more sophisticated

clothes, and that hauteur of yours, you´ll he every inch the crystal

singer.« Lars halted, swinging her into his arms again. No one was in

sight. »Will the impressively beautiful crystal singer still favor her

island lover?« He smiled down at her, but tension caught at the corners of

his grey-tinged eyes.

        »Don´t tell me you -- who braves hurricanes, Elders, and Masters --

feared my ranting?« She soothed the creases from his eyes. »I assume a

role, Lars Dahl, from some opera or other. I play no role with you, no

matter under what circumstances. Believe me. Let´s not lose a moment of

what we have together!«

        She stood on tiptoe to kiss him and the hunger they both felt made

them tremble.

        »How are we going to make out, Killa, on board that cruiser? And

back on the Mainland?«

        »Oh, citizen!« Killashandra laid her hand gracefully against her

bosom. fluttering her eyes, as much to keep back the tears as to embellish

her assumed character. »When I trust to you my safety, where else shall you

be but with me, wherever I go, even in my bedchamber? And have you seen

where they quartered me in the Conservatory? You´ll see, Lars. It will all

be arranged my way!«

        By then they had reached an establishment with a modest sign

spelling out »Teradia« in graceful lettering. Teradia herself greeted them,

a woman as tall as Lars, with a supple, willowy figure, and densely black

hair very intricately braided. Her skin was olive and flawless, the pale

green pupils of her eyes appeared luminous: she was a superb testimonial to

her establishment.

        »Olav Dahl wants the very best for you, Killashandra Ree, and I

myself will see to your care.«

        »I´ll supervise,« Lars interrupted. »The bleaching must be . . .«

        With a quick movement, Teradia placed one hand across Lars´s chest

and eased him away from Killashandra, a look of mild disdain on her elegant

features. »My dear boy, clever you may be in some of the ways of pleasing a

woman, but this is my art . . .« she began to draw Killashandra away with

her, »and you will allow me to practice it. Come, Guildmember, this way.«

        »Teradia, that´s not fair.« Lars pushed through the door in

pursuit. »I´m Killashandra´s bodyguard -- «

        »Here I guard her body, though from the look of her skin and hair,

you´ve done a poor job -- Sun-bleached, dry-skinned, waterlogged child.«

        »Teradia!«

        For the first time Killashandra had seen her lover rattled; she

looked more keenly at Teradia. There was a twinkle in the woman´s eyes,

though her expression did not soften at his exasperation.

        »It is, of course, as the Guildmember wishes . . .«

        »How do you do it, Teradia?«

        »Do what?«

        »Quell him.«

        Teradia shrugged delicately. »It is easy. He has been reared to

respect his elders.«

        »What?« Killashandra peered more closely at Teradia´s face.

        »She´s my grandmother,« Lars said with a disgusted growl

        »My compliments, citizen,« Killashandra replied, trying not to

laugh at Lars´s discomposure. »I shall have your artistry to support me

this evening -- «

        »And me!« Lars was emphatic.

        So, under Lars´s eyes and occasionally with his help and company,

Killashandra was soaped and bathed and massaged and oiled, and repairs to

hair and nail accomplished, Killashandra fell asleep during the massage and

later Lars fell asleep while Teradia tinted Killashandra´s hair and dyed

her eyebrows dark again.

        »It does make a considerable difference in your appearance,«

Teradia said, surveying her handiwork. »I´m not certain which becomes you

more,« she added thoughtfully. »You are a striking woman in either guise.

Now,« she went on so briskly that Killashandra did not have to make any

reply to this assessment, »we don´t have everything back from hurricane

storage, but I know exactly where I put several unusual gowns that would

suit your style and rank. Come this way, into the dressing room.«

        Killashandra looked over her shoulder at the slumbering Lars.

        »If he fell asleep in your presence, he is far more tired than he

would ever admit, Killashandra Ree. We will leave him so until he is needed

to escort you back to Olav Dahl.«

        By the time Teradia had garbed Killashandra to her satisfaction,

which had nothing, Killashandra realized, to do with her own, Lars had

awakened. He executed a double take at the vision before him, presented a

properly stunned expression before he began to smile then nod with

approval.

        »In there, » Teradia said, flicking her fingers to direct him to

another dressing room in the shop portion of her establishment. »We can´t

have a shabby escort. Not that any will notice you.«

        Killashandra began to frown, then the woman winked slowly and

grinned. »That one is too sure of himself by half.«

        »He´ll need it,« Killashandra said sadly.

        »Oh?«

        But before Killashandra could say anything more, an unclad Lars had

stormed into the room, waving a heavily embroidered, tissue thin, blue

shirt and equally thin blue trousers.

        »If you think I´m parading about like a stud on sale! When did I

ever have the need to display -- «

        In one long stride Teradia reached the room, and scooped up a pair

of blue briefs that had evidently fallen to the floor. She flourished them

under his nose and then pushed him back into the room.

        »Well, if that´s the case . . .«

        Killashandra stifled her giggles.

        »You only wanted to take the limelight . . .«

        He poked his head around the door. »Not when I know Torkes´s

proclivities. Then again,« he paused in the act of withdrawing his head,

»he probably has the cruiser packed with his boys so I´m safer here than in

City.«

        »Who needs the bodyguard then?«

        »Shall we have a mutual assistance pact? I read those were once

very popular.«

        »Done!«

        Lars slammed open the door, strode across the room, and gathered

her into her arms, beaming down at her. »If you spoil her dress or make-up

. . .« Teradia´s mock anger subsided as she became aware of the atmosphere

between them.

        Lars ached to kiss Killashandra as badly as she wanted to have his

lips on hers. He sighed deeply and let her go. »You look regal,

Killashandra! But I think I liked you even better on the beach at Wing!

Then you were mine alone to enjoy!« His voice was low, his words meant for

her, his sentiment unhindered by his grandmother´s presence. »You have

outdone yourself, Teradia.« He pulled the woman close, and kissed her

cheek.

        Killashandra felt relief that there would be another sane and

well-adjusted person to help Lars when she had returned to Ballybran.

        »Now we had better go, Killashandra. The cruiser will have docked!«

        Killashandra thanked Teradia as warmly as she could, wishing that

the woman did not dismiss so casually her genuine gratitude.

        As they started to retrace their steps to the Harbor Master´s

residence, Killashandra was instantly aware of an alteration in the

ambiance. Far below the squat bulk of the cruiser jet did much to explain

the change, looming as it did, gross and menacing, its white ovoid hull

diminishing the graceful fishing vessels. The slanted superstructure, the

little nodules of its armaments, and the sprouting whiskers of its

communications and surveillance equipment added to its menacing presence.

        Killashandra unconsciously hugged Lars´s arm. »That is a very

deadly looking machine. Do they have many of those?«

        »Enough!«

        »Can Nahia and Hauness escape it?«

        Lars chuckled, relieving his own tension and reducing hers. »The

Yellowback is smaller and faster, highly maneuverable and could slip

through reefs that would ram the cruiser. Once they´re away, they´re well

away.«

        Killashandra could see the coming and going on the ramp leading to

Olav´s -- people bearing tables, chairs, seating cushions, baskets of

fruit, bowls of fruit, jars, several men staggering under loads of

provender. Killashandra had been expecting another beach barbecue, with its

pleasant informality. It had not occurred to her that there might be no

beach at North Harbor, nor would the Elder have been entertained in the

casual setting she had so much enjoyed at Wing. She groaned.

        Lars squeezed her hand. »What´s wrong?«

        She gave a gusty sigh. »State occasions! Formality! Scrapes and

smiles and total boredom.«

        Lars laughed. »You´ll be surprised. Pleasantly.«

        »How will your father get away with it?«

        Lars grinned at her. »You´ll see.«

        What she first saw was the disposition of guards, lining the route

up from the harbor, spaced neatly and stiffly about the Residence, and

armed. She had seen very few stun rifles in her life but she could

recognize them.

        »What was he expecting? Civil war?«

        »Elders usually travel with a considerable entourage. Especially in

the islands. We are so aggressive, you see.« Lars spoke with deep sarcasm

and she took in an anxious breath. »Oh, don´t worry, Killa. I´ll be

circumspect. You´ll not even recognize me as your impetuous lover.«

        She cocked an eyebrow at him. »I´ll expect a return of that lover

as a reward for my evening with Torkes. And why is it Torkes? I thought he

was in charge of Communications.«

        Lars choked back a loud laugh, for they had neared the first

sentry. »Elder Pedder is afflicted with motion sickness.«

        The sentry who had been watching them approach from the corner of

his eye suddenly pivoted, ported his weapon, and stared with impartial

malevolence at them. »Who goes there?«

        »The crystal singer, you fool,« Killashandra replied in a loud and

disgusted tone. »With her bodyguard, Lars Dahl.« When Killashandra would

have proceeded she was stopped by the weapon. »How dare you?« She darted

forward, grasped the weapon by its muzzle, and levered it forcefully to the

ground. The surprised young sailor panicked and relinquished his weapon.

»How dare you threaten a crystal singer? How dare you threaten me?«

        Killashandra was seized by a violent surge of real anger at the

archaic and inane formality. She didn´t hear Lars trying to soothe her; she

barged past two more sentries who came to assist their mate; she would have

gone through the officer who came hurrying up the ramp, flanked by three

additional guards on either side. She paused momentarily, seething at this

additional obstacle. The officer had either encountered Elders in a tearing

fit or he instantly recognized an elemental force. He barked an order, and

the barricade suddenly became an escort which fell in behind the officer

and Lars, who had managed to keep at Killashandra´s heels as the enraged

crystal singer stormed forward to the Residence seeking the initiator of

this additional affront.

        Here Lars took the lead, adroitly indicating the way. She heard an

exchange of urgent shouts. She had a confused vision of more guards

snapping to attention, and another pair hastily opening the elaborately

carved wooden doors -- which despite her involvement in anger, she

recognized as magnificent panels of polly wood. Then she was in the formal

reception antechamber of the Residence, and she remembered thinking that

the tip of this iceberg was the business end. She continued her angry

progress right to the shallow tier of steps that led down to the main

level. With an alert and wary expression, Olav was half way across the

floor to greet her. Behind him Elder Torkes was seated on a high wooden

chair, members of his staff standing about the room, conversing with

several islanders.

        Automatically, Killashandra gave the assembled one quick glance

before she proceeded toward Torkes. »Did I spend weeks on a deserted island

to be stopped and questioned by an armed minion? To have a weapon thrust in

my face as if I were an enemy? I« -- and Killashandra nearly bruised her

breast bone as she thumped herself with rigid fingers -- »I am the one who

has been assaulted and abducted. I am the one who has been at jeopardy and

you -- « Now she pointed an accusing finger at Torkes, who was regarding

her in a state of shock. »You have been safe! Safe!«

        Afterwards Lars told her that she had been magnificent, her eyes

visibly emitting sparks, her manner so imposing that he had been breathless

with astonishment. What operatic role had she been using?

        »I wasn´t,« she´d replied with a rueful smile, for the effect of

her dramatic entrance had more than satisfied her rage. »I´ve never been so

angry in my life. A weapon? Pointed at me?«

        Torkes heaved himself out of his chair, his expression that of a

man confronting an unknown and dangerous entity and uncertain which course

to take. »My dear Crystal Singer -- «

        »I am not your dear anything.«

        »Your experiences have unnerved you, Guildmember Ree. No aggression

was intended against you, merely -- «

        » -- Your wretched, suffocating need for protocol and an irrelevant

show of aggression. I warn you« -- and she waggled her finger at him again

-- »I warn you, you may expect the most severe retribution« -- she caught

herself; in her rage, she had been on the point of revealing too much to

Elder Torkes -- «from my Guild, reparation for the callous and undignified

way in which I have been treated.«

        Torkes regarded her finger as if it were some sort of deadly weapon

in itself. Before he could assemble a suitable reply Olav was at

Killashandra´s elbow, offering a glass of amber liquid. »Guildmember, drink

this . . .« His baritone voice, so soothing and conciliatory, penetrated

her ranting. She knocked back the drink, and was rendered momentarily

speechless. The shock of the potent beverage effectively restored her to

discretion. »You are understandably overwrought, and have been needlessly

upset, but you are safe here, now, I do assure you. Elder Torkes has

already initiated the most thorough investigation of this terrible outrage

and personally supervised your security here on Angel Island.«

        Olav´s tactful reassurances gave her the time to regain use of her

throat and vocal cords. Her throat was on fire, her stomach throbbing, and

her eyes watered. Which seemed a good cue to develop. She allowed her tears

to flow and reached weakly for Olav´s hand to support her. Instantly she

felt Lars take her right arm, and the two men led her to the other

elaborate chair in the chamber, seating her as if she were suddenly

fragile.

        »I am overset. Anyone would be, enduring what I have,« Killashandra

said, using her sobbing to purge the last dregs of anger, for she estimated

that she´d worked that pitch long enough. »All alone, on that wretched

island, not knowing where I was, if I´d ever be rescued. And then the

hurricane . . .«

        A second glass was proffered. When she glared at Olav, he winked.

Nevertheless, she sipped cautiously. Polly wine.

        »Please accept my apologies, Elder Torkes, but that ridiculous

weapon was the last straw.« Her voice died away but she managed to sound

reasonably sincere. Then she smiled weakly at the nonplussed Elder, and

fluttered her eyelashes at his attendants. They seemed afflicted by some

sort of paralysis. It afforded Killashandra considerable satisfaction that

she had managed to confound an entire Optherian crew. They had stood in

great need of such a lesson. She relaxed into the cushioned back of the

chair.

        »There isn´t an islander in this Archipelago who would do you any

injury, Guildmember,« Olav continued, now offering her a finely stitched

handkerchief. »Especially after the news of your devoted nursing of the Bar

Island injured. When I consider how unselfishly you volunteered to assist,

and you only an hour away from being rescued, why, we are all in your

debt.«

        Shielding her face from Torkes with the handkerchief, Killashandra

looked up at Olav. She blotted the last of the tears she could manage to

squeeze out. She had received his message. She gave a sniff, then exhaled

in a huge sigh.

        »What else could I do? Their need was far greater than mine for I

had suffered no real physical injury. It was excellent therapy,« and she

managed that on a rush of breath, »for me to tend those less fortunate than

I. And I do feel safe with you, Harbor Master, and with Captain Dahl!« She

touched each man on the arm, favoring them with a tremulous smile. Lars

managed to give her shoulder an admonitory pinch which, she felt, indicated

that she had milked this scene for all it was worth. »I hope you didn´t

encounter that ferocious storm on your way here, Elder Torkes?«

        »Not at all, Guildmember. In fact,« Torkes cleared his throat

nervously, »we didn´t set out until sure that the hurricane had dwindled. I

ought to have listened to Mirbethan´s representations, Captain« -- he

turned to the senior officer behind him -- »for she offered to accompany

us, Guildmember, on the slim chance that we would discover you here.«

        »How very kind of her.«

        »She would have been an ideal companion to settle your nerves,

Guildmember.«

        »Yes, she was most considerate but, though I appreciate her

willingness, I now insist on someone . . .« she waved a negligent hand in

Lars´s direction, »who is capable of managing himself in difficulties. I

have seen Captain Dahl in action, fighting to bring his ship close enough

to take me off that island, and in dealing with high seas, and injured

people.« And that should be the end of that notion. Had it been

Mirbethan´s? Or Ampris´s? From whichever source, she´d not spend credit on

it.

        »If I may suggest it, Guildmember, would you be feeling recovered

enough to dine now?« Olav asked, deftly changing the subject. »Or should

Captain Dahl escort you to the quarters prepared for you here in the

residence?«

        »Why, yes,« Killashandra said, extending her hand to Lars and

smiling graciously at Olav, »I think that perhaps hunger is at the root of

my deplorable temper. I´m not usually so easily upset, citizens.« Now that

the scene had been played, she was ravenous and hoped that Olav´s

hospitality would be to the standard she expected. It was, and she was

seated on Olav´s right at the beautifully appointed banquet table. Torkes

was opposite her, Teradia appearing at his right hand. Evidently she had

merely had to change her gown. Killashandra did wonder how she had arrived

so promptly. Other charmingly dressed ladies partnered the officers of

Torkes´s retinue and from some discreet corner delicate music wafted to the

diners´ ears.

        The food was sumptuous, a feat, considering the island had so

recently been in the throes of a hurricane. As Killashandra sampled the

many dishes presented, she realized that the components were not as varied

as the manner in which they had been prepared. Polly -- fruit, pulp, and

heart -- was the basis of nine dishes. Smacker was served as a chowder,

boiled, broiled, fried in a delicious light batter and in a rich piquant

sauce. The largest yellowbacks she had yet seen had been lightly broiled

with slivered nuts. A succulent mollusk was offered, grilled with a dollop

of some flavor enhancer. There were salads of greens, molded salads of some

jellied vegetable, fruit, and fish.

        From the way in which Torkes´s officers filled their plates, and

refilled them when the dishes were presented a second time, they weren´t

used to eating. Torkes was abstemious by comparison although a fair

trencherman away from Elder Pentrom´s dietary regimen. He did not refuse

the wine, either, though his two senior captains did.

        When the first hunger was appeased, Torkes addressed Lars, his

expression far too bland to be as affable as he sounded.

        »Just where did you discover the Guildmember, Captain Dahl?«

        »On a polly islet slightly east of Bar Island. I don´t normally

pass by for it´s a bit off the regular trade route, but with the higher

tides to give me clearance over the reef in that area, I could take a bit

of a short cut to Bar, which I aimed to beach before sunset.«

        »Do you have this islet marked on your charts?«

        »Of course, Elder Torkes. I will show you its location immediately

after dinner.« Lars had one hand on her thigh under the table and gave her

a reassuring squeeze. Had his father tipped him off as he had her? »As well

as the entry in my log which verifies the position.«

        »You keep a log?«

        »Of a certainty, Elder Torkes. The Harbor Master is most insistent

on such details which are, in my view, an integral part of responsible

seamanship.«

        Farther down the table, an officer nodded his head in agreement.

Torkes returned to his meal.

        »What is this delicious fish, Harbor Master?« Killashandra asked,

indicating the smacker.

        »Ah, that is one of the island delicacies, Guildmember,« and Olav

launched into an amusing description of the habits of the tropical behemoth

and the dangers of capturing it. In his tale he managed to touch on the

strength and bravery of smacker fishermen and their dedication to an

unenviable task. Much of the smacker catch went to feed the Mainland.

        With such innocuous tidbits and discourse, the meal finished.

Immediately upon rising from the table, Elder Torkes told Lars Dahl that

now was the time to show him the islet.

        »We can call up the information right here,« Olav said, going to

the elaborate sideboard of the dining room. One section of its flat surface

immediately transformed to display a terminal while the island seascape

above slid to one side exposing a large screen.

        Killashandra, watching Torkes obliquely, saw him stiffen until Olav

merely gestured for Lars Dahl to retrieve what documents he needed. Within

a moment, a small-scale chart of the entire Archipelago dominated the

screen. Lars tapped keys and the chart dissolved to a larger-scale one of

Angel Island, then flowed left toward Bar Island, slightly upward, and in

another adjustment, magnified the chosen islet, complete with its

protecting reefs, quite isolated from other blobs of polly-treed islands.

        »Here, Elder Torkes, is where I discovered the Guild-member.

Fortunately, whoever abandoned her left her where there is a good fresh

spring.« He now magnified the islet so that its topographical features were

apparent.

        »I´d a bit of a shelter on the height,« Killashandra said.

        »Here,« Lars agreed and pointed.

        »And mercifully I was high enough there to be out of reach of the

hurricane tides -- just barely -- I fished in this lagoon, and swam, there,

too, because the larger things couldn´t pass over the reef. But, as you can

see, gentlemen, I could not even have swum to an occupied island for help!«

        One of Torkes´s officers noted the longitude and latitude of the

islet.

        »Just thinking about it again distresses me.« Killashandra turned

to Olav. »That was a magnificent dinner to he served so soon after a

hurricane, Harbor Master. And it was such a pleasure, for me especially,«

and she graciously gestured, »to have so much variety to choose from and

enjoy. Now, I would like to retire.«

        »Guildmember, there is much to discuss -- «

        »We can discuss it just as easily in the morning, Elder Torkes. It

has been a long and exhausting day for me, remember. We left Bar Island

with the injured at dawn and it´s now midnight.« She turned from the Elder

now to Olav. »I am quartered tonight in the Residence?«

        »This way.« Olav and Lars immediately escorted her to the inner

wall where a lift door slid aside. »Let me assure you that this is the only

way into the living section of the Residence. This will be guarded well

tonight.« He peremptorily gestured for thc guard to be posted.

        »Elder Torkes, this is the first time that we have been privileged

to entertain members of the Council,« Teradia said, her deep voice tinged

with awe as she took Torkes´s arm and began to lead him back to the

reception room.

        Olav bowed over Killashandra´s hand, smiling as he came erect and

gestured her into the lift. The door slid shut on Killashandra and Lars

and, with an exaggerated sigh of relief, Killashandra leaned against him.

        He made a quick sign with his hand, his eyes busy on the ceiling

pane.

        »I am totally exhausted, Captain Dahl.« So, Torkes had had the area

monitored. That would make it exceedingly awkward for her and Lars.

        The lift made a brief, noiseless descent and then the door slid

open to a scene that caught her breath. The wide window gave onto moonlit

harbor. An aureole of bright light illuminating the ancient stratovolcano

as a second moon rose behind it. Of one accord, they stood for a long

moment in appreciation of the beauty.

        As Lars led her down to the short corridor toward two doors at its

end, he glanced at the chrono on his wrist. Killashandra had time to notice

the grin on his face before all the lights went off. Simultaneously she saw

three short blue flashes, two along the corridor and a third one at the

first door.

        »What -- « she began in alarm, but then the lights came on and Lars

took her in his arms.

        »Now we´re safe!«

        »You blew the monitors?«

        »And his ship´s systems. Father´s got a way with electronics and .

. .« he swung her into his arms and impatiently strode toward the first

door, which slid open to their approach. »I´m about to have my way with

you.«

        Which, of course, was exactly what Killashandra had been hoping

for.

 

Chapter 17

 

A breakfast tray in hand, Teradia appeared early next morning. Killashandra

found she was in a large room brightly lit by sunlight reflected from the

surface of the harbor. How the woman maintained her perfect grooming and

serene composure Killashandra would have given much to know. Perhaps it had

something to do with the experiential tranquillity of advanced years,

although »old« in the physiological sense did not seem to apply to Teradia.

        »And what of the day, oh bringer of delights?« Lars asked, settling

pillows behind Killashandra. »Olav didn´t miss a trick last night, did he?«

        »He´s still playing them this morning.« Teradia smiled faintly.

»May I compliment you on last night´s performance, Killashandra? You were

spectacular. I don´t think anyone on Torkes´s staff had ever witnessed its

like.«

        »I was consumed with righteous wrath,« Killashandra replied.

»Imagine, someone pointing a weapon at me! A crystal singer!«

        Lars soothingly stroked her arm and poured out the steaming morning

beverage. »What´s Olav up to today then?«

        Teradia seated herself on the edge of the wide bed, folding her

hands together in her lap, the faint smile still tilting the corners of her

full lips. »As you surmised, the power failure effectively crippled the

cruiser, since Olav had so courteously suggested that they hook up to the

land facilities and spare the cruiser´s batteries. Then it went, Torkes was

quite upset, worrying about you, Guildmember, and thinking this was another

attempt on your safety. Of course. the lift wouldn´t operate, and an

inspection party quickly discovered that this apartment cannot easily be

scaled from the ground, so they posted guards on the waterfront. That´s why

your sleep was undisturbed.« She lowered her eyes briefly. »Olav worked

with the cruiser´s engineers all night, to discover the trouble in our

generators which, as you might suspect, had suffered previously undetected

damage from the hurricane. All is now restored, except, of course, the

units which were overloaded!« She pointed out the several char marks where

walls met the ceiling. »And, of course, the blown chip was discovered to be

water damaged. Your father has a genius in that area. But I think you had

both better put in appearances shortly. There are suitable garments for you

both in the dressingroom and I have been requested to deliver necessities

for you to the cruiser, Killashandra.«

        Teradia rose in one lithe movement, hesitated, and then moved to

Killashandra´s side. »You can have no idea how I enjoyed seeing an Elder

rendered speechless. An excellent strategy on your part. Keep them off

balance and guessing. They don´t have any experience with that!« Then

Teradia laid her soft, fragrant cheek against Killashandra´s and before the

crystal singer could react, had glided out of the room and closed the door.

        »You have made an impression,« Lars said. »I´ll tell you about

Teradia´s experience with the Council and you´ll understand what she meant.

I never would have thought of complaining about that sentry nonsense,« and

Lars gave an exasperated sigh, »but then, I´m used to it. It must be . . .«

He searched for the appropriate word, shrugged when he couldn´t find it.

»How remarkable not to need weapons or guards, Is it the case in Ballybran,

or did that felicitous state exist on your Fuerte, too?«

        »Both. On Fuerte for lack of aggression, and on Ballybran because

everyone´s too busy in the Ranges cutting crystal. We know our place and

are secure in it,« she paraphrased, mimicking Ampris´s voice. »Lars, how

are we going to fuse the monitors at the Conservatory? They´ll have

installed them, I know.«

        »You could always throw another tantrum.«

        »No thank you. Fits of temper are exhausting.«

        »Oh, is that truly why you´re tired today?«

        »Pleasure never tires me. Now let´s eat and dress. I´ve just been

attacked by a case of circumspection.«

        A few minutes later they emerged onto the reception floor with no

further delays. An officer immediately leaped to his feet at their arrival,

stammering queries about Killashandra´s rest, apologies for any

inconvenience caused by the power failure, and obsequiously requesting

Killashandra and Captain Dahl to join the Harbor Master and Elder Torkes in

the communications room.

        Olav Dahl looked tired but there was a merriment in his eyes as he

asked if all her needs had been satisfied. She reassured him, then turned

to Torkes and affected surprise at his evident fatigue, fussing at him

graciously.

        »If the Guildmember is agreeable, I should like to depart

immediately,« Torkes replied, when the amenities were completed. He eyed

her as if he expected her to demur.

        »I left unfinished -- even unstarted, to be totally candid -- « she

said, »the task which brought me to Optheria. I am more eager than you can

imagine to complete the organ´s repair and depart. I´m sure we will all

feel relieved when I´m 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 cruiser´s 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 didn´t

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