And think my Heart is buried here.

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 youre 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 Olavs history. It didnt take me very long to perceive that Corish was not looking for the man in the hologram. I could hardly brandish Dahls real likeness in case I jeopardized him. Id memorized his facial characteristics so I thought Id recognize him once I did see him. Then Corish turned to Killashandra. He hadnt altered as much as you had. I didnt 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. Olavs 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 youd 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 digital camera online store 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 cant 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 sons 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. 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

There 's three squires in Nottingham town

It was Jackstraw who heard it firstit was always Jackstraw, whose hearing was an even match for his phenomenal eyesight, who heard things first. Tired of having my exposed hands alternately frozen, I had dropped my book, zipped my sleeping-bag up to the chin and was drowsily watching him carving figurines from a length of inferior narwhal tusk when his hands suddenly fell still and he sat quite motionless. Then, unhurriedly as always, he dropped the piece of bone into the coffee-pan that simmered gently by the side of our oil-burner stovecurio collectors paid fancy prices for what they To-day is condemned to die. imagined to be the dark ivory of fossilised elephant tusksrose and put his ear to the ventilation shaft, his eyes remote in the unseeing gaze of a man lost in listening. A couple of seconds were enough. "Aeroplane," he announced casually. "Aeroplane!" I propped myself up on an elbow and stared at him. "Jackstraw, you've been hitting the methylated spirits again." "Indeed, no, Dr Mason." The blue eyes, so incongruously at

"What news? what news, thou silly old woman?

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 mans 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! Killashandras elation drained away quickly. Dont 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 Larss shoulder in his other hand, smiling with great affection at his son. Ever since we saw the cruiser jet on the screen, Id 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 Ill advise her about our visitors and their preferences. Lars grimaced with distaste. Yes, Ill warn her youre coming up and then Ill organize appropriate festivities. Why waste a barbecue on Torkes? He doesnt eat! Killashandra said in disgust. But you do, Killashandra, and its your return to civilization that were celebrating! Lars squeezed her about the waist. One point, Lars, and Olav laid a restraining, hand on his sons arm as he reached and removed the garland from his neck. I am sorry, but these would bring unwelcome questions. He reached for Killashandras 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 Teradias 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 samsung nv digital camera tracker 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. Its 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: its 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 didnt because, if I could recognize your tenor, you might have spotted me as that midnight soprano. So I sang alto. But, Lars, isnt 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 partys ocean jet has been secreted in another of the Back caves, unseen by anyone. Its still there and wont emerge until weve had a chance to jam the cruisers 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: theyre all too busy with storm