The winter will be short, the summer long,

miniscule island in the middle of nowhere! Even as she reacted to their presence, she saw Corish was glancing about the crowd. Before she could duck, his gaze touched her face and passed on without a blink of recognition. Chapter 10 Shock rooted Killashandra in the sand. She ignored the surge of the islanders toward the pier, the vanguard already throwing their wreaths about the disembarking sailors. Fury that Corish didnt recognize her and relief that he didnt warred in her. To judge by his deep tan, Corish had been in the islands as long as she had. He looked comfortable in the shorts and sleeveless half-vest that the island men preferred, though his was modestly decorated. Not so the one Lars Dahl wore, which was thick with many-hued embroidery. Common sense quickly tempered her initial strong reactions. She hadnt recognized herself in the mirror, why would Corish or Lars Dahl? Further, neither man could logically have expected to see Killashandra Ree on the beachfront at Angel Island. She relaxed from the tense half-poised stance she had assumed. Come on, youll want to catch a good one, Keralaw said, tugging Killashandra by the sleeve. She paused, seeing the objects of Killashandras riveted attention. Lars Dahl is very attractive, isnt he? But hes committed to the Music Conservatory the first Angel Islander to be admitted! The other one? Killashandra stood fast, though Keralaw plucked urgently at her to move. Him? Hes been around the last few weeks. A pleasant enough man but Keralaw shrugged diffidently. Come on, now, Carrigana, I want a live one! Now Killashandra permitted herself to be drawn, holding her breath as first Corish then Lars Dahl looked toward them. When there was still no sign of recognition from either man, Killashandra grinned, then waggled her fingers at them and brandished the wreaths invitingly. Lars Dahl smiled back, gesturing a good-humored rejection of her offer before he renewed his conversation with Corish. As Clorish did not turn away, she swung her hips in her best imitation of a seductress, and cast one last longing look over her shoulder before Keralaw was hauling her through the crowd toward the approaching sailors. Joyfully Keralaw deposited her garlands on a lean, brown-black man and, with a half-reproachful, half-apologetic glance at Carrigana, accompanied him toward a distant section of the beach in the gathering dusk. Other couples had the same idea while many more made for the 2009 digital camera value ratings barbecue area and the kegs of beer, and jugs of fermented polly fruit in jackets of woven polly fronds which were now being circulated. Many of the islanders had paired off, and the disappointed drifted back to the imminent feast, all still in the best of good spirits. What about garlanding me? a male voice grated in her ear. Killashandra turned her head toward the speaker, only far enough to catch the stench of his breath, before she deftly avoided his importunities with a giggle, slipping past a group of women. He paused there and someone less fastidious crowned him. Killashandra continued to glide forward and toward the shadows cast by the polly trees growing above the high tide line. The joyous sensuality of the islanders amused and frustrated her. Crystal resonance was slowly abating, and consequently her bodys normal appetites were returning. Corish and Lars Dahl were still deep in conversation at the water s edge. She was level with them now, though shadowed from their notice and she could observe unobtrusively. She sank to the warm sand, the unused garlands fragrant in her loose grip. Ignoring the happy roistering at the barbecue pits, she concentrated on the two men. What could be of such fascination to them in the midst of all this jollity? Her original instinct about Corish had been correct: he was an FSP operative. Unless she was fooling herself and his association with the impertinent Lars Dahl was a coincidence. She doubted that vigorously. Did Corish know that Lars Dahl had abducted her? And why? Had Corish taken some covert part in that kidnapping? Had Corish known who she was? Killashandra chuckled to herself, amused by the possibility although everything pointed to Corish having accepted her in the role she had played for him. Then she thought of how her earlier shipmates had reacted to the knowledge that she was a crystal singer. She doubted that Corish was less a man, particularly in his ease on the Athena, who would not make the most of his chances. Keralaw had said that Lars Dahl was the first Angel Islander to reach the Music Conservatory. That explained his presence in the infirmary corridor, and his unconventional clothes, for the islanders appeared to prefer the browns and tans that emphasized their sunned skins. Why had he appeared so unexpectedly in Gartertown? Though he certainly maximized his opportunities. Had the original note of dissatisfaction with

Our argument's whole drift we shall forget;

hadnt recognized herself in the mirror, why would Corish or Lars Dahl? Further, neither man could logically have expected to see Killashandra Ree on the beachfront at Angel Island. She relaxed from the tense half-poised stance she had assumed. Come on, youll want to catch a good one, Keralaw said, tugging Killashandra by the sleeve. She paused, seeing the objects of Killashandras riveted attention. Lars Dahl is very attractive, isnt he? But hes committed to the Music Conservatory the first Angel Islander to be admitted! The other one? Killashandra stood fast, though Keralaw plucked urgently at her to move. Him? Hes been around the last few weeks. A pleasant enough man but Keralaw shrugged diffidently. Come on, now, Carrigana, I want a live one! Now Killashandra permitted herself to be drawn, holding her breath as first Corish then Lars Dahl looked toward them. When there was still no sign of recognition from either man, Killashandra grinned, then waggled her fingers at them and brandished the wreaths invitingly. Lars Dahl smiled back, gesturing a good-humored rejection of her offer before he renewed his conversation with Corish. As Clorish did not turn away, she swung her hips in her best imitation of a seductress, and cast one last longing look over her shoulder before Keralaw was hauling her through the crowd toward the approaching sailors. Joyfully Keralaw deposited her garlands on a lean, brown-black man and, with a half-reproachful, half-apologetic glance at Carrigana, accompanied him toward a distant section of the beach in the gathering dusk. Other couples had the same idea while many more made for the barbecue area and the kegs of beer, and jugs of fermented polly fruit in jackets of woven polly fronds which were now being circulated. Many of the islanders had paired off, and the disappointed drifted back to the imminent feast, all still in the best of good spirits. What about garlanding me? a male voice grated in her ear. Killashandra turned her head toward the speaker, only far enough to catch the stench of his breath, before she deftly avoided his importunities with a giggle, slipping past a group of women. He paused there and someone less fastidious crowned him. Killashandra continued to glide forward and toward the shadows cast by the polly trees growing above the high tide line. The joyous sensuality of the islanders amused and frustrated her. Crystal resonance was slowly abating, and consequently her bodys normal appetites sony alpha digital cameras were returning. Corish and Lars Dahl were still deep in conversation at the water s edge. She was level with them now, though shadowed from their notice and she could observe unobtrusively. She sank to the warm sand, the unused garlands fragrant in her loose grip. Ignoring the happy roistering at the barbecue pits, she concentrated on the two men. What could be of such fascination to them in the midst of all this jollity? Her original instinct about Corish had been correct: he was an FSP operative. Unless she was fooling herself and his association with the impertinent Lars Dahl was a coincidence. She doubted that vigorously. Did Corish know that Lars Dahl had abducted her? And why? Had Corish taken some covert part in that kidnapping? Had Corish known who she was? Killashandra chuckled to herself, amused by the possibility although everything pointed to Corish having accepted her in the role she had played for him. Then she thought of how her earlier shipmates had reacted to the knowledge that she was a crystal singer. She doubted that Corish was less a man, particularly in his ease on the Athena, who would not make the most of his chances. Keralaw had said that Lars Dahl was the first Angel Islander to reach the Music Conservatory. That explained his presence in the infirmary corridor, and his unconventional clothes, for the islanders appeared to prefer the browns and tans that emphasized their sunned skins. Why had he appeared so unexpectedly in Gartertown? Though he certainly maximized his opportunities. Had the original note of dissatisfaction with Optheria originated in these islands? That appeared logical, now that she had seen the different styles and standards, and had heard Elder Ampriss disparaging remarks about the islanders early rebellion against the Optherian authoritarianism. A shout went up by the long beef pit, and people surged toward it, platters in hand. The aroma was tantalizing and slowly Killashandra rose to her feet. A full stomach was unlikely to improve her understanding of the puzzle, but it wouldnt hinder thought. Corish and Lars Dahl seemed to have succumbed to the enticement as well. In that instant, Killashandra decided to approach her problem in a direct fashion. Altering her direction, she intercepted the two men. Youve had your natter, she began, mimicking Keralaws throaty drawl and speech pattern, now enjoy. Angels a good island for feasting. She flung one garland on Corish, the

"For he is headed like a bull, a bull,

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 were safe! You blew the monitors? And his ships systems. Fathers 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. Im 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 didnt miss a trick last night, did he? Hes still playing them this morning. Teradia smiled faintly. May I compliment you on last nights performance, Killashandra? You were spectacular. I dont think anyone on Torkess 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. Whats 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 cruisers 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 wouldnt operate, and an inspection party quickly discovered that this apartment cannot easily be scaled from the ground, so they posted guards on the waterfront. Thats why your sleep was undisturbed. She lowered her eyes briefly. Olav worked with the vga digital camera software cruisers 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 Killashandras 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 dont have any experience with that! Then Teradia laid her soft, fragrant cheek against Killashandras and before the crystal singer could react, had glided out of the room and closed the door. You have made an impression, Lars said. Ill tell you about Teradias experience with the Council and youll understand what she meant. I never would have thought of complaining about that sentry nonsense, and Lars gave an exasperated sigh, but then, Im used to it. It must be He searched for the appropriate word, shrugged when he couldnt 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 everyones too busy in the Ranges cutting crystal. We know our place and are secure in it, she paraphrased, mimicking Ampriss voice. Lars, how are we going to fuse the monitors at the Conservatory? Theyll have installed them, I know. You could always throw another tantrum. No thank you. Fits of temper are exhausting. Oh, is that truly why youre tired today? Pleasure never tires me. Now lets eat and dress. Ive 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 Killashandras rest, apologies for any inconvenience caused by the power failure, and