For he was a lusty young man.

forces with Killashandra to reassure Lars, he would no longer have any need to use that travel pass, and if hes as good a Council agent as he seems to be, he wouldnt surrender that option. Lars accepted that interpretation with a nod of his head and pretended to be reassured. Well know soon enough, Killashandra said kindly. Well, when you meet Corish this evening, Lars said, walk to whichever restaurant hes been recommended. That way you have some chance of open talk. The Piper is certain to recommend The Berry Bush or Frenshaws. Neither are far from the Piper, but both restaurants are run by Optherians, loyal and true to the Elders, so youll be under observation. The foods pretty good. Lars gave her an encouraging grin. Then Im taking the jammer, too. Got to keep them thinking its me that causes the static. Well, they should have had enough time to digest Corishs innocuous conversation. So Killashandra tapped out a sequence on the comunit. Mirbethan, is there a concert tonight? I shouldnt want to miss any but von Mittelstern has invited me to dinner tonight, and Ive accepted. I dont want him to come charging up here and discover Im more than the simple music student he thinks me, so Ill settle his doubts. Whatever Mirbethan thought was disguised by her reassurances that no concert was scheduled. Then please arrange transport for me this evening. By the way, when is the next concert? Im fascinated by the organ effects. Fabulous concert last night. The most unusual one Ive ever attended. Tomorrow evening, Guildmember. Mirbethans reply was gracious, but Killashandra noticed the slightly smug turn to the womans faint smile. Good. Killashandra broke the connection. Offense is the best defense, Guildmember, she added, turning to Trag. You didnt have to promise the Elders that youd discipline me for my emotional aberration, did you? Well, then, its business as usual for me in a normal fashion which means I come and go, whether they trail me or not. Right? And since Im disaffected with you, and Killashandra kissed Larss cheek, Ill go alone. Unless, Trag, you want to come and meet Corish. I might, at that, Trag said, half-closing his eyes a moment. That gives me the chance to moon after Mirbethan, Lars said slyly. Killashandra guffawed and wished him luck. Now let us attend our duties, Trag said, gesturing for Killashandra to samsung s1065 digital camera precede them to the door. When they reached the Festival Auditorium, a large contingent of security men was loosely scattered about the stage, concentrated near the organ console, which was open. Two men were fussing about the keyboard but Killashandra couldnt tell whether they were dusting or adjusting the keys. Suddenly Elder Ampris detached himself from the gaggle and took a few steps forward to meet them. Dont overdo it, Killa, Lars murmured at her, aiming a slightly fatuous grin at the Elder. After last night, Elder Ampris, I wonder at my audacity in suggesting that I play on any Optherian organ, she said, and felt Larss admonitory pinch on the tender inside flesh of her arm. Unnecessary, she felt, since she had forced herself to employ a meek and sincere tone of voice. You enjoyed the concert? I have never heard anything like it, she said, which was no more than the truth. Truly an experience. Mirbethan tells me therell be another one tomorrow evening. I do hope that well be invited? Of course you are, my dear Killashandra, Elder Ampris replied, his eyes glittering almost benignly at her. She limited herself to a happy smile and continued on to the organ loft door. A word with you, Elder Ampris, Trag began, his anxious frown attracting the Elders instant attention. Killashandra and Lars continued into the organ loft. You pinched far too hard! You wouldnt fool me, Killa! Well, I did fool him, and hiding her gesture from observation, she pointed to the hairless corner of the manual cabinet. Jammer on? she asked. The moment I finished pinching. Brackets, please! They had already positioned the first of the final slender crystals when Trag and Elder Ampris entered. Only five more crystals and this installation is complete. Trag was saying to Ampris. I know that Killashandra is well aware that these upper register notes require the finest tuning. Killashandra nodded, receiving his tacit message. I will check the brackets on that sour