There 's threescore and nine; if thou wilt be mine,

away from Ballybran to give your nerves the rest they need. Just then a cheerful voice hailed them. Killa! Antona! Am I glad to see someone else alive! Rimbol exclaimed, hobbling out of the shadows. He grinned as he saw the pitcher of beer. May I join you? By all means, Antona said graciously. What happened to you? Killashandra asked. Rimbols cheek and forehead were liberally decorated by newly healed scars. Mine was the sled that did a nose dive over the baffle. It did? You didnt know it was me? Rimbols mouth twisted in mock chagrin. The way Malaine carried on youdve thought Id placed half the incoming singers in jeopardy by that flip. Did you rearrange the sled as creatively as your face? Rimbol shook his head ruefully. It broke its nose, mine was only bloody. At that itll take longer to fix the sled than for my leg to heal. Say, Killa, have you heard about the Optherian contract? For the fractured manual? That could pay for a lot of repairs. Oh, I dont want it, and he flicked his hand in dismissal. Why ever not? Rimbol took a long pull of his beer. Well, Ive got a claim that was cutting real well right now. Optherias a long way away from here and Ive been warned that I could lose the guiding resonance being gone so long. And because you remembered that I havent cut anything worth packing No. Rimbol held up a hand, protesting Killashandras accusation. I mean, yes, I knew youve been unlucky lately Who do you think cut the white crystal to replace the fractured Optherian manual? You did! Rimbols face brightened with relief. Then you dont need to go either. He raised his beaker in a cheerful toast. Where dyou plan to go off-world? I hadnt exactly made up my mind Killashandra saw that Antona was busy serving up the last of her casserole. Why dont you try Maxim in the Barderi system. Rimbol leaned eagerly across the table to her. Ive heard its something sensational. Ill get there sometime but Id sure like to hear your opinion of it. I dont half believe the reports. Id trust you. Thats something to remember, Killashandra murmured, glancing sideways at Antona. Then, taking note of walmart kids digital camera Rimbols querying look, she asked smoothly, Whatve you been cutting lately? Greens, Rimbol replied with considerable satisfaction. He held up crossed fingers. Now, if only the storm damage is minimal, and it could be because the veins in a protected spot, I might even catch up with you on Maxim. You see and he proceeded to elaborate on his prospects. As Rimbol rattled on in his amusing fashion, Killashandra wondered if crystal would dull the Scartines infectious good-nature along with his memory. Would Antona give him the same urgent advice? Surely each of the newest crystal singers had some unique quality to be cherished and sustained throughout a lifetime. Antonas outburst had been sparked by a long frustration. To how many singers over her decades in the Guild had she tendered the same advice and found it ignored? So I came in with forty greens, Rimbol was saying with an air of achievement. Thats damned good cutting! Killashandra replied with suitable fervor. You have no trouble releasing crystal? Antona asked. Well, I did the first time out, Rimbol admitted candidly, but I remembered what youd said, Killa, about packing as soon as you cut. Ill never forget the sight of you locked in crystal thrall, right here in a noisy crowded hall. A kindly and timely word of wisdom! Oh, youd have caught on soon enough, Killashandra said, feeling a trifle embarrassed by his gratitude. Some never do, you know, Antona remarked. What happens? Do they stand in statuesque paralysis until night comes? Or a loud storm? The inability to release crystal is no joke, Rimbol. Rimbol stared at Antona, his mobile face losing its amused expression. You mean, they can be so enthralled, nothing breaks the spell? Antona nodded slowly. That could be fatal. Has it been? There have been instances. Then Im doubly indebted to you, Killa, Rimbol said, rising, so this rounds on me. They finished that round, refreshed by food, drink, and conversation. Of the four, I think youd prefer Rani in the Punjabi system, Antona told Killashandra in parting. The foods better and the climate less severe. They have marvelous mineral hot springs, too. Not as