"Where hat ye your dinner, Lord Randal, my son?

puzzled laughter, more shrill than amused. How? Lars chuckled as he took the hammer from her nerveless hand. Find something he likes He tapped out the Beethoven sequence again. The wall immediately responded by closing, giving the barest thunk as the panel met the ceiling. Trag gave the cable housing a final glance and dismissed it with a shrug. I suggest you eat something, Killashandra. Youre too pale. Probably the effect of combining both assignments for your Guild. Lars Dahl, set the next bracket. Chapter 21 It was well that they had completed their investigations, for Elder Ampris returned twice, the first time issuing an unrefusable invitation to a quiet dinner with several of the Elders who were most anxious to meet the Guildmember. Which means youd better eat before you go, Killashandra told Trag when Ampris had left them. Especially if Elder Pentrom, a medical man with interesting views on nutrition, is attending. She made a very small circle thumb and forefinger overlapping to indicate the size of the portion. Trag, do you drink? Trag peered up at her. Why? The worthy Elders, Pentrom in particular, are currently under the impression that members of our profession must daily consume alcohol in substantial quantities to assist their unusual metabolism. Trag slowly straightened from the manual. His expression bordered on the incredulous. Oh? They are so frail, these Elders of Optheria Lars made a derogatory comment that I should dislike causing any of them distress. Prematurely, that is. Or exposing yourself as a calculating fraud! Lars suggested. Occasionally it is useful to spawn a helpful myth about our profession. Otherwise well be stuck with water which, despite its high mineral content, is not purified because of the Optherian lust for nature untampered. It tastes as if it was decanted from the tank of the first long-range starship. The beer here is not bad. A flicker crossed Trags usually inscrutable face. Yarran beer? Unfortunately no. Trags preference raised him further in her estimation. The Bascum brew is potable while the better beer is illegal. She shot a knowing glance at Lars who grinned back at her. They generally are. Your advice is timely, Killashandra, Trag said, then appropriately sounded the digital camera s2 card B-flat. Thirty-four crystals were in place when Elder Ampris appeared for the second time late that afternoon. There was no disguising the elation in his eyes at their progress. He was seething with the most excitement she had yet seen an Elder exhibit. Had he despaired of running up this years dose of indoctrinal conditioning on his subliminal program? We will finish this tomorrow, Trag told Elder Ampris, with a further day to tune the new manual into the system, and to check the other three manuals for positive feedback. One minor detail on which Killashandra was unable to reassure me: Was the organ in use when the manual was destroyed? I believe it was, Ampris replied, his lids dipping to conceal his brown eyes. I will of course confirm this. After the deplorable desecration, I myself conducted an inspection of the other manuals to be sure they were undamaged. Elder Ampris, Killashandra Ree and I would consider ourselves derelict in our Guild obligation to Optheria if we failed to assure ourselves, and you, that your Festival organ is in full and complete working order. Of course, Ampris managed through clenched teeth. Then, in an abrupt alteration, he smiled tightly. Most thorough of you. Can we turn on the main organ console from here? Killashandra asked, wondering what had caused Ampriss sudden change. I admit that I am quite eager to hear it in all its glory. Ampris regarded her for a long moment before his thin lips widened in the original smile. For you to appreciate fully the versatility of the Festival Organ, you need some measure of comparison. Therefore I am delighted that you are able to attend this evenings concert which will be performed on the two-manual Conservatory instrument. Yes, of course. Killashandra let pleased affability ooze through her voice. Now that this installation is nearly completed, and with Trag here, I realize how much tension Ive been under. It is always so much easier to share responsibilities, isnt it, Elder Ampris? she added gaily. He murmured something and withdrew. Trag looked at her expectantly. When the inevitable can no longer be avoided, it is always wise to accept it gracefully. She grimaced. Though I have to admit I despise student concerts. Lars grinned. Oh, you wont be getting the students tonight, Killa. And in view of what you told me of the origin of Ampriss party piece, I eagerly await your critical appraisal. Are