“I suppose so,” I replied.

“You got the hots for her?”

“Jeez, Llewella! I don’t know, I just met the lady.”

“…And made a date with her.”

“Come on! I deserve a break today. I enjoyed talking with her. I’d like to show her around a bit. I think we’d have a good time. What’s wrong wish that?”

“Nothing,” she answered, “so long as you keep things in perspective.”

“What perspective did you have in mind?”

“It strikes me as faintly curious,” she said, “that Orkuz brought along his two good-looking daughters.”

“Nayda is his secretary,” I said, “and Coral’s wanted to see the place for some time.”

“Uh-huh, and it would be a very good thing for Begma if one of them just happened to latch onto a member of the family.”

“Llewella, you’re too damned suspicious,” I said.

“It comes of having lived a long time.”

“Well, I hope to live a long time myself, and I hope it doesn’t make me look for an ulterior motive in every human act.”

She smiled. “Of course. Forget I said anything,” she told me, knowing I wouldn’t. “Have a good time.” I growled politely and headed for my room.

Chapter 4

And so, in the midst of all manner of threats, intrigues, menaces, and mysteries, I decided to call a holiday and stroll about town with a pretty lady. Of all possible choices I might have made, it was certainly the most attractive. Whoever the enemy, whatever the power I faced, the ball was now in its court. I had no desire to hunt for Jurt, duel with Mask, or follow Luke about until he came down and told me whether or not he still wanted the family’s scalps. Dalt was not my problem, Vinta was me, Ghostwheel was silent, and the matter of my father’s Pattern could await my leisure. The sun was shining and the breeze was gentle, though these could change quickly at this season. It was a shame to waste what could well be the year’s last good day on anything less than enjoyment. I hummed as I repaired myself, and I headed downstairs early for our meeting.