Rift in the Sky

There is? she asked.

We can hope.

“Better not take long.” The bright blue eyes snapped to Aryl. “You. Go enjoy the ’Dive while we wait. Unless you have something against honest gambling.”

“ ‘Gambling?’ ” Aryl echoed.

“Luck, chance, fortune, wagers, house always wins. Gambling.”

“The pox,” Gurdo rumbled helpfully.

Never back down, Aryl thought, and lifted an eyebrow. “I wasn’t—” she said in her best imitation of the blue-lipped female’s voice, “—entertained.”

Louli stared, then laughed. “House won. I’ve no quarrel. Don’t suppose you’d be interested in a repeat performance? Solid demand for pretties who’ll butcher in public.”

Before Aryl could attempt to decipher this, Enris spoke up. “Thank you for the offer, but we’ll be leaving with the rest of our people.”

“If I like what you show me. Otherwise, you won’t be going anywhere.”

Aryl’s focus narrowed to Louli’s fragile neck.

The Carasian slowly rose from its crouch.

Words, beloved. Only words. Go. This will be easier if I deal with her alone.

She was, Aryl decided, heartily sick of words. And of Humans who threatened what she cared about. “I’ll wait down there.”

Making it her idea to leave.

Interlude

ENRIS DID HIS BEST to look relaxed as his Chosen followed the giant Carasian down the stairs to the ’Dive’s main level. Aryl had no concern about its company, though the bizarre creature could read her intentions in a way this seemingly clever Human did not.

Something to remember.

If only he could remember more, starting with the contents of the containers the M’hiray had brought to Stonerim III. Maddening, to be sure there was something of great value, without knowing what. Value they needed. Four groups had reported finding ways to go from this to the next level, ways closed to the M’hiray. Every lift and ramp way was guarded by those who checked for identification before allowing passage. Or took payment.

Payment they didn’t have. They had to depend on Naryn and the others to find what they needed.

And this Lawren Louli to do what she implied she could.

Enris leaned back and smiled his best smile. “Tell me about this settlement you have in mind for the Clan.”

“On this world? There’s really only one worth considering—for those who can afford it. The Towers of Lynn, on the Necridi Coast. I’m not saying there’s any left to buy, can’t promise, but for the right price another purchaser might be convinced to step aside. We aren’t talking cheap, Friend Enris.” She tapped a forefinger on the table, nail tipped with white. “Sun Layer Grandies couldn’t swing a Tower now. Offworld funds snapped up the first offering and the coming builds. Which makes it what you want. Private. Safe. Mostly non-Human.”

“We’d have to see it first.” He knew better than to seem desperate, even if they were.

Are you sure you don’t need me there, Enris? A definite hint of desperate in Aryl’s sending, too. She wouldn’t enjoy the crowded floor below.

I’m sure, he replied, with a twinge of guilt. But his Chosen’s honesty and passion were the last thing he needed when dealing with a trading partner like this Human. Enjoy yourself and don’t attract attention.

A promise as her presence retreated from his, I’ll blend in.

Unlikely, under any circumstances. Enris smiled to himself.

“A drink?”

His stomach remembered for him. “I’d prefer something to eat,” he said gratefully. “It’s been a while since . . .” Supper? Breakfast? “. . . I ate.”

“What’s your rating?” Louli smiled. “Wouldn’t do to poison such a handsome guest.” When he hesitated, she pursed her lips. “You really aren’t local, are you? Are you First, then? Unaligned? Fringe?”

He had no idea. “Offworld.”

“I got that. Don’t want to say. Don’t need to know. Fair enough. I’ll screen your blood for something safe. If you Clan have blood? Not every being does.”

“We do.” Safe was important, Enris thought, though how his blood could tell a Human what would be, he didn’t know.

Naryn? Anything?

Nothing yet. Seeds, of all things. Tools. Food. But we’re not done.

Following Louli’s guidance, he put one finger into a hollow cube she held out. Numbers and symbols swarmed across its surface. “Do I get to eat?” he asked hopefully.

“Anything the ’Dive serves.” Louli shook her head. “Wish I had your tolerance. Some of the hots Gurdo tosses in give me a rash. What’s your pleasure?”

He had no idea. “Surprise me,” Enris replied, feeling clever.

Enris. We found them. Naryn, excitement bubbling through her mindvoice. The artifacts. I can’t believe I didn’t remember. What do you need?