Sign of chaos

She began telling me of a girlhood spent in and around Begma, of her fondness for the outdoors - of horses and of boating on the many lakes and rivers in that region - of books she had read, and of relatively innocent dabblings in magic. A member of the household staff came in just as she was getting around to a description of some interesting rites performed by members of the local farming community to insure the fertility of the crops, and she approached Vialle and told her something. Several more staff members were in view outside the doorway. Vialle then said something to Orkuz and Nayda, who nodded and moved toward the entrance. Llewella departed the group and. came our way.

«Coral,» she said, «your suite is ready. One of the staff will show you where it is. Perhaps you'd like to freshen up or rest after your journey.»

We got to our feet.

«I'm not really tired,» Coral said, looking at me rather than Llewella, a hint of a smile at the corners of her mouth.

What the hell. I suddenly realized I had been enjoying her company, so, «If you'd care to change into something simpler,» I said, «I'll be glad to show you a bit of the town. Or the palace.»

It became a full smile worth seeing.

«I'd much rather do that,» she said.

«Then I'll meet you back here in about half an hour,» I told her.

I saw her out, and accompanied her and the others as far as the foot of the big stairway. In that I still had on my Levi's and purple shirt, I wondered whether I should change into something more in keeping with local fashion. The hell with it, I decided then. We were just going to be knocking around. I'd simply add my swordbelt and weapons, a cloak, and my best boots. Might trim my beard, though, since I had a little time. And maybe a quick manicure…

«Uh, Merlin…»

It was Llewella, her hand on my elbow, steering me toward an alcove. I allowed myself to be steered.

Then, «Yes?» I said. «What's up?»

«Hm…,» she said. «Kind of cute, isn't she?»

«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' 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 atractive. 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.

Coral had moved more quickly than I'd guessed, however, and was waiting for me. I approved of her sensible dark green breeches, heavy coppery shirt, and warm brown cloak. Her boots looked fine for walking, and she had on a dark hat that covered most of her hair. There were gloves and a dagger at her belt.

«All ready,» she said when she saw me.

«Great,» I replied, smiling, and I led her out into the hallway.

She started to turn in the direction of the main doorway, but I led her off to the right, then later to the left.

«Less conspicuous to use one of the side doors,» I said.

«You people are certainly secretive,» she said.

«Habit,» I replied. «The less that outsiders know of your business the better.»

«What outsiders? What are you afraid of?»

«Just now? A great number of things. But I don't really want to spend a nice day like this making lists.»

She shook her head in what I took to be a mixture of awe and disgust.

«It's true what they say then?» she asked. «That your affairs are so complex you all carry scorecards?»