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?»

«Haven't had time for any affairs recently,» I told her, «or even a simple score.» Then, «Sorry,» I added, when I saw her blush. «Life has been a bit complicated for me lately.»

«Oh,» she said, glancing at me, clearly asking for elaboration.

«Some other time,» I said, forcing a laugh, flipping my cloak, and greeting a guard.

She nodded and, diplomatically, changed the subject:

«I guess I came at the wrong time of year to see your famous gardens.»

«Yeah, they've pretty much had it for the season,» I said, «except for Benedict's Japanese garden which kind of far out back. Perhaps we can go and have a cup of tea there one day, but I thought we'd go into town now.»

«Sounds fine,» she agreed.

I told the postern guard to tell Henden, Amber's steward, that we were heading into town and weren't sure when we'd be back. He said that he would as soon as he got off duty, which would be pretty soon. My experience at Bloody Bill's had taught me the lesson of leaving such messages - not that I thought we were in any danger; or that Llewella's knowing wouldn't be sufficient.

Leaves crunched beneath our feet as we took one of the walks toward a side gate. With only a few strands of cirruis high overhead, the sun shone brightly. To the west, a flock of dark birds flapped its way toward the ocean, south.

«It's already snowed back home,» she told me. «You're lucky.»

«There's a warm current that gives us a break,» I said, remembering something Gerard had once told me. «It moderates the climate considerably; compared to other places at equal latitude.»

«You travel a lot?» she asked me.

«I've been traveling more than I care to,» I said, «recently. I'd like to sit down and go to seed for about a year.»

«Business or pleasure?» she asked me, as a guard let us out the gate and I quickly surveyed the environs for lurkers.

«Not pleasure,» I answered as I took her elbow for a moment and steered her toward the way I had chosen. When we reached civilized precincts, we followed the Main Concourse for a time. I pointed out a few landmarks and notable residences, including the Begman Embassy. She showed no inclination to visit the latter, though, saying she'd have to see her countrymen officially before she left, anyway. She did stop in a shop we found later, however, to buy a couple of blouses, having the bill sent to the embassy and the garments to the palace.

«My father promised me some shopping,» she explained. «And I know he'll forget. When he hears about this, he'll know that I didn't.»

We explored the streets of the various trades and stopped for a drink at a sidewalk cafe, watching pedestrians and horsemen pass. I had just turned toward her to relate an anecdote concerning one of the riders when I felt the beginning of a Trump contact. I waited for several seconds as the feeling grew stronger, but no identity took shape beyond the reaching. I felt Coral's hand upon my arm.

«What's the matter?» she asked.

I reached out with my mind, attempting to assist in the contact, but the other seemed to retreat as I did so.

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