And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!

that in a ship as large as the Pearl. To her surprise, the first person they saw as they entered the Harbor Masters office was Nahia. She had been using the terminal and upon their entry she half rose, her expression eager for Larss news of the stranded crystal singer. We neednt have worried ourselves for a moment about out captive, Nahia. Lars strode up to the empath and, before she could protest, kissed her hand. Lars, you simply must stop that, Nahia protested, giving Killashandra a worried glance. Why? I only do you a courtesy you fully deserve! Would Nahia comfort Lars, Killashandra wondered, after she had departed Optheria? The woman is all right, isnt she, Carrigana? Nahia was by no means reassured by Larss droll comment. Never better, Killashandra replied affably. She wondered why Lars was drawing the game out when he had specifically said he didnt wish to deceive Nahia. She gave him a sharp glance. Wheres father! Im here, Lars, and theres trouble on its way, the Harbor Master said, appearing from the front office. Im only grateful we had the hurricane, for it slowed down the official transport. Theres to be a full search of the Islands. Torkes leads it so itd be the height of folly to protest or interfere. Then isnt it fortunate that the crystal singer has been rescued, Killashandra said. She has? Olav Dahl looked about, even to peering outside, seeking the woman. Unerringly now, Nahia turned her worried face toward Killashandra, her eyes widening. And, Olav Dahl, by your courageous son, who found her abandoned on an island while he was on a hurricane rescue mission in the vicinity. Young woman, I Olav Dahl began, frowning at her light tone. You are Killashandra Ree? Nahia asked, her beautiful eyes intent on Killashandras face. Indeed. And so grateful to the loyal upright Optherian citizen Lars Dahl that this much-abused crystal singer feels secure only in his presence. Killashandra beamed fatuously at Lars. Nahias slender hands went to her mouth to suppress her laughter. I presume that in your official capacity you can inform the official vehicle of the felicitous news? Killashandra asked Olav Dahl, smiling encouragingly at him to coax a less reproving response. Olav Dahl regarded Killashandra with an camera digital e317 hp photosmart expression that became more and more severe, as if he didnt believe what he was hearing, didnt condone her levity, and quite possibly would not accept her assistance. Slowly he sank onto the nearest desk for support, staring at her with amazement. Killashandra wondered that this man could be Larss father until suddenly a smile of great charm and pure mischief lightened his countenance. He got to his feet, one hand outstretched to her, radiating relief. My dear Guildmember, may I say how pleased I am that you have been delivered from your ordeal? Have you any idea at all who perpetrated this outrage on a member of the most respected guild in the galaxy? None under the sun, Killashandra relied, the epitome of innocent bewilderment. I left the organ loft, rather precipitously, I hasten to add, because of a distressing incident with an officious security captain. I hoped that a stroll in the fresh air might compose my agitated spirits. When all of a sudden She brought her hands together. I think I must have been drugged for a long time. When I finally regained consciousness, I was on this island, from which your son fortuitously rescued me only this morning! Killashandra turned, fluttering her eyelashes at Lars in a parody of gratitude. I find that absolutely fascinating, Killashandra Ree, said a totally unexpected newcomer. Lars half crouched as he whirled toward the doorway framing Corish von Mittelstern. Evidently your credentials were far more impressive than you led me to expect. So youre the crystal singer who was dispatched? Oh, and have you found your dear uncle? Actually, I have. Corish, his lips twitching with the first real amusement she had seen him exhibit, gestured toward Olav Dahl. Lars was not the only one who stared at his father. Nahia gave a silvery laugh. It was too amusing, the confrontation, Lars, Nahia said, chuckling. They were circling the truth like two hemlin cocks. It was all I could do to retain my composure, for, of course, Hauness and I have known Olavs history. It didnt take me very long to perceive that Corish was not looking for the man in the hologram. I could hardly brandish Dahls real likeness in case I jeopardized him. Id memorized his facial characteristics so I thought Id recognize him once I did see him. Then Corish turned to Killashandra. He hadnt altered as much as you had. I didnt