Halfling Moon by Steve Miller, Sharon Lee Read Free Book Online Page A

of the flawless faux delm's
ring he wore on the wrong finger, a ring now a fixture, against all
odds. The fact that his man had come armed to this reception of
allies, friends, and spies -- but yes, Pat Rin had heard the tales
of the dea'Gauss taking on the enemy. Why should he be surprised
that the man who'd made sure young Quin ate when his father was not
to home should be prepared for such duty?
    His own bow had been crisp with
acceptance.
    "How fares the Alley, my friend?"
    "As always, Lord Pat Rin -- we have a quiet
neighborhood. Should you require, we are ready this evening to
drive you home ourselves and . . ."
    The laughter from Miri was unexpected, but
--
    "All honor to you," had come his cousin's
voice. A step and a bow had brought Val Con into the conversation.
"Even such a secure place as Nasingtale Alley is at risk in these
times, Mr. pel'Tolian. In addition, his Delm has need of Lord Pat
Rin's expertise at immediate hand until matters settle somewhat. Be
assured that we do the best we may at feeding and housing him!"
    pel'Tolian's bow had been as precise as any
could want: acknowledging a delm's right to order things yet
prepared to press for his own necessities and those of his
employer. If . . .
    "Surely the situation is not so dire?"
    That was Miri, of course, in her best
Solcintran accent. He'd discovered the delmae something of a
wonder, speaking Terran like a mercenary, commanding the respect of
an Yxtrang, and catching the fine points of Liaden -- and able to
do all with a sense of underlying good nature.
    "Your employer is also our kin, and his
presence is both welcome and an honor. May one inquire if you've
ever used that?"
    Miri's point, not to the hand gun sealed
beneath a weather guard on pel'Tolian's belt, but toward his
offhand pocket --
    His man hesitated visibly, proving he was
more a houseman than a gambler, and bowed a simple yes.
    "My grandfather's," he said, "now mine."
    "Too large for a pocket, sir. It is a good
plan, but it needs refinement. I firmly suggest you speak to the
very large man over there," here she'd pointed out the Yxtrang! "--
and tell him the Captain sent you -- see if he's got something more
portable for local carry. Else ask Pilot Cheever."
    And then there'd been more people to meet
and deal with -- a matter of confirming landing access on Surebleak
for a retired scout and -- but Pat Rin managed to convey his
appreciation, and his concern, and to confirm that pel'Tolian was
not interested in staying on Liad, or in leaving his service. Later
Nelirikk was pleased to give as his judgment that pel'Tolian was
alert and dutiful; fully worthy of carrying a weapon in Korval's
troop.
    Thus did pel'Tolian increase his worth even
as his station altered -- from a fribble's houseman to majordomo of
a back-world dictator's prime establishment.
    Well, yes, that was true, the Boss told
himself. It was only true.
    I look forward to arranging the new house to best
advantage.
    Vesker pel'Tolian.
    Pat Rin folded the letter and slipped it
into his pocket:
    "Changes, Silk, and soon. I'm afraid we will no longer get
by with the modest guidance of Natesa and Mr. McFarland. I assure
you that Mistress Miranda and pel'Tolian will not consider our
current unruly arrangements sufficient, and will insist you work
for your living."
    Silk opened his eyes, flicked an ear and
settled in. Silk knew how to deal with changes. And he already
worked for his living.
    Closing his eyes again, he left the Boss to
his duties.
    The Boss, for his part, saw that the day's
green Action File was not yet delivered, this late in the day, and
frowned. True, he'd barely returned from Solcintra, but surely
procedures hadn't slipped so far so quickly. He rang the small bell
he kept on a shelf above his desk, which would summon someone,
likely a recruit from Miss Audrey's, to find Cheever McFarland or
the green day file, or perhaps both.
    * * *
    The surly gaze of the double-star
Chuck-Honey barely a light year away was