storm by Unknown Read Free Book Online

Caeru's side, clearly having recognised him immediately.  He stared at Cal askance and asked how he might be of service.  Caeru said they would like to be conducted to General Aldebaran's party, and then ordered the most expensive liquor the premises could offer.  No mention of currency was made, but Caeru knew that later an outrageous bill would be sent to Phaonica, to be handled by the Tigron's office.
     
                As they approached Ashmael's table, the general stood up, but this could hardly have been a gesture of respect.  There was a hard edge to his voice as he uttered a greeting.  He gave Caeru a particularly chilling glance.  “It isn't often we see the Tigrina out in the city at night,” he said.
     
                “It isn't often I get the chance,” Caeru responded, more from instinct than sense.  He generally avoided Pell's friends, who all frequented establishments of this type.
     
                “Now you have an escort,” Ashmael said.  “How charming and convenient.  Are you fulfilling the role adequately, Cal?”
     
                Cal directed a single dark glance at Ashmael and sat down.  Caeru realised that if Ashmael continued to snipe in this manner, Cal would be lost to him by the end of the evening.  “I thought Cal should see more of what his colleagues get up to when they're playing,” Caeru said.  “If I hadn't persuaded him to come here, he'd have been working on his own all night.”
     
                “Can't have that,” Ashmael said, raising his glass.
     
                Cal ducked his head.  “I was forced into it.”
     
                “You don't say!” Ashmael said, grinning.
     
                Everyhar in the club was discretely observing Ashmael's table.  By morning, the scandal of Cal daring to escort the Tigrina to a club would be all over Immanion.
     
                Music pulsed out into the perfect Almagabran evening, spilling out of the open shutters along with sensual perfume that had been scalded by the hot dancing bodies.  Cal appeared to enter into the spirit of the evening.  He drank, though not to excess, and danced a few times, but Caeru could feel his wariness, an animal instinct that was teetering towards the imperative to flee.  He hadn't come this far, nor gone through so much, to risk offending Pellaz.
     
                In a way, we are married, Caeru thought, and that is bizarre.  He thinks so too.  I know he does.
     
                After midnight, more hara came to the club, expanding its clientèle to the point where it was no longer comfortable.  It was impossible to talk, because the music was so loud.  Caeru realised he could achieve nothing more in this place.  He yelled into Cal's ear:  “I want to leave now.  Do you want to stay or will you come back to Phaonica with me?”
     
                “I'll come with you,” Cal said, on his feet before he'd finished speaking.
     
                They sat in silence in the carriage, while Caeru paid more attention than was necessary to the passing sights.  This hadn't worked out how he'd planned, but then, how had he planned it anyway?  He sighed.  “This hasn't worked, has it?”
     
                Cal stared at him unflinchingly.  “What were you expecting?”
     
                “I don't know.  Something new.  Is he always going to be at your shoulder?  If so, that's a shame.  I dared to think we might be friends, given all the effort you've put into charming me.  It was an act, wasn't it?  You never thought you'd reach me.  Now I'm being nice and you're running scared.”
     
                Cal raised his hands.  “Your feud with Pell is big and it had been going on for a long time before I got here.  Don't try to involve me in it.”
     
                “But you are involved.  You're here.  Didn't