ROBIN HOOD AND THE BISHOP

mannered, with undistinguished features, who can be encountered almost anywhere in the human population, and promptly forgotten. Only because she had heard of his mathematical abilities from Lars did Killashandra give Theach any sort of an inspection and thus noticed that his eyes were brilliant with intelligence: that he had already assumed she would discount him, indeed, hoped that she would, and was quite willing to accept the sort of dismissal to which he was clearly accustomed. So Killashandra gave him a saucy wink. She half expected Theach to retreat in confusion as many shy men would, but, smiling, he winked back at her. Erutown cleared his throat, indicating that now introductions had been made, he wanted to initiate the discussions they had come for. I dont know about you, Lars, but Im starving, Killashandra said, gesturing toward the catering area. Is it all right to see whats available? She turned to the others. May I fix something for you? Lars gave her hand a grateful squeeze before he released it. He told her to find what she fancied and hed have the same but the others demurred, gesturing toward the low table where the remains of a meal could be seen. The four conspirators didnt know that Killashandras symbiont-adapted hearing was uncommonly acute. At that distance they could have whispered and she would have caught what was being said. They finally sent the message two days ago, Lars. Erutowns baritone was audible above the noises Killashandra was making in the catering unit. Took them long enough, Lars said in a low growl. They had to search first. And search they did, uncovering a variety of minor crimes and infringements which, of course slowed them down. Hauness was amused. Any one of us caught? Not a one of us, Hauness replied. Cleansed us of some very stupid people, Erutown said. She is safe, isnt she, Lars? Nahia asked in gentle anxiety, a graceful gesture of her hand indicating the darkening southern horizon. She should be. All she needs is enough sense to climb the polly tree. You ought to have contacted us before you acted so impulsively, Lars. How could he, Erutown? Nahia was conciliatory. Then she gave a little chuckle. Impulsive but it has proved such an extremely effective gambit. The Elders cyber-shot dsc-w55 b digital camera have been forced to reapply to the Heptite Guild. They havent admitted that the crystal singer has been abducted? As no one has confessed to committing such a heinous crime, how could they? Hauness asked reasonably, his voice rippling with amusement. Elder Torkes has been hinting dark words about that islander assault Lars let out a burst of sour laughter for which Erutown growled a warning, looking over his shoulder at Killashandra who was well out of sight in the catering area. What you dont know, Lars, Hauness went on, is that the crystal singer had had an altercation with Security Leader Blaz and stalked out of the installation before any repair had been accomplished. Lars emitted a low whistle of delighted surprise. Is that why she was wandering about Gartertown? I had wondered! Erutown may not approve, and some of the others were appalled at your action, Lars, but there is no doubt, and Hauness overrode Erutowns disapproving murmurs, that the action will require embarrassing inquiries when the second crystal singer arrives. As long as it also requires an appeal to the Council, Lars said. Now what else brought you here so unexpectedly? As I said, the search for the crystal singer exposed some unsuspected flaws in our organization. Theach and Erutown must ruralize. Have you another suitable island? Lars paused, staring at Hauness, and then the others. Erutown scowled and looked away but Theach regarded him with a smile. Some of my scribblings were discovered, and as I am already under threat of rehabilitation Theach shrugged eloquently. When Lars looked to Erutown for an explanation, the man did not meet his gaze. Erutown was denounced as a recruiter, Hauness said. Not his fault. It was, if I was daft enough to recruit such soft-bellied cowards! Lars grinned. Well, I could put you ashore with the crystal singer. Something increased his mirth out of proportion to the joke, though Hauness grinned and Nahia tried to control unseemly mirth at Erutowns expense. The islands big enough and she might even be grateful for company. I would be easier in mind about her safety if Erutown and Theach were there, Nahia said. The hurricane will have frightened her badly. I dont like the idea, Erutown said. Actually, if