This said, they fell to 't without more dispute,

Mittelstern has invited me to dinner tonight, and Ive accepted. I dont want him to come charging up here and discover Im more than the simple music student he thinks me, so Ill settle his doubts. Whatever Mirbethan thought was disguised by her reassurances that no concert was scheduled. Then please arrange transport for me this evening. By the way, when is the next concert? Im fascinated by the organ effects. Fabulous concert last night. The most unusual one Ive ever attended. Tomorrow evening, Guildmember. Mirbethans reply was gracious, but Killashandra noticed the slightly smug turn to the womans faint smile. Good. Killashandra broke the connection. Offense is the best defense, Guildmember, she added, turning to Trag. You didnt have to promise the Elders that youd discipline me for my emotional aberration, did you? Well, then, its business as usual for me in a normal fashion which means I come and go, whether they trail me or not. Right? And since Im disaffected with you, and Killashandra kissed Larss cheek, Ill go alone. Unless, Trag, you want to come and meet Corish. I might, at that, Trag said, half-closing his eyes a moment. That gives me the chance to moon after Mirbethan, Lars said slyly. Killashandra guffawed and wished him luck. Now let us attend our duties, Trag said, gesturing for Killashandra to precede them to the door. When they reached the Festival Auditorium, a large contingent of security men was loosely scattered about the stage, concentrated near the organ console, which was open. Two men were fussing about the keyboard but Killashandra couldnt tell whether they were dusting or adjusting the keys. Suddenly Elder Ampris detached himself from the gaggle and took a few steps forward to meet them. Dont overdo it, Killa, Lars murmured at her, aiming a slightly fatuous grin at the Elder. After last night, Elder Ampris, I wonder at my audacity in suggesting that I play on any Optherian organ, she said, and felt Larss admonitory pinch on the tender inside flesh of her arm. Unnecessary, she felt, since she had forced herself to employ a meek and sincere tone of voice. You enjoyed the concert? I have never heard anything like it, she said, which was no more than the truth. Truly an experience. Mirbethan tells me therell be another one tomorrow evening. I do hope that well be ricoh gx8 digital cameras invited? Of course you are, my dear Killashandra, Elder Ampris replied, his eyes glittering almost benignly at her. She limited herself to a happy smile and continued on to the organ loft door. A word with you, Elder Ampris, Trag began, his anxious frown attracting the Elders instant attention. Killashandra and Lars continued into the organ loft. You pinched far too hard! You wouldnt fool me, Killa! Well, I did fool him, and hiding her gesture from observation, she pointed to the hairless corner of the manual cabinet. Jammer on? she asked. The moment I finished pinching. Brackets, please! They had already positioned the first of the final slender crystals when Trag and Elder Ampris entered. Only five more crystals and this installation is complete. Trag was saying to Ampris. I know that Killashandra is well aware that these upper register notes require the finest tuning. Killashandra nodded, receiving his tacit message. I will check the brackets on that sour crystal in the Conservatory organ and be back here in time for the tune-up. Killashandra was hoping that Elder Ampris would leave them to the task but he elected to remain, observing every movement. Killashandra hated to be overseen under any circumstances, and to have Ampriss gimlet eyes on her made the hairs on the back of her neck rise. She was annoyed, too, because Ampriss presence put the damper on any conversation between herself and Lars. She had enjoyed the bantering exchanges which relieved the tedium and tension of this highly precise work. So she felt doubly aggrieved to be denied a morning of matching wits with Lars Dahl. They would have so little time left to enjoy each others company. Therefore, it gave her a great deal of vicarious pleasure to spin out the last final bracketings, giving Trag ample time to make his alterations on the Conservatory program. And deliberately irritating Elder Ampris with her persnickety manipulations. He was in a state of nervous twitch when she and Lars tightened the last bracket. There! she said on a note of intense