Balance of Trade by Sharon & Miller Lee

Author:Sharon & Miller Lee [Lee, Sharon & Miller, Steve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction
Publisher: Baen Books
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Day 140

Standard Year 1118

Tarnia's Clanhouse

Irikwae

"SO, THEN, YOUNG Jethri," asked Stafeli Maarilex, "how do you find the view from the north wing?"

He paused with his teacup halfway to his lips and favored her with a straight look over the rim. She returned his gaze, her face so entirely empty of expression that the lack might have been said to be an expression of its own. Glancing aside, for Liadens counted a too-long stare at the face as rudeness, he sipped his tea and put the cup gently back in its saucer.

"I found the view astonishing, ma'am," he said, and was proud to hear his voice steady on.

"I am gratified to hear you say it. Honor me with your thoughts regarding our moons."

Moons? He tried not to look befuddled, and supposed he failed completely.

"I saw only one moon, ma'am—pale blue and rising behind the mountain."

"So?" She paused, one hand on her cup, then threw her free hand slightly up and to the side, fingers flicking out. "You must forgive an old woman's memory. Of course, we are in single phase anytime this six-day! Never mind, you will soon have the pleasure of beholding all three riding the skies. Indeed, I will ask Ren Lar to form an excursion for the house's children later in your stay, when the nights will be warmer. I am sure you will find it most amusing. Local legend is that good luck comes to those who sleep beneath the full moons."

He inclined his head, which was polite, and put away for later wondering—or asking of the twins—the notion of a special excursion to look at moons. It might be, he thought, that Tarnia owned a starhouse and an optical scope for—

"There are certain matters of a personal nature which we must discuss," Lady Maarilex said, interrupting his thought. "Pray forgive me if my questions seem impertinent. I assure you that I would not ask these things did necessity not exist."

"Yes, ma'am," he said, sitting up straighter in his chair. He was speaking in the mercantile mode, by special permission of the lady. She was speaking in a mode that was not mercantile, but perfectly intelligible, so long as he kept his ear on it.

"We will need to know certain things. Your family, for instance. Norn tells me that Terrans do not form into Houses and Clans, which I must say seems very peculiar to me. However, I suppose you must have some other method for tracking lineage." She inclined her head.

"Enlighten me, then, young Jethri. Who are you?"

He took a little time to think about it, lifting his cup and taking a leisurely sip while he did, so as not to seem rude.

"I am of the mainline Gobelyns," he said slowly. "Off of the tradeship Gobelyn's Market."

"I see." She lifted her cup, buying time herself, Jethri thought, and wasn't particularly encouraged by thinking it.

"May I know more, young Jethri?" she murmured, putting her cup down and apparently giving most of her attention to choosing a piece of fruit from the bowl in the center of the table.

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