Haze and the Hammer of Darkness by L. E. Modesitt Jr

Author:L. E. Modesitt, Jr.
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780765393876
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates

EPILOGUE

17 MAIA 1811 P. D.

Roget couldn’t help but smile as he strode toward the nature walk on the west end of the hill beyond the conapt complex where he’d settled temporarily. He was learning the business of being a balance coordinator from the woman who had held the position for nearly two decades, a very hands-on proposition, and he found that he was enjoying it. He also enjoyed Andoya.

The worst of the frosts had lifted, as Lyvia had predicted months earlier, and the cool, but not-too-cool, spring in the highlands of Thula was definitely to his liking.

As he passed through the two stone pillars marking the beginning of the walk, he heard a sound he hadn’t in years—a certain deep bark. Just one bark.

At that sound, Roget turned. He couldn’t help but smile as he saw the black and tan dachshund leading her owner toward the pillars that marked the start of the nature walk circling through the low hills. Standing there, he waited until the dachshund and her owner neared before speaking.

“She’s beautiful.” Roget thought he’d spoken correctly. He squatted to get a better look at the dachshund, then extended his hand, letting the dog sniff it. After a moment, he stroked her head gently. “You are special, aren’t you?”

The dachshund wagged her tail, and the woman laughed.

Roget stroked the dachshund once more before straightening. The dog’s owner was, he realized, most attractive with mahogany red hair cut longer than most Dubietan women. It even brushed the collar of her pale green blouse. She wore a darker green scarf as well, both shades of green set off by her piercing green eyes. Yet she was older, perhaps even close to his own age.

“I’m sorry,” he apologized. “It’s just…”

“Do you have a dachsie?”

Roget shook his head. “Not now. I have…” He shook his head again. “It would be hard to explain.”

“You’re that Federation agent, aren’t you? Or you were.” Her voice was amused.

“I’m afraid I was. I didn’t mean to bother you. It’s just that…”

“Freya likes you. She’s more careful with most strangers. She only barked once.”

“Oh … I should introduce myself, other than as a former Federation agent. I’m Keir Roget. I’m training as a balance coordinator here.” He wondered if her name might be Susannah, but that would have been too much of a coincidence.

“Emmelyn Shannon.” Her eyes met his.

Roget wondered what she saw.

“Emmelyn … I like that.” Abruptly, he laughed, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. It’s not my place to approve or disapprove. I’m so sorry.”

Her laugh was soft, amused but not cutting.

“Might I walk with you and Freya?”

“With Freya and me, I think. You didn’t even look at me. You saw her first.”

Roget laughed again, in relief. “I did. She reminds me of another dachshund who meant a great deal to me. She still does. Her name was Hildegarde.”

“A very proper name for a dachshund.”

“So is Freya.” Roget glanced down.

Freya looked up expectantly, with almost the same expression that the ancient artist had captured in the portrait of Hildegarde.

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