Marion Zimmer Bradley by The Ruins Of Isis

Author:The Ruins Of Isis
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Published: 2011-11-23T23:26:34+00:00

Chapter Eight

BUT THEY DID NOT GO TO THE RUINS AT WE-WERE- guided the next day.

Dal was in high spirits that night as they washed off the grime and dust of the ruins. He sang, and teased Cendri good-naturedly about her “admirer.” And at Vaniya’s table that night he spent some time, of his own free will, talking with Rhu-which, Cendri thought, would ease somewhat the friction of having it known that her Companion did not like Vaniya’s. Later, before they slept, he said thoughtfully. “I think I may start teaching Rhu to operate some of our equipment. Maybe all the kid needs is self-confidence. He’s not so dumb, he’s just been taught never to open his mouth, that’s all.” And Cendri was greatly relieved.

But the next morning, as they were making their preparations for the day, and Vaniya was receiving petitioners, a messenger entered the hall who made Vaniya frown and Miranda look deeply troubled. But Vaniya, as always, was calm.

“Well, Clarita, I know you for my worthy colleague Mahala’s messenger; how can I serve you?”

“Respect, Pro-Matriarch, my message is not for you, but for the honored guest of the Matriarchate,” said the woman. “I bring a message and an invitation for the Scholar Dame from University.”

Vaniya frowned and said, with obvious reluctance, “The Scholar Dame has begun her work and is engaged. “

The woman Carita said smoothly, “Is this the message I am to bear to the Pro-Matriarch Mahala, then, that you would not allow me to deliver the message to the honored guest of the Matriarchate?”

Vaniya chewed her lip and said, with ill grace, “No, of course not. Cendri-” she turned toward them, “the Pro-Matriarch Mahala, my colleague, has sent you a messenger.”

Clarita turned toward Cendri and made the Unity’s formal gesture, hands clasped before the face. Cendri had grown so accustomed to the informality of the Matriarchate and Vaniya’s household that it startled her, seemed completely inappropriate. Clarita said, “The worthy Pro-Matriarch Mahala regrets that she has seen nothing of the Scholar Dame from University, while her colleague Vaniya has had the privilege of entertaining the honored guest and showing her the hospitality of her household. It is now the pleasure and the privilege of the Pro-Matriarch Mahala to state that she has arranged a formal entertainment for the Scholar Dame this afternoon, and to invite her and her Companion to attend as guests. We have arranged an athletic competition in her honour, and her Companion is respectfully invited and urged to compete in any event of its particular interest and skill.”

Cendri blinked. An-an athletic competition? And Dal invited to compete? She looked uncertainly at Vaniya. Dal was wearing his Get-me-out-of-this! look. Cendri felt completely at a loss. She said in an undertone to Miranda, who was-as usual-sitting close beside her, a mark of honor, “Now that our work has begun, I hate to break if off like this. Is there any way I can refuse without making trouble?”

Miranda shook her head. She said, in a troubled voice, “No, I’m afraid not.

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