Burglariously broke his coffin's lid:

the shallowest of acknowledgments. The Harbor Master at Angel Island has detached him from duty there to be my personal bodyguard. Killashandra gave an elegantly delicate shudder. I wont feel safe without his sure protection. Quite understandable, Guildmember; however, I think that youll find our security measures I felt quite secure within the Conservatory, Elder Ampris, Killashandra said demurely. I seem to be only at risk when I leave its sanctuary. I assure you I have no desire to do that again. Security Leader Blaz Ill not have that officious oaf near me, Elder Ampris. Hes the reason I was put in jeopardy. The man has no intelligence or tact. I dont trust him to spit in the right direction. Captain Lars Dahl is in charge of my personal security at my personal insistence. Have I not made myself clear? For a second Elder Ampris looked about to argue the point, but the moment passed. He inclined his head again, forced his face into a grim smile, and then gestured toward the waiting vehicle. Why this vast throng? Killashandra asked, smiling graciously about her. Some of the winning composers and prospective performers for this years Festival and final-year students. All waiting for the organ to be repaired? Elder Ampris cleared his throat. Yes, that is true. Well, I shant delay them any longer than necessary. Especially since Captain Dahl proved so capable in assisting me with the cruiser drive. Ampris stopped midstride and stared first at her, then incredulously at Lars. Yes, werent you informed that the cruiser had drive difficulties this morning? One of the crystals shattered. I still have a slight headache from the distortion. Naturally the ship could not proceed without emergency repairs. And while that was merely a matter of removing the shards and resetting the brackets on the undamaged crystals, it does require steady hands, a keen eye and ear. Captain Dahl was far more adept than the cruisers engineer. And he has the perfect and absolute pitch required. I think he will prove an admirable assistant, one in whom I certainly repose complete trust. You do agree, Im sure. They had reached the vehicle now. You first, Captain Dahl, I shall want Elder Ampris on my right. Lars complied before the Elder could blurt out a protest and Killashandra settled herself, smiling as warmly as olympus digital camera bags possible at Ampris, just as if she hadnt delivered a most unpalatable request. The quartette settled itself in the seats behind them and the vehicle left the dock area. Ports required much the same facilities throughout the galaxy. Fortunately nature had conspired in favor of human endeavors, so warehouses, seamens hostels, and mercantile establishments were not quite so tortuously situated in City Port as in the City proper. The Music Conservatory on its prominence was visible as soon as the Port gave way to an agricultural belt. From this approach, Killashandra could see the lateral elevation of the Festival auditorium and the narrow path that led to the suburb Lars had called Gartertown. She wondered if thered be a new brew soon. Maybe Lars could collect a few bottles for her? The drive was in the main a silent one, with Ampris stewing beside her and Lars stiffly silent. The strained atmosphere began to affect her, causing her to wonder if she really were doing the right thing for Lars. Yet if she hadnt taken pains to divert suspicion from him, hed be running with a threat of rehabilitation hanging over him. Had she erroneously assumed that he was as eager to continue their relationship as she was? Olav had wreathed them both with the handfast garlands. Surely that act held significance. Shed best have it out with Lars as soon as possible. After what seemed a long time, they drew up at the imposing entrance to the Conservatory. I dispensed with the formality of a welcoming throng, Guildmember, in the interests of security. Elder Ampris got out of the car and turned to give her a steadying hand. I have no fear of a second assault, Elder Ampris, she said taking his dry clasp and smiling ingenuously at him, with Captain Dahl beside me. And, you know, after the courtesies I received at the hands of the islanders, Im beginning to think that that attack, as well as my abduction, were made to seem island-instigated. I cant imagine an islander being jealous of anything on the Mainland. Lars had emerged from the car, but his expression was devoid of reaction. The skin on Ampriss face was taut with the effort of controlling his. With your comfort in mind, Guildmember, perhaps you might prefer to eat in your suite this evening. That is so thoughtful, Elder Ampris. Resetting a crystal drive is an exhausting process. So many fiddling things requiring fine muscle coordination and complete concentration. She sighed