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Nursery Blend '96, or maybe '97. Speaking of which," he continued, turning on his side, "what are we
going to do for food tonight?"
"A question of real significance," agreed September, nod-ding. "I suggested to Hunnar that we use our
own food from the boat. Looked positively shocked, he did. Wouldn't hear of it. Claimed our alien odors
and smells might make some important councilman ill. I pointed out that if one of us threw our dinner all
over said councilman it wouldn't do his con-tingent any good either. He wouldn't buy it. Said it would be
a poor way of showing our solidarity if we refused to tear meat with them ... at least, that's how I mangle
the meta-phor he used ... So we're stuck with whatever the chef has in mind. I didn't have a chance to
wangle a copy of the menu. You said we shouldn't have any trouble handling the food, right?"
"I hope not," Ethan replied thoughtfully. "I don't antici-pate any, from what I remember. That doesn't rule
out the possibility of there being one or two just bad goodies in the banquet. I'd advise sticking to one or
two plain dishes and not trying to play the interstellar gourmet. Probably most of it will be hearty and.
bland. Did you happen to find out any-thing about local etiquette?"
September smiled. " You eat with your fingers. Beyond that you improvise. And armor is optional."
"I asked Hunnar about the local manners myself," Etha mentioned to September. He was nervously
trying to adjust the brilliant gold sash that swept diagonally across his brows spotted-fur dress jacket.
The royal tailor had gone through a triple funk trying to fit them with clothing suitable to the occasion.
Since, with the exception of September, the humans were as tall as tran adults but not nearly as broad,
any formal outs fit was big enough to swim in.
Stitching and cutting at children's clothing with near light-speed, the royal tailor had somehow managed
to outfit them all.
September whispered back at Ethan. "Don't worry about it." Ire winked in a way Ethan didn't fancy.
"Just watch our neighbors and do as they do. I'm told that fighting for a choice section of haunch is
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permissible, so long as no one spills blood on his neighbor or gravy on the Landgrave."
Du Kane plucked at his modified coat unsteadily, but Coalette seemed to have him well under control.
As to her own "gown," it at least served to minimize her bulkiness- though it would pass unnoticed among
the. broad-beamed tran. As to its composition, all she could say was that it itched.
Ahead, sounds of Trannish chatter mingled with rough bel-lows of good humor, defiance, anger,
outrage, enjoyment. Occasionally a sonorous belch would rise above all.
There was also music from stringed. instruments, drums, and something close to a profoundly sick oboe.
Odors of broiled meat and boiled vegetables tweaked other senses. Ad-miration and uncertainty at the
presence of strange visitors apparently did not extend to waiting dinner for them.
Hunnar met them outside the entrance to the Great Hall. He appeared more nervous than Ethan could
recall.
"'There you area By the great wild Rifs, what took you all so long? I was starting to believe that perhaps
after all you had decided to ... to go your way by another path."
"Not a chance, Hunnar old plan or whatever," said Septem-her, clapping the knight on the shoulders. It
didn't faze the, tran, Ethan noted with a twinge of envy.
Hunnar looked past the big man. "Where is the little quiet one?"
"Oh, Walther's here too," replied September, jerking a thumb to the rear.
Even in splendid silks and furs the kidnapper still man-aged a ratty appearance.
"I don't thin Huanar means him," added Ethan, looking over their little assemblage. "Where's Williams?"
September had a. glance himself. " Yes, where is-"
"Rest at ease, gentlemen, here I am." The familiar voice came from the far end of the hall. The
schoolteacher appeared with the wizard, Eer-Meesach. Williams smiled apologetically as he drew next to
them.
"I'm sorry for my tardiness, friends. I hope I haven't upset anything."
"No, no," said September. "Confound it, man, must you apologize for everything?"
"I'm sorry," Williams replied automatically. "Malmeevyn has given me some information that could be of
great import." The wizard bowed slightly.
"Ya, sure," grunted September, unimpressed.
"Tis time," interrupted Hunnar, before the teacher could continue. "Follow me and be at your ease. I
don't believe many will stare at you anyway. In that respect your arriving late is beneficial. But those with
interested eyes will note who you enter with."
Malmeevyn obviously had standards of his own, because he'd left them already. As they started in Ethan
sidled over to Williams.
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"What's your news?"
"What do you know of Rex Plutonicus?" whispered the schoolmaster.
"Rex Plutonicus?" Ethan's brow crinkled. He looked knowledgeably at the other. "That's the monster
volcano they spotted on the first survey, isn't it? Active, about eleven kilom-eters high? I didn't know
you'd taken a terrain tape."
"I didn't," Williams replied. "That was broadcast as part of a general passenger orientation-to sell
shuttle-down tick-ets, I suppose. It's the most outstanding single topographical feature on the planet." [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]