A Bait of Dreams Read Online Free PDF Page B

simmered under the haze of fatigue gave her the strength to start walking toward the street.
    She went to the wharf. Gritting her teeth against the pain she swung down onto the worn crossbar that was her only refuge at so many crises in her life. Clouds sailed with clumsy grace over the darkening sky, tinged with a last touch of crimson though Horli had slid behind the horizon some time ago. Here and there a star glimmered in the patches of indigo sky visible between the cloud puffs. On the water the fog blew in thickening strands, coming up to curl around her feet. The air had a nip that marked the decline of the summer. Winter coming, she thought. Three hundred days of winter. I’ve got to get away. Somehow. Get south.… Her back itched and stung. The bruise on her thigh was an agony whenever she moved her legs. But she was free from the Eye and tomorrow she would be free of Habbiba too. She leaned tentatively against the pile, closing tired eyes once she was settled. Tomorrow. After the House of Records. What?
    The water splashed and Tetaki was perched on the bar beside her. She jumped then winced as her back protested.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?” His mouth opened, baring the tips of his shining teeth. His eyes searched her face, reading the pain there.
    â€œI was stupid.”
    â€œTurn.” His hand was cool on her arm. “Let me see.”
    She pulled back, shook her head.
    â€œGleia.”
    â€œIf you must.” Holding onto the slanting brace, she swung around so he could see her back. With her face hidden, her head resting against the pile, she spoke too loudly. “I told you. I was stupid! I knew better than to provoke her. Especially when she’d just had to pay me a bonus.”
    His hand touched the lacerated flesh with exquisite gentleness. It still hurt. She sank her teeth into her lip to keep from crying out.
    â€œCome wit’ me.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œTo the ship. We got med’cine. Your skin’s cut. Unless wounds are clean you have trouble wit’ them.”
    â€œI suppose so.” She eased herself around. “Help me up.”
    He sat back on his heels, an odd look on his face. “Firs’ time you ever ask for help.”
    She hauled herself to her feet and risked a crooked smile. “Give me a boost, friend.”
    On the ship, he nodded to the watch and took her below to his cabin. “Wait here. I get med’cine.”
    She sat on the narrow bunk and looked around with appreciation of the neatness, comfort and convenience of the small cabin—a shelf of books running around the top of the wall, locked in place by an ingenious webbing; a desk folded away against the wall; a chair folded and latched flat; two long chests; a shell lantern hanging from the beam bisecting the ceiling. The light coming through the translucent shell touched the room with rosy gold warmth. The oil was perfumed with a pleasant fresh smell that made her think of green growing things.
    When Tetaki came back his father Temokeuu came with him. The older seaborn pushed gently on her shoulder, bending her over so he could see her back, easing the cafta down off her body, moistening the places where dried blood glued the material to her skin. “This isn’t the first time,” he murmured.
    â€œI learn hard.”
    â€œWhat lesson?”
    â€œSubmission.”
    â€œHmm.” He took the jar Tetaki was holding out. “This will hurt.”
    The salve was living fire as he smoothed it on her cuts. She gasped, bit her lip till blood came, squeezed her eyes shut until tears came, then suddenly her back was cool and there was no more pain. She straightened and moved her shoulders. In spite of all of her experience in bearing pain and degradation she felt uneasy now, having had little practice with kindness. She reached out and caught hold of his wrist. “Thank you.” She stumbled over the words. “Thank you,” she repeated, then