Eidolon Read Online Free PDF Page B

"silent partner"in the business of running The
Friendly Glass. The contract was at her insistence; he had
suggested an honor loan, but she would have none of it.
    "It will be done properly," she had told
him, "or not at all!"And managed a wobbly grin when he laughed.
    But when the hour of their appointment came,
it was not Shadow who strolled into The Glass, but Tonith, bearing
a small bag."Good-day, Ceola!" the Scout called cheerily. "I beg
that you will accept me as a substitute for the Captain, whom duty
has called."
    Ceola frowned. "Called where?"she asked.
    "Off-world,"Tonith answered, as if it were
perfectly reasonable. "And who can know when he might return-- you
know what First-Ins are!"
    As it happened, she didn't. Indeed, she had
no idea that Shadow was a "first-in"whatever that might mean among
Scouts. Tonith dropped the bag on the bar and hitched a hip onto a
stool. Leaning forward, she placed a coin before Ceola.
    "Might I beg a glass of the house's
finest?"
    "Our license is for Night Port," Ceola said
sternly, and pushed the coin back across the bar. Then she looked
up and smiled. "However, I am perfectly within my rights to share a
glass with a friend."
    Tonith laughed. "Let us, then, by all means
share that friendly glass!" She waved at the packet. "The Captain
sends this; his tale was that you would know how best to dispose of
it."
    Ceola poured two glasses of the red, shared
the first sip, then excused herself to the alcove office to open
the packet.
    He had sent cash; more cantra pieces than
Ceola had ever seen. There was a note, too, begging her pardon for
leaving her to handle the last details by herself, and citing duty
as the reason for his absence.
    There was no contract.
    *
    Ceola stared up at the news feed which had
been restored to The Glass, along with the security contract and a
dozen other small niceties. The story she followed detailed the
results of a skimmer race, paying particular attention to the
losing team. The news service provided formal Clan photos,
identifying the white-haired pilot as Shan yos'Galan, and the
dark-haired co-pilot as Val Con yos'Phelium, thodelm and na'delm,
respectively, of Clan Korval.It was the co-pilot who engaged
Ceola's attention particularly. It was difficult to be certain,
with the na'delm dressed in High House splendor and holding his
face close, yet--
    "It's him," Jas Per said from behind her.
"Captain Shadow himself."
    Ceola turned to look at him. "Did you
know?"she demanded.
    He shook his head. "I thought my luck beyond
wonderful, that I'd caught the attention of a Scout. Korval?" He
laughed and gave her a bow. "See how we are both honored!"
    "All very well for you to laugh," Ceola said
irritably. "Laugh again when you recall that there is an honor debt
between us and--and Na'delm Korval."
    To his credit, Jas Per did not laugh, though
his grin did not fade.
    Ceola sighed and looked back to the news
feed, which had left the race behind.
    "I am going,"she told Jas Per, "to the
Little Festival."
    *
    Araceli had won the day, and its crew stood in the
Winner's Circle, surrounded by well-wishers.
    Contract in her pocket, Ceola had started
down to the Winner's Circle--and stopped short, abruptly and
burningly aware of the enormity of her proposed action. To march up
to Korval-in-future and publicly demand that he sign her contract?
The mere notion was madness.
    She had, from where she stood, feet rooted
to the path, a most excellent view of the winners. The dark-haired
pilot in his bold orange cloak--she could see his face now, and his
motions--there was no doubt that this was Shadow, whom Min had
slighted; who had taught Ceola to protect herself, and helped her
win free to her heart's desire.
    Who am
I ? Ceola asked herself. He had his reasons for not wishing to sign the contract, who
am I to force him to my will? Why, he has probably forgotten all
about us--Min, The Glass . . .
    She took a deliberate breath, centering
herself.
    I am Ceola
tel'Denvit , she thought