Laldasa Read Online Free PDF Page A

house.
    â€œThey’re family das. Their family has served mine for centuries. To me, they ... they are family.”
    â€œIf that’s true—that you want no slaves—then let me go.”
    â€œI can’t, Anala.” He willed her to look at him, so she’d know the depth of truth in him. “With that mark in your hand, you can’t leave this planet unless you leave it at my side.”
    The pale eyes lanced through him, almost making him catch his breath. “You could take me to Avasa, then.”
    He shook his head. “Not now, I can’t. The Vrinda Varma is just beginning to hear petitions in the case between the Consortium and the Avasan Guild. You’re from a mining family, you know how important that consultation is. At this time of year the turnaround to Avasa takes the better part of a week. I can’t vacate my seat for a trip of that length.”
    She snorted. “Least of all with the daughter of Rokh Nadim.”
    He was stunned. He tried to hide it and failed.
    â€œI see Father is a celebrity even on Mehtar.”
    â€œYou could say that.”
    â€œSo.” Anala folded her hands in front of her on the table.
    There was an entire discourse on resignation in that one word—in that simple gesture. Jaya was almost awed by it. No tears, no histrionics, no anger. Just “so.”
    She met his gaze again. “I am part of the household of Nathu Rai Jaya Sarojin. I thank you for helping me escape another fate. What now, mahesa? What will my duties be?”
    She was steeling herself. He could see it in the slow straightening of her spine.
    â€œYour first duty,” he said, “will be to take twenty thousand dagam into Kasi, buy the mining equipment you were sent to get, and ship it to Avasa on the next freight shuttle.”
    Clearly it was not what she’d expected to hear. “What? Why?”
    â€œBecause ... because your family needs it.”
    â€œNathu Rai-“
    â€œKasi stole your money—and more. You didn’t gamble it away or lose it carelessly. Kasi is my city. I am only returning a small part of what it took. I can’t return the greater part. It’s not in my power. I can only apologize ... for everything.”
    â€œI’m ... more than grateful, mahesa. You seem to have saved me twice today.”
    Jaya grimaced. “Hardly. All I’ve done is contrived to make the disastrous merely intolerable ...   Anala, would your family be able to produce duplicate leaf for you?”
    â€œI should think so.”
    â€œThen, we can send a message over with the equipment asking your mother and father to appear with it. The Inner Circle should be able to declare your freedom on the strength of that. And your father will very likely be appearing before the Vrinda Varma to argue AGIM’s case-“
    Anala was shaking her head. “Father’s position is very much like yours, mahesa. He can’t leave Avasa right now. He won’t leave unless he’s ordered to testify before the Vrinda Varma. The Guild needs him at home now, and there’s every chance, if he did come, that his life would be endangered. The same is true for my brothers. They’re too well known. Why do you think they sent me for equipment? No one knows me in Kasi and father said Mehtarans underestimate women. I’d be just another young dustbrain coming to Kasi for fun and pretty clothes.”
    Jaya had missed half of what she’d said. “What do you mean, your father’s life would be endangered?”
    She lowered her eyes to her lap. “He’s received threats.”
    â€œFrom whom?”
    She glanced up. “The Consortium, of course. Who else?”
    â€œAnala, you know I sit on the Vrinda Varma. Are you sure you’re not-“
    Her eyebrows rose. “Exaggerating? No, mahesa, I’m not. My father and the other Guild officers have all received threats. They’re also under