Necessity's Child (Liaden Universe®) Read Online Free PDF Page B

and had immediately made himself known to them. Grandaunt would say that had been improper—that junior ought to go to elder—but in truth they were all three relieved to have the duty taken from them. Nor did Granduncle Daav stop upon an introduction. He had several times joined them for their midmorning tea and cookies, and on two occasions had asked Syl Vor to walk the inner garden with him. This he had found pleasantly instructive, Granduncle Daav naming out the names of the flowers, and speaking of the days when the garden had been his to keep.
    Syl Vor was of the tentative opinion that he might quite like Granduncle Daav, when he came to know him better. Though that might take some time, since Granduncle, with the rest of the elders of the House, was so very busy with the clan’s business.
    Stretches done, Syl Vor turned, half expecting to find that he was once again alone in the practice room.
    But, no—there stood Granduncle yet, tall and lean, his dark hair stitched with grey, his black eyes even sharper than Grandaunt Kareen’s.
    “May I serve you, Granduncle?”
    “Now, there’s a gentle offer. But, no, child, in this instance I believe it is I who may serve you.”
    Had he botched his routine? Syl Vor wondered. The shadow-spar was supposed to stop the pattern and correct him if he—
    “Peace, Syl Vor—you dance admirably. It is only—” Granduncle Daav straightened and came forward, silent as Uncle Val Con—but there. Uncle Val Con was a Scout, and so, too, had his father been. And Scouts never made any sound that they did not intend to make.
    “It is only . . .” Granduncle repeated, touching the shadow-spar’s screen and scrolling through the routine Syl Vor had just danced. “Yes. These are all avoids and kills—no feints, no bridgework, no—” He glanced over his shoulder, with a swift, sharp smile. “You will forgive an old man his bias—no finesse.”
    “Quin had said the same,” Syl Vor admitted. “He and Padi were forward of me, and had learnt how to dance properly. But Grandfather and Grandaunt said that, if it came—if our enemies found us, and it was come down to myself between the twins and harm, I had best know my kills, because to run away, carrying two, even with a floater . . .”
    “You would be conspicuous, and the babes would slow you.” Granduncle Daav nodded gravely, which Grandaunt would scold him for, were she present. “Your elders were wise in their choice; I honor them—and you. However, the bridgework adds an elegance, and sometimes dancing a feint may reveal another approach to survival. I would suggest, now that you are under Tree, in-House, and with numerous kin between yourself and the enemies of the clan, that a study of the dance entire may serve you well.”
    Syl Vor chewed his lip, remembering Padi and Quin practicing together, and owned that Granduncle had a point.
    “If you wish, I will program the shadow-spar so that it will guide you in the complete dance.”
    “Yes,” Syl Vor said, startled by the loudness of his voice, so that for an instant he forgot to also say, “if you please, Granduncle.”
    “It will be my very great pleasure. And now, my child, I fear that you are late for your tutor. Go, quickly, and say that I detained you.”
    “Yes!” Syl Vor said again. Hastily, he bowed, received Granduncle’s nod in return—and ran.

CHAPTER SIX

    “Good dreaming to you, luthia ,” Kezzi said politely.
    She bent and put the limin branch with its white flowers and shiny green leaves on the edge of the rug.
    “Good dreaming to you, young sister. Please pour tea for us.”
    This Kezzi hurried to do, filling two mugs and setting the kettle back in its place by the hearth.
    She gave Silain her mug, and knelt at the corner of the rug with her own mug in hand, Malda lying quiet and good at her side.
    “Tell me,” the luthia said, after she had her first sip and sighed in satisfaction; “did you dream the dreams I sent to you?”
    “Yes,