Resenting the Hero Read Online Free PDF

well-matched.
    At least the others were there. Jandi Bacall, who had been Chosen by Devereaux, and Everette had been in all my classes, and knew how sensitive I was. Of course, they were affected by music as well, but not so badly as I, and they would probably warn their own Sources. I could be confident that I wouldn’t cause any damage, no matter how lax Karish may be in that area of responsibility.
    Though, of course, primary responsibility for making sure I did no harm was mine, and I was pretty good at that, if I did say so myself. While music did have the most powerful effect on me, I was very good at resisting it. And I would only get better, I was sure, as I was exposed to more and more music as a professional Shield. I looked forward to the day when I needed no help at all.
    â€œGood evening, Sources and Shields,” the player of the lyre called out. “I am Lauren, this is Cas and Denner. We’d like to congratulate you on your successful night and to assure you that we have played for members of the Triple S many times before. We know what to expect, so don’t worry.”
    â€œAre we to spend the whole night in here?” Tan asked, voicing a question I had had. A party of eight wasn’t all that exciting.
    â€œNot if you don’t wish to,” Lauren told him. “After most Matches, Pairs take this opportunity to enjoy their food and music in private, while getting acquainted. But many wander out after a while. It’s up to you. For now, are there any requests?”
    I let someone else ask for a song. I headed to the table, looking over the decanters. We had been given the odd glass of wine or ale at school, but nothing to exult over. I’d heard there was much better out in the real world and wondered whether we’d be getting any of it that night. I poured out some of the white.
    I sniffed it. Smelled good. I tasted it. Mmmm.
    â€œOne of those, are you?” Karish asked, and I nearly jumped, startled. Apparently he’d slithered right up behind me without making a sound.
    â€œOne of what?” I responded, because manners demanded I must.
    â€œThose self-conscious types that head straight to the food in the middle of a party.”
    I took another long, soothing sip of wine. I was not self-conscious. Just not interested in my current company. “Many understand that sharing in drink and food facilitates conversation.” Though not him, obviously. “No doubt that is why it’s here.”
    â€œDon’t try to get the better of Mallorough, my friend,” Everette chuckled, reaching between us for a jug of ale. “You’re wasting your time.”
    Karish raised an eyebrow. “She is so witty, is she?”
    â€œNot so much. But she always takes time with what she says. Won’t be rushed into saying anything stupid. Kind of irritating, really.”
    â€œLove you, too, Everette,” I murmured.
    He flashed me a grin. Really, he had the demeanor of a Source.
    I looked over at Devereaux, who was already in quiet conversation with Bacall. They both looked serious but comfortable. I didn’t usually waste my time with envy, but I couldn’t help wishing things had turned out different. I’d rather be over there having a quiet, calm conversation instead of gulping down wine because I just wished the evening was over already.
    I noticed when Karish turned to follow my gaze, and then looked back at me with a bit of a frown.
    My, how indiscreet of me. “Perhaps you could tell me of one of your adventures, my lord,” I said. “We hear you were permitted to travel much more widely than most Sources, before they are bonded.”
    He was still frowning. “That’s an honorific.”
    â€œIt is still the appropriate means of addressing you, is it not?” Damn straight, it was.
    â€œWell, if you want to be strict about it, you should be calling me Source Karish.” Then he assumed another smile.