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to include the Bristol-Benz negotiator in the conversation. The Advanced Lingual Base had translated it as, “An insect has just landed on an unreachable part of my anatomy.”
    o0o
    In the next three days, Rhys and his two “apprentices” spent much time in the company of the Pa-Kai, taking tours of the nineteen Clan villages and “talking shop” with every Shaman they could collar. Pa-Lili’s personal apprentices were eager to display their knowledge to their Human counterparts and gave a good deal of their time to do so.
    â€œToday,” said Rick at the end of day three, “we learned three different ways to cure crest hair loss and a couple of incantations for Pa-Lili’s so-called educational spells.” He set his recorder down on the table in the shuttle’s small passenger lounge and peeled off his crestcap.
    Rhys nodded at the recorder. “You put them on disc?”
    â€œSure, why not? I figured you’d be interested in their anthropological value... Prof,” he added, grinning. “And besides, I think they’re pretty hooky tunes. Put a band behind ’em and you’ve got some real hits. Here, give a listen.” He turned the recorder on.
    A melody of fluid grace cascaded out of the tiny machine accompanied by the rhythmic beat of a tuned drum and the crystalline ching ! of some native chimes. Rhys was charmed. Yoshi smiled with delight, humming along.
    â€œThat’s wonderful!” said Rhys when the chants were finished. “You were right—I think it’s absolutely fascinating. What instrument was that Hi-Pok was playing?”
    â€œA padachi ,” said Yoshi. She searched the medicine pouch Thuili, Pa-Lili’s female apprentice, had given her and came up with what appeared to be a tiny drum with a handle. At the end of the colorfully wrapped handle was what looked like a green glass ball with a grinning mouth. Within the ball was a smaller ball made of some bright, golden metal. “She even showed me how to play it.” Yoshi rolled into a sweet rendition of a soft, dreamy chant.
    Rhys smiled, settling comfortably into a lounger to listen. The little piece made him think of hot cider and glowing fireplaces and vivid, soft plaid blankets.
    He pulled himself from the drowsy reverie when he realized Yoshi had stopped singing. “That was—that was exquisite. What was it?”
    â€œThuili called it a rulurulu —a cradle charm. They use it to put sick or restless children to sleep.”
    The warm wash of his own amazement brought Rhys fully awake. He glanced at Rick, ready to admit laughingly that the charm had certainly worked its magic on him. But his apprentice was fast asleep, curled cozily among the voluminous folds of his chartreuse robes.
    Yoshi giggled. “It had the same effect on him when Hi-Pok chanted it today.”
    â€œIt did?”
    â€œWell, he didn’t fall asleep, but he got pretty dozy.” She handed Rhys the padachi. “I guess it’s all that late night feasting and dancing we’ve been doing, huh?” Her face said she wasn’t sure she believed that.
    â€œYeah, I guess that must be it,” agreed Rhys, turning the little drum over in his hands. The little ball-chime sounded musically and Rick stirred, smiled, and cuddled further into his robes.
    â€œMakes me sleepy just looking at him,” yawned Yoshi. “I think I’ll turn in. What time tomorrow is Ms. Price due in from Corporate?”
    â€œUh, sometime in the late afternoon, if she’s on schedule.”
    â€œOh, good. Well, goodnight, sir.”
    â€œGoodnight, Yoshi.”
    Rhys got up, wondering if he should wake Rick or let him sleep. In the end, curiosity got the better of him. He crossed the cabin and shook the younger man’s shoulder.
    â€œHuh?” Rick blinked, brought his eyes into focus on Rhys’s face, then struggled to sit up. “What—?”
    â€œYou