Carpe Diem by Steve Miller, Sharon Lee

confused these days, cousin, admit it. Korval has shrunk to a handful; the Nadelm fends the Ring from his finger; the lines of administration are crossed and recrossed a dozen times over." He smiled. "We muddle on."

    "While Nadelm Korval remains missing, and the Clan does its least to discover him."

    Shan said nothing.

    Pat Rin shrugged and looked up from admiring his rings. "One hears rumors, as one goes about. All the world notes the continued absence of Val Con yos'Phelium. Many remark upon yos'Galan's complaisance. They recall that Korval passes the Ring from pilot to pilot. They recall that Shan yos'Galan wears the badge of a master pilot." He dropped his eyes again and concluded softly, "While Pat Rin yos'Phelium is no pilot at all, nor ever shall he be one."

    The silence stretched. Gordy watched Shan's face, but saw only vagueness there.

    "Rumor is a dangerous song to heed," Shan commented. "But none of this bears on my need to see you, cousin! I wonder about your trip."

    Pat Rin actually blinked. "My trip?"

    "Exactly! Weren't you planning a jaunt to Philomen soon, for a bit of rest from your labors?"

    "Yes. My plans are firm, in fact."

    "Fine, fine, excellent! You'll be wanting a pilot, I know, and it—"

    "It happens that I employ an adequate pilot, kinsman. My thanks for your kind thought."

    "Yes, but you see, we have at hand a more than adequate pilot—and you need not be out of pocket an additional tenth cantra! Korval will balance any difference between payscales." He raised his glass and sipped. "The man requires occupation, kinsman! Surely you wouldn't deny him work to pass the time away?"

    Pat Rin considered him out of thoughtful dark eyes, and Shan bore the scrutiny patiently, seeing anew how much his cousin resembled Val Con: the same glossy dark hair, level brows, and firm mouth.

    "So," Pat Rin murmured. "And what am I to do with my new pilot when we reach Philomen? Shoot him?"

    "Well, certainly that's up to you," Shan said, "but I've no reason to expect his service will be as bad as that." He raised his glass. "The First Speaker strongly suggests that he enter your employ and remain there—oh, six Standard months should be more than sufficient."

    The smaller man bowed. "Of course it must always be my most ardent wish to obey the First Speaker's word."

    "Yes," Shan drawled. "I'd heard that."

    Pat Rin laughed. "Rumor sings dangerous songs, as I have only recently been reminded. Understand that nothing would induce me to doubt you, but I yearn to hear the First Speaker's wishes from her very lips. Might she be available to speak with me?"

    "I believe she's alone in the study. Shall I have Jeeves escort you?"

    "Thank you, but I know the way." He bowed farewell. "Kinsman. I think I will not see you again before Dutiful Passage leaves us. Fare you well. You also, young Gordon." He was gone, mincing daintily in his fancy boots.

    Gordy let his breath go in a explosive pough!, spun toward his foster father, and hesitated.

    "Yes?"

    "Is Pat Rin—in love—with Cousin Nova?"

    Shan shook his head. "No . . .No, I don't think Pat Rin's in love with anyone."

    "Except himself!"

    Surprisingly, the response was another headshake. "Not at all."

    Gordy flung out his hands, startling Lady Pounce into opening her eyes. "Then why's he like that?"

    "Well," Shan said thoughtfully, swirling the dregs of his wine, "I suppose that, like most of us, he's not finished yet. Have you checked these equations?"

    Gordy flushed. "I'll be done in fifteen minutes."

    "Fine. I'll be back then. We'll be going up to the Passage tomorrow morning for the last checks; we've got departure scheduled for Solcintra sunrise, Treslan Seconday."

    "I'll have to tell Karea good-bye . . ."

    "Yes, of course." Shan sighed. "Finish your equations, Gordy." And he was abruptly gone, closing the door behind him.

     

    Shan touched the PLAY key and leaned back, eyes closed, to listen again to Val Con's recorded message to