IT IS YOUR EXALTED SIRE, Trin told Lady Caissa in an apprehensive voice. The elderly dresser bobbed up and down with agitation. He is dressed for hunting but wishes a word with you.
Then it cant be too serious, Caissa replied, smiling to reassure the nervous woman. She threw an opaque wrap about her and strode through the veiled portal to her reception room.
Though her bare feet made little sound in the deep pile of the floor covering, the athletic figure of her sire whirled from his inspection of a tri-dimensional labyrinth table game into a hunters stance.
Caissa smiled at his reflex and made the obeisance proper for the body-heir of Baythan, Minister Plenipotential of the Federated Sentient Planets to Demeathorn, fourth planet of the Star, Cepheus Two
As Baythan straightened from his alert half-crouch, he fiddled unnecessarily with an armband of stun-darts, a sign to Caissa that her sire had more on his mind than hunting.
You have, of course, heard that Cavernus Moneor has died… . Baythan turned back to his scrutiny of the labyrinth.
And his body-heir is already thinking of an heir-contract? asked Caissa, accurately divining the reason for her sires fidgets.
As usual, daughter of my flesh, you are blunt to the point of discourtesy, Baythan replied, regarding her with his notable air of censure.
No discourtesy, noble sire, was intended.
None taken, I suppose. I ran a check on the new Cavernuss genetic patterns and find no significant recessives that might combine unfavorably with yours.
Caissa gave her sire a long hard look.
Cavernus Gustin may be genetically sound, my sire, but he is inept in the hunt to the point of cowardice and almost incoherent save for the formal phrases which have been dinned into what he uses for a brain. Even then, hes apt to come out with inappropriate replies. His haste is precipitous, his choice distasteful to me.
I have certain reasons, and Baythan drew himself to his full height, a movement that displayed his superb physique and emphasized a naturally proud mien, which I cannot at this juncture reveal even to you, why an alliance with Cavernus Gustin would, in the not too distant future, be profoundly advantageous. I think I am correct in my belief that you would prefer to remain on Demeathorn rather than take up the star-hopping life your womb-mother prefers?
Have you been reassigned, sire? asked Caissa, startled by Baythans vagueness rather than his recommendation.
I have not been recalled-yet, replied Baythan. Despite his bland expression, Caissa caught a hint of bitterness in his voice that she had rarely heard. There is, and I mention this in the strictest of secrecy, and Baythans urbane smile compounded Caissas confusion, a possibility that I may satisfactorily complete the mission which first brought me to Demeathorn.
As your body-heir, may details of that mission now be imparted to me? asked Caissa as indifferently as possible, though every ounce of her slender body tensed with expectation.
When I have concluded my arrangements, yes. Both you and your womb-mother will know. Indeed so shall the galaxy! His voice had a ring of triumph long delayed. Then his tone changed to the lightly persuasive one that she had heard him use to much advantage and she became wary. An heir-contract need last only long enough to produce a healthy child, daughter. Believe me, when I say, and his tone became more urgent, that a small sacrifice today might reap unexpected rewards … tomorrow. However, and Baythans careless gesture of resignation told Caissa more graphically than any ardent argument how important this proposal was to him, it will be your decision, my heir.
I shall give the matter my careful consideration, my sire, she said, bowing her head and making the submission obeisance with her right hand.
Youd win this game by playing black to whites 4S, he said, making the move on the labyrinth board and smiling at her with gentle condescension.
In a glance, she saw that Baythan was correct but then, he was as accomplished a gamesmaster as he was a hunter.
You have been a joy to me since your conception, daughter Caissa, Baythan said, stepping forward and gripping her shoulders. He gave her an unexpected paternal kiss on her forehead.