“Help me get it out of here, and I’ll tell you.”
* * *
They shortly hadit up on the counter top and the crate out in the street. Viv drew the big doors closed, again. She wasn’t interested in another unexpected visit from Lack, especially not right now. With Roon here, she might find it more difficult to rein in her desire to knock him bloody.
A pamphlet was packed into the crate amongst the shavings. Tandri claimed it and perused it while Viv and Roon chatted at the big table.
After Viv explained her plans and what she’d done with the place, Roon gave the building a longer, more appreciative inspection.
“Whew,” he said. “Well, Viv, when you go at somethin’, you don’t go at it soft. Can’t say I understand how you plan to make it work, but you never ran into a fight without knowin’ how it was goin’ to turn out. Guess I’d trust your gut over mine.”
“Not sure about that,” said Viv. “But I did my best not to leave too much to chance.”
Roon squinted at her when she said it and seemed like he might press for more.
“So, how’s Gallina?” asked Viv, hurrying past the uncomfortable potential of that topic.
“Can’t say she wasn’t stung. But you know her, tough as they come. Maybe still sore, but she’ll be fine. You know, if you want me to say somethin’… carry a letter maybe…?”
“I should write her, but I think I ought to take a little time to think about it. You all still pass through Varian?”
“’Course. Easiest route to most places.”
“I’ll send her something there, after I figure out what to say. Tell her… well, tell her I’m sorry I left the way I did.”
Roon nodded, then drummed his hands on the table. “An’ speakin’ of leavin’, I have to be gettin’ on. Day’s runnin’ down, and a long way to go tomorrow. But before I do….” He rummaged in a pouch at his belt and pulled out a small gray stone with three wavy stripes engraved on the side.
“Blink Stone?” asked Viv.
“Yep,” said Roon. “I’ve got the match to it on me. I know you’re set up here, don’t expect any problems, but you ever get into trouble, things don’t go the way they should? You toss this into a fire, I’ll get the signal, and I’ll find you, now that I know where you are.”
“It’s going to be fine, Roon.”
“Well, sure it is. But also… maybe someday you find you need to get back out there.” He held up his hands before she could protest. “Not sayin’ you will! Not sayin’ it’s even likely. But, better prepared, true?”
She took the stone from him. “Better prepared. Sure.” It was the last thing she wanted, but he was doing her a kindness, and after she’d left them behind without explanation. The least she could do was graciously accept a friendly overture.
“Then I’ll be off,” he said briskly. He rose and embraced her again. He made a short bow to Tandri, adding, “A pleasure, miss.”
Viv saw him out. “It was good to see you, Roon. Truly. Give Gallina and Taivus my apologies. And Fennus….”
Roon grinned at her. “A swift kick in the arse?”
“Hm,” she said.
“I’ll see you. Take care, Viv.”
And he departed into the night.
* * *
“Sorry about that.”Viv returned to find Tandri still perusing the gnomish booklet. “Honestly, there’s no need for you to be here this late. I lost track of time, should have cut you loose an hour ago.”
The succubus looked up from her reading. “After all this? I think I have to know how this works. I’m not sure I can stand to be in suspense overnight when it’s sitting right here.” She briefly touched the gleaming machine.
It looked so modern and glossy, there on the counter. Gnomish engineering really was a marvel. It wasn’t exactly like the one Viv had seen in Azimuth, but close enough, and now that Roon had left, her excitement rose, along with some queasy trepidation.
“You already know how it works?” asked Tandri.
