I stood out on the southern Terrace on level four of Rhysh castle, looking out over the valley which held Rhysh village and the surrounding countryside.I stood out on the southern Terrace on level four of Rhysh castle, looking out over the valley which held Rhysh village and the surrounding countryside. The village had grown some in the past couple of centuries, and we were now allowing offworlders to visit, if only under supervised circumstances. This terrace has a lot of memories for me, most of them rather pleasant. I had found in myself a penchant for scenes done out of doors. And, I thought to myself with a smile, quite often those scenes had begin in much the same way as todays had. With a note. This one not as cryptic as many, in fact far less so. Borodir had laid out his desires rather specifically. I was anxious to be subject to them. "I'm surprised you accepted my invitation, Master Shardik," his deep, resonant voice crossed the terrace. I smiled at the appellation "Master." It was a common courtesy to anyone who was respected as a top, regardless of what role they preferred. "Nonsense, Master Borodir," I replied, turning to face him. "An invitation from you is nothing to ignore, regardless of status." The huge, black-skinned human smiled wide, chuckling. "I'm glad you think that way. I have brought the equipment necessary for some initial forays." "I called the Reedhons, so I'm correct in understanding that this is a fully tested technology?" "Of course," Borodir said. "Tell me, Ken, have I ever been a danger to your life?" "Not at all, Borodir. This is just a new application of a rather odd sort, and I would like to know what I'm in for." "The basics are pretty easy to understand. You're going to be getting the non-permanent fixture. It is, of course, a standard long-term suspension harness." He pouted with mock- frustration. "It covers parts of you I'd like to have remain uncovered, but c'est la vie. I chuckled. Hearing the language spoken only a few planets, the nearest about fourteen light years away, coming from Borodir's mouth seemed comical. |