" "Oh well." "Oh well. I was hoping to have another game with her." "Well," Shardik said, "You can always play me. If you can beat her, you can certainly defeat me... I'm no expert. But I like playing." "May I?" "I don't see why not. No time limit on moves. And I can consult." "With who?" "P'nyssa," Shardik said, turning towards the Tindal in the kitchen, "Remind me not to take this young lady to Rhysh. She catches on far far too quickly. I think even Borodir would be impressed with her negotiating." He turned back to Furry. "With Nickolai, P'nyssa, and Aaden if he returns." "Deal," Furry said. "Where's your set?" "In the next room," Shardik said. "I'll get it." "Lunch is ready," P'nyssa announced. "Here," she said, handing Furry a large wooden bowl. "One for each of you. You," she said, pointing a mitten at Nickolai, "Make sure you eat it all." "What is it?" "Mostly spinach, with a yogurt, blue cheese and onion dressing. You need the fiber, and the active cultures, to get your system back in action again. Otherwise you'll be spending the rest of your vacation in the bathroom." Nickolai regarded that as more than adequate reason to eat. |