The diningroom held everyone, including Vettra who was just entering. Dropping her coat she tugged at her med tunic as she took her chair. Her cutting look spoke her surprise at seeing me and that Gallett had not mentioned my presence; she would admit of no good reason. She frowned darkly, impatient with our lapse.
Small wall lights of exquisite clarity illuminated the room calling forth the dark ivory walls and shining plates upon the table with glass goblets and cups with bright glazes. Amber buourosq flowers floated in a central well. They hushed and the children grew silent seeing me but smiled welcoming me and Frank was about to speak. So was Vettra though in a far different vein.
I gave her no attention after my 1st glance hoping that would keep her silent but that hope was vain. I turned to Prescott at a corner seat who alone did not look at me and spoke sharply, abruptly to her, "Come here to me."
Her temper leaped instantly. She paled and her eyes glowed with her hatred of me and her shame of me; no, rather, her shame to be connected to me. She stood from the table and pushed her empty plate roughly aside indicating that she was finished here and would depart without recognizing me. But not wanting me to think I had driven her out she held glaring at me but gave me no word.
"Come here. Stand before me. Without delay. Are you afraid? I should not have waited all these cycles then thinking I might find an adversary worthy of respect. I should have snapped your neck when you were no taller than my belt."
