The Alien Library Read Free

in front of her. “I never studied library science, though I thought about it.”
    “What did you study?”
    “I have a degree in language and literature.” Cameron nearly shot from her chair when Tendar slammed his hand down on the table.
    He laughed. “Perfect. I am a fortunate one!” He clapped his hand twice and a pair of woman trotted into the dining area, giggling. He smiled at them, and then at Cameron. “I need to speak with Pindari. Go with these two and wait until you’re sent for.”
    Cameron trembled, but didn’t know what else to do. His hand hitting that table made her belly tighten. She didn’t look at Pindari, and let the two lead her away, glad to be excused. They were giggling, shooting glances at each other. Cam had noticed this tendency with human women when they were near Kharmon males. She refused to speculate what it meant. These two were typical. Though not at all physically alike, they worked in unison. Cam followed them to an opulent tiled room. There was a small pool or what she thought was a pool, until she saw the faucets at both ends.
    The taller of the women smiled at Cameron. “Tendar’s bath. Do not touch the water.” She turned the faucets on. No checking the temperature by dangling fingers into the flow. She carefully held her robe back. Cam swore she even held her breath when poised over the growing pool. Both women took up small nets and knelt at opposite sides of the pool, skimming away particles that Cam didn’t even see.
    She sat to one side, wondering what Pindari and Tendar were talking about.

2
    “She’s very skittish.” Tendar sighed as he studied his aunt.
    “I spoke of it to you before. She was frightened of you, since you hit her in the garden.” Pindari sat and ate the cake Cameron had abandoned. “You could have let her finish this.”
    “I’ll make it up to her.” Tendar blinked at the cook. “Aunt, I hit her to keep her from speaking.”
    “I know. Teemin would have been even nastier if he’d heard her speak.” Pindari scowled a moment, then shrugged. “I think she will be perfect for the library. She is shy, almost. Not very social, until she is set at ease. She knows books. And she’s been helpful in the kitchen. I want her two days a week.”
    He grinned, happy to bargain. “One, evenings excluded.”
    She narrowed her eyes at him. “One full day, no exclusions.”
    He nodded. “Agreed. She will move to the library quarters tonight.”
    “I would urge caution, Ten. Take care not to dictate to her. She is sensitive to being powerless. She calls us Kharmon.” Pindari smiled ruefully. “Evidently, the word she heard most often at Selection House.”
    He nodded. “Actually quite accurate. Once…they were kharmon. But now, we are.”
    “At least as you see it. Your brother would disagree.” She frowned. “I’m not sure what word he would use.”
    “Master, slave…” Tendar shuddered. “He is blind to the trap such words carry.” He set his hands on the table. “I will suggest she gather her belongings and move to the new quarters.”
    “Belongings? She has nothing, Tendar. Nothing save the tunic I provided her.” Pindari shook her head. “You have to remember, she did not undergo thinker orientation.”
    He gazed at her for a few moments in silence. Then he drew a deep breath. “Oh. That hadn’t occurred to me. I’ll see to it.” He looked down at the table. “Something is different with her.”
    “Tendar, she spoke to me of a heart attack.” Pindari softly told him. His head jerked up and he gasped at the words. She leaned forward. “She gave me no details. I’m afraid I showed undo interest and she closed up before I could uncover more. Don’t borrow trouble, she survived three months. Shall I send for Daniel?”
    “Yes.” He wrapped arms around himself. “How cruel, to bring such a gift to us, only to see it so fragile. We will take extreme care. Daniel is far, it will be months before he arrives. I will suggest