Student of Kyme (23 page)

The har
smiled at me. ‘Some time ago. Were you?’

‘
I was there, yes. Forgive my intrusion, but you appeared
familiar to me. I knew a har named Haruah...’

‘
My hostling,’ said the har. ‘What a coincidence.’

‘
Yes... Did we not meet there? I am Gesaril.’

The har
frowned. ‘I don’t believe so. I didn’t meet many hara. I was
studying. I didn’t stay there long.’

I nodded.
‘My mistake. I felt I knew you.’

‘
I look like my hostling. It’s most likely that.’

‘
Most likely.’ He did not appear to want to continue the
conversation, so reluctantly I began to walk away.

‘
I’ll convey your regards,’ he said.

I paused
again, turned. ‘To your hostling?’

He smiled
widely, revealing perfect white teeth. ‘Naturally.’

‘
Thank you. He once advised me well.’

The har
nodded. ‘I am Lakshmi. Perhaps we will meet again.’

‘
I would like that.’

‘
May Nagarana shine upon your day.’

I bowed
my head. ‘Upon yours also.’

As I
walked away, a soft voice came to me in mind touch. You can curse a
har only so far as he wishes to be cursed.

I turned
again swiftly, but the bench was empty.