Shatterglass

To see you, too,she mumbled.

Or moving out?asked Keth, grinning at Dema.

When Keth and Tris stared at him, Dema coughed into his fist. m, ah, staying at Elya Street,he confessed. well...He looked at them and shrugged. l ike it down here. I asked the Keepers to promote one of my sisters instead.When Keth and Tris continued to stare at him, Dema flushed under his brown skin. They need me more down here than they do further up the hill. And after catching the Ghost, the yaskedasi are talking to me. Ive been able to solve three old crimes since that night.He sighed. The Keepers rewarded me anyway. At least, they said it was a reward. Im also assigned to the Hodenekes and Noskemiou arurimati. I guess they think if I lik e the low life, I ought to get a bellyfull of it.He looked at Tris. reminds me who tipped the pmthmuni off, do you suppose? Let them know to flee the city?

Tris knew that sooner or later someone would think to ask. Though she was not generally in favour of lying, she saw no reason why anyone should know the truth. She looked Dema in the eye and said, all you know, there were prathmuni everywhere on that street. Theyre not stupid, Dema.

Theyre not,he said grimly. re negotiating a contract with Tharios right now, from hiding. They wont return until the Assembly grants certain concessions, like pay for their work, and better living conditions.

Keth and Tris exchanged grins. a shame,Keth remarked.

Feel for you,said Tris, innocent and earnest. feel for all Tharios.

Too,said Glaki, hugging Dema around the knees.

Dema lifted her up and kissed her cheek. m glad someone around here feels sorry for me.To Tris he said, cant change overnight. Not Tharios.

A little change wont kill you,replied Tris as Chime began to purr in her lap. might even help Tharios to stand another thousand years.