Chapter Thirty-Six
Frith
Every planet had its own feel, an underlying ambience Huldar could sense as soon as he set foot on it. The planet Giahn was warm and welcoming despite the current political climate – Haas, the principle world of Rukh, had a somber note, while Hesh, sub-world of Nhadu, had an inescapable air of euphoria. Frith, however, kept him guessing. The mystery of it tantalized him, but made him a little jittery as well.
The last-but-one step toward Aventhe brought them to a ridge above a verdant glen. Bright morning sunlight warmed his back. Fluffy white clouds scudded overhead like a playful group of summer-sprites consigned to the clear blue sky.
In the distance, he made out a nest of spires and turrets poking needle-sharp above a forested rise. In the valley below, swa
