And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;

you needed? the woman said in a liquidly melodic voice, her large and expressive brown eyes showing concern. Yes, yes, I did, Killashandra said, surprised into a nervous response. Im so glad. We dont have much here yet. No call, with everyone making their own, and the Season not started. She tilted her head, her long thick braid falling over her shoulder. Her fingers moved to check the position of the blossom twisted into the end of the plait. Her smile was luminous. Youve not been here before? The question was asked in such a gentle voice that it was almost a statement of fact and not an intrusion on Privacy. I just came in from one of the outer islands. Thats lonely. The woman nodded gently. Lost my canoe in that squall, Killashandra said and began to embroider slightly. Came ashore with nothing to my name but my I.D. She flashed her left wrist at the woman who nodded once again. If youre hungry, Ive fresh fish and greens, and theres whiteroot to make a good fry. No, I couldnt, Killashandra began, even as her mouth was watering. When the woman tilted her head again, a broad smile spreading across her serene features, Killashandra added, But I certainly would appreciate it. My name is Keralaw. My man is mate on the Crescent Moon, been gone four weeks and I do miss company. She rolled her eyes slightly, her grin twisting upward another fraction of an inch so that Killashandra knew very well what Keralaw missed. My name is Carrigana. Killashandra suppressed her amusement; the former owner of that name would be livid at her presumption. Keralaw led her to the back of the shop, through the storage section to the living quarters in the rear: a small catering area, a small toilet room, and a large living room that was open on three sides, screened against the depredations of insects. The furnishings consisted of low tables, many pillows and hammocks secured to bolts in the ceiling. Of the modern accoutrements there was only a small screen, blank, with a fine coating of dust and a very primitive terminal. On the one solid wall hung a variety of spears, their barbed heads differing in design and weight, a small stringed instrument, a hand drum that looked well used, four wooden pipes of different lengths and circumferences, and an ancient tambourine, its trailing ribbons sun-faded to shades of gray and beige. Keralaw led her through this room, out the screened polaroid 3 2 megapixel digital camera door to the rear and to a stone hearth. Checking the position of the sun over her shoulder, Keralaw altered the arrangement of a mirror and a bright metal sheet to her satisfaction and began to arrange the fish and white root on the sheet. Wont be long with the sun right in position. Beer or juice? Island brewed? Best there is. Keralaws smile was proud. She went to the heavy bushes growing beyond the solar hearth and, pushing them aside, disclosed a dull gray container a meter high and half that wide. Lifting its heavy insulated lid, she extracted two beaded bottles. Been a long time dry, Killashandra said, receiving her chilled bottle with considerable anticipation. She flipped back the stopper and took a swallow. Whhhhoooee but its good. And it was the equal of a Yarran! But Killashandra stopped herself from making that comparison aloud just in time, smiling instead at Keralaw. Already the sun was broiling their lunch and the smell was a suitable accompaniment to the taste of the cool beer. Killashandra began to relax. Keralaw tossed the greens into a wooden bowl, slipped two wooden platters to the hearth side, along with two-tined forks and knives with intricately carved handles accentuating the natural dark grain of the wood, and divided the now completed meal. That was what I needed most, Killashandra said, closing her eyes in a sincere appreciation for the simple but satisfying meal. Ive been living too long off the polly tree! Keralaw chuckled fruitily. You and your man farming? Or are you fishing for the gray? Killashandra hesitated, wondering what cover story wouldnt become an embarrassment later. She felt a curious reluctance to mislead Keralaw. Keralaw reached over and touched Killashandras forearm, just the barest touch, her mobile face suddenly expressionless. Dont need to tell me, woman. I been out in the islands and I know what can happen to humans out there. Sometimes the credit aint worth the agony getting it. I wont pry. Her smile returned. Not my place to, anyhow. You picked a good day to land on Angel Island. Schooners making port this evening! It is! Killashandra picked up the cue to wax enthusiastic. Keralaw nodded, pleased to surprise. Beach barbecue and a keg of beer for sure! Thats why the harbors so deserted. She chuckled again, an