A face drifted past, paused for the briefest moment, and moved on. It was enough. Ram gave no outward sign, but felt less alone. Hodak ambled to the bar, where the drinkers greeted him and jovially made room. An hour and several drinks slipped by. Hodak and Ram ignored each other.
A small man in a nondescript tunic sidled up Ram's table.
"Xindral?" He wheezed.
Ram glanced at him and away. He remained silent.
"I have a message for Ram Xindral."
"Give it."
"If you're Xindral, the person you're here to see prefers to meet with you away from his normal place of business. I am to guide you to the meeting. Follow me."
"Name the man who sent you?"
"Drummer."
"Why didn't he come himself?"