But local coral gems were lovely, nonetheless. Because of the hazards and expense of containment, the gems did not support much of an off-world export market, given the more viable alternative of soostones from Buzzell. Coral gems were said to hold tiny living creatures that caused their inner fires to dance and simmer. These precious stones, found in knobby coral reefs, were popular pieces on Caladan, but perilous to handle. The two of them descended the narrow cliffside path and staircase, holding on to rails and vaulting weathered steps, avoiding the slippery moss and the white encrustations of salty spray. Rhombur soaked up the experience of water and wind and sun, smiling. The Prince of Ix stood at the bow while Leto worked the controls. They are what they are, and I can't hate them for it.' Do you think they've ever held the Orange Catholic Bible? It's not their fault. 'The children can't help who they are, Paulus - they didn't ask to be born there, raised there, exposed to anything but proper teachings. Unsettled, Leto crept away, his question forgotten, without waiting to see how soon they extinguished the lights. 'Is your wife's leg better, Jerrik? Did you finish the roof on your smoke shed, Dom?' Rhombur watched Leto treat these people as friends while they loaded the gear. Servants packed them a lunch while three mariner assistants checked all the onboard systems in preparation for a day-long voyage. 'It's about time you started to earn your keep around here.' We can dive without air tanks.' He slapped Rhombur on the back. Then we can go diving.' He opened a compartment and withdrew a sack and a small spatulaknife for each of them. 'We'll anchor about half a kilometer away so we don't risk ripping open the hull. If you've never had paradan fresh from the sea, you're in for a taste treat.though the fruit's a bit salty for me.' 'If you want one, just reach over the side and take it. Looking overboard, Rhombur saw rafts of leathery-leafed seaweed and round gourdlike fruits that held up the plants like air bladders.

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