a small bundle.HisMajesty desires your sons comfort, he said. This is bettersuited for our journey than the cape hes wearing.Mithreunfolded the bundle to reveal a brown and black cloak. Of finestwool, it was light despite its thickness. Mithre softly thanked theenyranlord and slung the cloak over his arm, briefly pondering whattravelling by translocation entailed that a warm mantle was advisableon a summer day.Meanwhile,Lassen saw his things bestowed on board the baggage wain in whichsundry items of varying shapes and sizes were ensconced. Most weregifts from Tal Ereqs neighbors to Rohyr, given in the hope ofpredisposing him to their petitions. But there were a few purchasesby members of the delegation. Several beautifully crafted basketsfrom Mithres shop shared space with vividly hued sedyranwindow and wall hangings and two capacious garden urns made from thedeep russet clay found only inthispart of Ylandre.WhenLassen came to him, Dael wordlessly hugged him, burying his face inhis sons fair locks. When would he hold his youngest again,breathe in his scent, or look into his eyes and hear his laughter?Lassenreluctantly withdrew from his embrace. Turning to face Mithre, hestarted when his father reached for the ties at his throat, pulledoff his cape and handed it to Yuilan. Mithre draped the cloak overLassens shoulders. Lassen glanced down at the rich garment insurprise as Mithre fastened it at the neck.Tisfrom the Ardan, Mithre explained. A fine gift, dont youagree?Lassenswallowed and nodded. Ill do my best to make you proud of me,he said in a quavering voice.Oh,my child, Mithre whispered, pulling him into his arms.Atlast, he let Lassen go and led him to Rohyr. The king looked thehushed family over.Itsno easy matter to travel to Rikara by land, he said. Nonetheless,youre welcome to come whenever you wish to see Lassen. Heconsidered the youth thoughtfully. And it can be arranged for himto visit you on occasion.TheIdanas expressions brightened somewhat. Struggling to smile andhold back his tears at the same time, Lassen stepped away from hisfamily. He looked at Rohyr expectantly.Rohyrgestured to his steed. You will ride with me.Lassenblew his breath out then hauled himself onto the great beastsback. Rohyr swiftly mounted behind him.Thedelegations departure drew an even larger crowd than itswell-attended arrival. Folk thronged the main street all the way fromthe town hall to the main gate, strewing the way with sprigs of snowyroyal holly, emblem of the Ylandrin ruling family, and clusters ofbutter-hued bellflowers, the symbol of farewell.Lassenblinked back his tears and managed to smile at friends he spottedalong the way. But when the riders traversed the short distance fromtown gate to wide plain beyond, he looked back and espied his familyranged along the rampart, faces strained as they strove not to weepwhile he could still see them. A sob caught in his throat.Rohyrreined in his mount, bringing the rest to a sudden halt, and turnedthe zentyr about until they faced the town. Recognizing theopportunity Rohyr had given him, Lassen gazed long at his parents andbrothers, doing his best to smile brightly at them. At last, heraised his hand in farewell, then averted his face as tears slid downhis cheeks. He did not