Riodan said through gritted teeth. That was a longtime ago. Yet this hethardared come to your home to ask for a favor, Guyon commented,hisfrown deepening. Whence his gall? Or was there more to youracquaintance than a mere evenings entertainment that he feelsentitled to such familiarity with you?Ofcourse not!Dylenfroze at the vehement response. He stared speechlessly at Riodan.Idont have the faintest notion why he came here, Riodan flatlysaid. I was kind and generous that night. I suppose he thoughtthat sufficient reason to dare seek my help now.Thennothing untoward happened between the two of you? Guyon pressed.Nothing to give him reason to feel entitled to your assistance?Riodansnapped, All right, I admit I had him that night. I was curiousand had a bit too much to drink, and he was one of the hetharewho entertained us and, well, that ispart of their services. But that was all there was to it. Really,Guyon, think you I would carry on with someone below me in station?Dylencould not believe his ears. Better that Riodan had stabbed and guttedhim. The pain of it would not compare to the agony he now felt. Hestared in anguished incredulity at Riodan until the latter loweredhis eyes. But though apparently discomfited by hisdeclaration,Riodan did not retract it.Guyonsfrown vanished. I suppose were I in my cups as well I wouldntpass up the opportunity either. He smirked. So, how was he?Colorrose in Riodans cheeks. What do you expect? he muttered.Theres a reason their talents are usually extolled.Thedam of Dylens restraint finally broke.Iwas so wrong about you, he spat. Youre nothing more than acraven, status seeking upstart. Just like your sire.Riodanpaled but said nothing. Affronted, Theron bellowed to the servant whowaited outside the door. Throw this scoundrel out!Theretainer obeyed. He grabbed Dylen by the arm and tried to drag himaway. But Dylen turned so fierce a glare on him that he let go andstepped back in alarm.Thatincensed Theron even more. I ordered you to get him out! hethundered. Nay! Riodan shouted. Theres no need to useforce, Aba!He looked entreatinglyatDylen and said, Dylen, please. Dylen stared back at him icily.Oh,Ill go peacefully, Dylen replied, his voice silky soft yetlaced with such contempt Riodan visibly flinched and even Theron wasrendered speechless. I dont make it a habit of forcing myselfwhere Im not welcome. I bid you farewell, Riodan Leyhar, but Icant wish you joy or fair fortune.Heturned on his heel and strode out of the room, head held high andshoulders proud and straight. He did not look back.ChapterElevenMeetingDylenonly half-heartedly readied himself for work. Try as he might, hecould not put from his mind the heartache and disillusionment of hismeeting with Riodan barely a sennight past. Nor could he forget thathis former lovernay, his treacherous erstwhile friend!had leftfor his first major posting abroad. And that posting had spurred notonly Riodans denial of everything that had been between him andDylen, but also his refusal to give aid. There lay the crux ofDylens anger.Thefirst he could understand however bitter it was to swallow, but thesecond was beyond comprehension. Hirlen had taken Riodan under hiscare all those years ago, opening his house