needs to if you vouch forhim.Dylenshook his head, Just the refreshments, Keon. No more, no less.Keon shrugged. As you wish.** * *Assoon as the attendant who brought in the refreshments left theparlor, Dylen settled himself on the couch beside Riodan. He servedhis friend wine and spiced haronuts. There were also crisp vegetablefritters, slivers of fried boar meat with the rind left on, and rawshellfish drizzled with a piquant herb sauce. Riodan appreciativelytasted each dish, his dark eyes gleaming with pleasure at thetoothsome delicacies. Dylen had to smile at his guileless demeanor.So,did you watch the play alone? he asked after taking a sip of hiswine. Nay, Ithan came with me.Dylenfrowned. Riodan had made the acquaintance of a number of schoolmatessince he started at the University but none he yet counted as closefriends. Save perhaps for Ithan Soleri. He was the only one Riodanhad introduced to Dylen, and the meeting had not been intended butcame by way of a chance encounter on the street. Ithan was only a fewmonths older than Riodan and was studying to be a banker like hissire. He did not share many classes with the young Sidonan. Still,Riodan spent more time in Ithans company than any of his otherschoolmates.Ihope you always maintain some caution with him, Dylen warned.Riodanleaned back, his expression one of amusement. Hes never made anoverture of any kind. I think youre mistaken about him.Idont think so. Ive seen that look in his eyes many a timeamongst the Seralyes guests.Well,even if he does feel some attraction toward me, it wont matter ifhe knows I dont feel likewise toward him.Butdoes he know? Have you made it clear that all you desire isfriendship? Ive never given him any indication that I wishfor more.Whichcould easily be construed as mere hesitation to go one step further,Dylencountered.Ithan didnt strike me as particularly sensitive to subtlety.Riodanlooked at him disbelievingly. And you picked all that up in thespan of one short meeting.Dylenhesitated, unsure how to explain the source of his misgivings aboutIthan without revealing too much. He liked Riodan and thought him atrustworthy person, but there were certain secrets he did not feelcomfortable sharing with anyone other than his father. Perhaps hewould eventually tell Riodan, but now was not yet the time.Oneshort meeting with any guest can spell the difference between apleasant evening and a harrowing one, he finally said. I justwant you to be prudent.Iam! Really, you shouldnt worry so about me. Riodan pouted.Besides, Im not that much younger than you.Inyears, Dylen agreed. But, in experience, theres much I haveseen that I hope you never will.Ithought your club master protected you, Riodan gibed.Zaraeldoes his best, Dylen shot back a shade reproachfully. Hesvery careful but even he can be fooled by a kind demeanor now andthen. Not every guest Ive entertained proved as benevolent as theylooked.Yourenot saying... Riodan paled. Veres! Have you been?Dylenplaced a reassuring hand on Riodans arm. Nay, though Ivecome close enough times to make me wary of new guests. And I knowhetharewho werent so lucky, rare as those cases have been. Rape is notlimited in place or victims.Riodanshuddered slightly, probably remembering his