a grin at his parents reaction to Keiransappearance. Reijirs brother shared his coal-black hair, highcheekbones and verdant, almond-shaped eyes. But Keiran was not astall as Reijir and his features were sweeter; almost like the nativefemales of old. There was also the faintest trace of effeminacy inhis movements though he was neither weak nor soft.Areyou planning a reunion, Roh? Aeldan inquired.Hissurprise was understandable. Keiran and Rysander were not the firstof Rohyrs inner circle to journey to the estate. Zykriel hadarrived the night before saying Gilmael would follow while Eiren wasalready a few days into his latest visit to check on Lassenshealth.Rohyrsmiled as he settled beside Lassen. In a manner of speaking.Ranael should arrive any moment now and Dylen, Keosqe and Uncle Yovanwill join us this afternoon at the latest.Reijiras well, Keiran added, motioning to Ruomi to pull up a chair andsit at his side. He and Jareth will travel together. I expecttheyll be here by midday.Thebrethren glanced at each other then looked curiously at Rohyr. AreTenryon and Shino joining us, too? Ashrian asked. Eventually.Whatabout Riodan?Rohyrshook his head. He left a fortnight ago to take up his new postingin Qatare. It would be imprudent to recall him so suddenly so soon.AndUncle Imcael? Rysander inquired.Keiransnorted. Since when have we longed for his company? Aeldandryly smiled. I presume Tyrde wasnt invited either.Youpresume correctly, Dan, Rohyr said. He curled a protective armaround Lassen. I shall explain my reasons when the others arrive.Suffice to say its a matter of great import to me and therefore toYlandre as well.Howintriguing, Keiran declared. Youre not planning to haveTyrde assassinated, are you?WhileDael and Mithre nearly choked on their teas, Rysander threw acranapple at Keiran. Ruomi neatly fielded it.Youllscandalize Lassens parents if you dont school your tongue,Rohyr mildly chided. And, nay, Im not about to commit parricideand mariticide in one stroke.Muchas you wish you could, Keiran quipped. What? he asked when areproving Ruomi nudged him. I was merely stating the truth.Kei...Rohyr murmured in the long-suffering tone they all tended to use withtheir irrepressible cousin.Aeldanchuckled and said, Whatever it is youre planning, you have oursupport. May we tell Abaand Adda?Butof course. I can hardly leave them out when theyve been sohospitable and supportive. Rohyr gestured toward the breathtakingview. This is just what Eirenrecommendedfor Lassens recovery.Havingalways travelled around his kingdom on a regular basis to ensure thathe knew firsthand much of the goings on among his subjects, Rohyr nowused that habit to his advantage. Only Vaeren Henaz and thehandpicked warriors of the Ardans personal guard accompanied himon his sojourns abroad. No word escaped them regarding his side tripsto an unassuming coastal town in Glanthars southernmost reaches.Pelmorthwas many leagues distant from Glanthars seaside capital of Evinorand the estate in which Rohyr had secreted Lassen was the smallest ofthe Mithani properties and also the most remote. But it was thisseclusion that made it a perfect retreat for Lassen as he awaited theadvent of Rohyrs son and heir. So far down the rung ingeopolitical importance was Pelmorth that it was the last place Tyrdeor Imcael would think to look should they get it into their headsthat Rohyr was