months after Malkonsdeath, Jubal was all but livid with fury. But already overthrown bythe canny Sivar as principal administrator of two of the richest ofhis familys holdings, he could do little other than vent hisspleen on his unfortunate underlings and stew in impotent rage.ChapterTwenty-FiveMendingRikara,YlandreThegentle creaking of a rocking chair broke the early morning quiet inHirlen Teris apartment. Dylen grinned at his fathers blissfulexpression as he relaxed by the entrance to the small, sun-dappledpatio that adjoined his sitting room, comfortably tucked into the newchair Dylen had purchased for him in Shenze.Wellworth its price,Dylen thought with satisfaction. The craftsmanship wasexcellent,the chair as beautiful as it was sturdy. Its armrests and rockerswere artistically inlaid with iridescent nacre and the woven caneseat and back provided ventilation, a welcome feature during thewarmer days of summer. Hirlen had been most elated upon receivingsuch a handsome present from his son.Itwas now a month and a half since his return from the south, andautumn was coming to an end. He had brought Riodan home, snuglybedded down in a converted coach. The Halvans personal physicianhad accompanied them and ridden with Riodan throughout the shortjourney. Prince Laral had also insisted on an armed escort whosecaptain was gifted with the ability to translocate. This was so Dylenwould not be overly taxed generating a passage back to Ylandre. NowRiodan was recuperating in his parents home.Rohyrsphysician cousin Eiren Sarvan had attended to him at once. His skilland the considerable healing energy he wielded ensured an evenswifter recovery for the young ambassador. Last Dylen had heard,Riodan was already up and about though Eiren had forbidden him toreturn to work, as that would only sap his newly returned strength.Dylenscontentment waned somewhat. Last he had seen Riodan was the weekright after their return when he visited him with Rohyr and Lassen.Gilmael also joined them, and they had not been alone with each otherthe whole visit. Thus, no personal talk beyond Riodans health hadensued.ButRiodan looked at him questioningly several times during the visit.Almost pleadingly, truth be told. Dylen had been at a loss how torespond.Theirstab at reconciliation in Asmara felt unreal. It was almost as if theentire affair had been one incredible dream. Their one torrid nighttogether was particularly disturbing to Dylen for he feared he hadreopened himself too much, too soon to Riodan. He simply was not sureif he was ready to resume the deep, all-consuming relationship hedshared with him.Dylensighed. There lay the rub. Would he ever be willing to be consumed bylove again? He had allowed it to happen once and look where it gothim. Nay, he scolded himself. He had to put the past behind him.Otherwise, he would not know the peace of heart and mind and soulthat came with letting hurts and ill will go. Peace such as he hadknown from the moment he agreed to call Riodan his friend once more.That peace had lasted until he overheard Guyon Baraths venomousaspersions on his character and thereasonsfor his unsuitability as a friend to Riodan.Ithad hurt deeply though he refused to let Guyon see it. It hurtbecause it was true, and much as Dylen loathed thinking about