or I would havebeen apprised of it by now.Thenit was a sudden move on their part, Yovan surmised. And theycounted on the distance and isolation of eastern Velarus coupled withthe dearth of translocation adepts in the region to keep news of itfrom reaching us too soon. They did not foresee Vaeren sympathizingwith the Velarusians.Butwhat in heyasdo they hope to gain by it? Keosqe wondered.Rohyrfrowned. What indeed? Kes, have Tyrde explain his actions. Make itclear that we require his answer within the day. Ill contact UncleImcael myself. He looked at the Elders. If Qimaras and Anju cangive me no good cause for it, I will have the blockade liftedimmediately.Thetwo glanced uncertainly at Lassen. His smile assured them that theunspoken order for Imcael and his son to cease and desist was as goodas done, Rohyrs diplomatic wording notwithstanding. Relieved, theElders thanked the king profusely. Following tradition, they alsotendered Rohyr a gift of appreciationan exquisitely crafted broochdepicting the four-rayed Star of Veres.Whilethe Elders were ushered out of the chamber, Lassen also took leave ofthe king that he might keep them company before they left thecapital.Iexpect to see more of you this eve, Las-min.ShallI go to your rooms? Lassen softly inquired. Rohyr murmured, Nay,await me in yours.** * *Lassenslipped out of the bed and went to the bathing chamber. He relievedhimself then washed away the milky rivulet that trickled down theinside of his legs. The slight tenderness between his thighs and amild twinge in his rear told of a night of indulgence.Rohyrhad been insatiable. Lassen perforce pleaded rawness and offered himhis arse instead. Whereupon Rohyr took him twice more before he wasfinally relieved of the surfeit of tension that had manifested itselfin his sexual voraciousness. Rohyr had meant it when he said long agothat Lassen would be his haven from the problems and pressures ofrulership.Herevealed one of those vexations just before slumber took them.Tyrdewas flexing his muscles and Imcael didnt see fit to discourage himfrom doing so, he said as they rested after their last torridbout.Lassenlifted his head from Rohyrs shoulder and peered at him. Youvecommunicated with Imcael?Rohyrnodded. Of course, he couched the admission in fair words,claiming Tyrde was only reminding the Velarusians that Anju isntto be trifled with. Why they thought your people needed reminding, hedeclined to explain. And Tyrde was swift enough with his apology aswell. Keosqes emissary waited only for the length of time it tookfor Tyrde to compose his reply before returning here. He sighed inexasperation. If they wanted attention, they certainly got it,though Veres knows there are less offensive ways of going about it.Neither Imcael nor Tyrde could believe that I would countenance sucha course of action once word of it reached me.Butif they knew you wouldnt condone it, why did they proceed?Lassen pursed his lips. A test?Rohyrsmiled humorlessly. Of the limits of my tolerance now that Tyrdeis come to his title. Imcael and his sons are my closest kin whostand in line to the throne. Yet I feel no great affinity with any ofthem as I do with the others, or even Tenryon or Riodan. I shouldlove my sires only