him, his belly andgroin seemingly a mass of ecstatically singing nerves. He slumpedagainst Rohyr in the aftermath, arms tight around him.Thesound of harsh breathing and the nigh painful grip on Lassens hipstold him Rohyr had experienced as strong a climax. As did thefleeting surge of heat within his belly and the rivulet of excesssemen that trickled out of his body when he lifted himself offRohyrs shaft. Rohyr pulled him back onto his lap, uncaring of themilky smears on their thighs. They lost themselves in a spate oftender kisses, hands roaming in rightful possessiveness over eachothers bodies.Atlength, Rohyr drew Lassen against him to nestle in his arms, hismates golden head tucked into the crook of his neck.Youwillwin, Las, he whispered. You must. I wont lose you again.Forsome reason, Lassen had the feeling Rohyr was not referring to theirseparation the previous year.ChapterTwenty-FourGauntletAsizable crowd gathered to watch the duel that afternoon. Tyrdesdoing, a disgusted Dylen informed Rohyr when he arrived. It wouldhave been much larger had he and Yovan not ordered a fair number toreturn to their duties.Hesso cocksure of winning he wants as many witnesses to his victory aspossible, Dylen fumed. I wager he would have chosen the GreatField for this were it permissible and invited all Rikara to watch!Shall I have the guards clear the yard?Rohyrkept his temper in check. If there are no outside witnessespresent, Uncle Imcael could accuse us of rigging the fight shouldTyrde lose. Let them stay. But permit no more to enter the grounds. Iwont have this turn into a circus.Lassencame out of the keep with Rohyrs personal confessor. The clericlooked uneasily at the king before crossing the yard to Tyrde whostood at the opposite end with his sire and coterie. Rohyrs mouthtightened but he refused to stoop so low as to deny anyone the chanceto be shriven.Heslipped a protective arm around Lassen when the latter came to hisside, briefly caressing the thick braid into which his mate had boundhis hair.Youcan best him, he murmured. You were a more than able studentand quicker than most besides.Ihad a peerless teacher, Lassen replied, managing a grin.Rohyrforced an answering smile. Just keep your head and remember yourlessons. And whatever happens, dont refuse help from without.When Lassen frowned, he added, This is no game but a fight to thedeath. You cant afford to refuse anything that could gain you anadvantage. Think you Tyrde will stay his hand? He tilted his headin Dylen and Jareths direction. Theyll shield you from anymind tricks he may attempt.Youthink he would?Hespartaken of battle. Hell use anything at his disposal againstyou. Rohyr lowered his voice. I would shield you as well but Ineed to conserve my strength should the worst happen.Whatdo you mean? Just trust me. Please.Lassenlooked searchingly at him. At length, he whispered, With my life.Rohyrcaught him in a tight embrace, letting him go only when Vaerenapproached them. The warrior apologetically asked permission toinspect Lassen for any concealed weapons or protective mail beneathhis clothing. Across the yard, the Citadel guard-captain did the samefor Tyrde.Neitherhelm nor armor was permitted in a rite of challenge duel. The mostprotection combatants could