thewaitingcrowd and wrinkled his nose at the wealth and influence trumpeted bysome in the richness of their clothing and accoutrements. A few weremore expensively attired than the king. Struggling to banish a waveof homesickness, Lassen followed Rohyr into the Citadel.Hardlyhad they swept past the doors when retainers hurried to take theircloaks. Rohyr and his cousins and uncles briskly peeled off theirriding gloves while they walked, the servants keeping apace torelieve them of the items.Justbeyond the entrance was a brightly lit octagonal hall with a domedceiling. A circular span of stained glass comprised the centermostportion of the ceiling and through it sunlight streamed invaricolored luminosity. Lassen curiously studied the shimmeringpattern cast on the middle of the white stone floor. It was astylized map of Ylandre.Tothe rear he saw a curving flight of stairs flanked by bronze andmarble balustrades. As he ascended the stairs, Lassen realized thatthe basic design of the Citadel was much like a traditional Ylandrinhouse. He recalled that the complex had been built first and foremostas a home for its residents despite its vastness and politicalsignificance.Uponreaching the upper floor, they proceeded down a lengthy gallery witha soaring ceiling hung with many elaborately wrought lamps. To theleft was a mural-covered wall chronicling the great exodus of theirancient forebears from their dying world and their taming andcolonization of Aisen, including the events of the Inception. Lassenturned his gaze aside, scandalized by a graphically detaileddepiction of the sanctioned seduction of an aboriginal male by thealien colonist upon whom he would beget the next generation.Thetapestry-hung wall to his right gave way to a series of mullionedfloor-to-ceiling glass paned windows. They overlooked the northdistrict of Rikara with its elegant homes, manicured lawns and parks,sparkling streams and the least congested portion of the Azira. Thequays were well-kept in comparison to the crowded docks in the lessaffluent south district.Enthralledby the spectacular view, Lassen almost did not realize their passagethrough another doorway. This one opened to an immense, elegantlyappointed chamber, a little longer than it was wide. Lassen caughthis breath when he saw the high-backed chair at the far end of thechamber perched on a low dais. Artfully inlaid with gold and silver,the chair was wrought of heavy nahra, a rare wood so dark in color itwas almost black. On its cushioned seat rested an ivory staff tippedwith a white-silver falcon with eyes of bluish adamant. Thus didLassen get his first glimpse of the ancient throne of the Ylandrinmonarchs and the priceless sceptre of Rikara.Rohyrand his relations were immediately engaged in talk about courtmatters. Lassen alone of the party was idle. Feeling quite lost andself-conscious, he furtively looked about the great chamber. Hestarted visibly when Rohyr gripped his shoulder and drew him near,sliding his hand down to Lassens waist in a proprietary manner.Lassenmanaged to still his trembling as Rohyr introduced him. Thoughobviously shocked, the courtiers acknowledged him, most dipping theirheads in respect. Some sought proof of his installation as the kingsparamour. A few betrayed consternation and disappointment upon seeinghis lemans earring.Ientrust Idana-dyharto your care, Rohyr said to a small group of servants. Hearing thehigh honorific, Lassen glanced at Rohyr