he exited the restaurant, looking morebeautiful than Dylen remembered. The sight of him had nearly stolenDylens breath away. He had stayed in the shadows of theneighboring building and eagerly watched Riodan as he walked by.Hedclearly been the center of his partys attention. That hadgladdened Dylen for, if the company he kept was any indication,Riodan had risen in importance in society. All his companions wererichly attired as befitted scions of upper crust families. And mostbore the mantle clasp of the diplomatic corps with its graven imageof a leaping delphinid similar to the one Riodan had inadvertentlyleft behind when he departed the Teris abode. It was Dylens mostprized keepsake.Thetemptation to greet Riodan had been almost overwhelming. But Dylendeterminedly fought the impulse. After convincing Riodan of thenecessity of keeping their affair a secret, he could hardly be theone to now put his lover in an awkward position.Awell-born Deir could address and even be cordial with a socialinferior if he so chose. It was seen as a sign of graciousness bymost. But the reverse was considered highly improper. For alesser-born Deir to initiate public contact with a member of theupper class bespoke a familiarity that went beyond the typicallimited interaction that might take place between Deira of disparatesocial classes. Such behavior almost always stirred curiosity androused suspicion. Dylen did not wish to subject Riodan to potentiallydamaging scrutiny by his peers.Thus,he had remained hidden and contented himself with ascertaining thathis lover was hale and happy. He also kept the incident to himselfrather than reap the results of his fathers optimism. Much as heappreciated Hirlens attempts to keep his hopes and spiritsup,there were times the effort to respond in similar fashion took toomuch out of him and he avoided such discussions as much as he could.Discouragedby Dylens reticence, Hirlen announced that he was for his bed androse from the couch. As he took a step away, he lurched forwardslightly. Dylen was on his feet in a flash and caught him by the arm.Hirlen grimaced then righted himself. He slowly made his way aroundthe couch and headed for his bedroom.Dylenfrowned. Your limp seems to be growing worse, Adda.Actually,its getting better, Hirlen assured him. My leg no longeraches as much and only feels numb sometimes.Numb?Dylens frown deepened. How odd. I really think you ought to seea physician.What,for something as trivial as a sprain? Hirlen scoffed.Isit a sprain? I sometimes wonder whether it was the limp that causedyou to fall that time and not the other way around, Dylensuggested.Hirlensnorted. Ah, that is nonsense, Dy. I am perfectlyDylencried out as his fathers leg suddenly gave out under him. Hirlenfell heavily to the floor.Adda!Dylen hurried to his side and dropped to his knees beside him. Areyou hurt? he anxiously asked, helping Hirlen up to a sittingposition.Hirlendid not speak at first but sat there panting slightly. Finally helooked up, his face quite pale. His eyes were wide withconsternation.Icant move my leg, he whispered. Saints above, I cant evenfeel it! Dylen stared at him, his anxiety blossoming into dread.Tarqin!he bellowed.Hisshout easily roused their retainer whose quarters were just below thestairs. The elderly Deir came up