with a slight frown. Sincewhendida mere commoner of no esteemed profession merit such deference?Granted he wasgentlybred and had been taught to comport himself properly. But he was notan important member of the court and it felt inappropriate to betreated as if he were.Ata gesture from Rohyr, an elderly Deir stepped forward. His warm smilesoothed Lassens strained nerves.Thisis Josel, Rohyr fondly said. He has been in my familysservice since his youth and had a hand in raising me from my infancyonwards. He chuckled. And a firm hand he needed with me, Iconfess.Youwere more gamesome than most, Rohyr-dyhar,Josel agreed, his eyes twinkling.Lassensmiled at the familiarity with which the old servant addressed theArdan and the endearing scapegrace grin Rohyr flashed his erstwhilecaregiver.Joselwill take good care of you, Rohyr told him. You need onlyinform him of anything you need. He looked at the waitingcourtiers and sighed. Go with him. Mayhap I shall find time tojoin you tonight.Lassenobeyed and followed Josel out of the chamber. Glancing back, he sawthat Rohyr was once more embroiled in court matters. An unexpectedsurge of indignation on the Ardans behalf overcame him.Thesepeople did not seem to care that their king was newly arrived from along sojourn abroad and might wish to rest awhile before taking upthe reins of active governance once more. Sympathy for Rohyr followedon the heels of his ire.Rohyrglanced up and met his gaze. A small smile curved his mouth. Lassenfelt the now familiar flutter in his belly. Managing a nervous smilein reply, he turned and hurried after Josel.ChapterFiveNoviceTheremust be a mistake.Doorafter door bore the insignia of a member of the royal family. Theheavy door at the far end of the corridor displayed the unmistakablecrest of the Ardan of Ylandre.Thereis no mistake, Dyhar,Josel replied.Butthis is the royal residential wing, isnt it? Lassen protested.Im not a member of the royal family. I dont belong here.Onthe contrary, its customary for the Ardans leman to abidehere, the old retainer assured him.Lassensubsided into stunned silence.Alongthe way, Josel pointed out the one other apartment currently keptready for occupancy. But Rohyrs uncle preferred to stay at histownhouse in the city proper and seldom stayed over at the Citadel.Lassen was relieved that he would not have to constantly encounterthe dour, openly disdainful Herun.Itmust be lonely to live here, he mused. With both his parents gone andhis kinsfolk rarely in residence, Rohyr lived by himself in luxuriousisolation. Well, not any longer, Lassen thought when he walked intothe elegantly appointed apartment that would be his home. It wascomposed of three adjoining chambersa spacious sitting room, asleeping chamber with a balcony overlooking the gardens and a privatebathing room with its own commode. This last had Lassen shaking hishead.Latrineswere generally located outside residences. To have a commode deepwithin a building and in an upper story bespoke elaborate and costlyplumbing the likes of which was not within the reach of simpler folk.To the country bred youth, it was a nigh unbelievable extravagance.Onlyin this wing was the plumbing designed to accommodate indoor privies.For the security and convenience of the royal family and theirguests, Josel clarified. And it also eases the work of thehousehold