view of an audience.Dyhar,he managed to say without stammering too much. You may prefer tocome inside. He indicated the onlookers.Rohyrregarded the growing crowd disinterestedly but nodded in assent.Dismounting, he motioned to the two riders Mithre had noticed toaccompany him.Mithreled the way up to the second floor and ushered them into the sittingroom then hurried to Lassens chamber. He barged in, saying nothingto his startled son, but hastened to the couch and leaned over Lassento look out the window. He pulled back abruptly upon espying fourmounted warriors stationed in the narrow dirt lane running betweenthe houses and the buildings in back.Nohope of flight now. Rohyrs soldiers were watching every entrywayand window, cutting off all means of escape.Adda,whats wrong? Lassen worriedly asked.Mithreexhaled in frustration. He knelt before his son and took his handsbetween his own.Rohyrhas found us.Lassendrew a sharp breath and his eyes widened. He looked almost wildly atthe door.Where?Thesitting room.Cantwe slip out?Nay,were surrounded. Theres no eluding him now.Lassenstared dumbly at him for several seconds. I cant do this, hefinally gasped. He mustnt see me! He will know andAsoft knock on the door cut him off. They looked at each otherfearfully. Attempting to reassure Lassen with a smile, Mithre went tothe door and opened it. The younger of Rohyrs two companions stoodthere. He glanced from Mithre to Lassen apologetically.Pleaseforgive the interruption but tis not wise to keep the Ardanwaiting much longer, he quietly warned them. His temper wontget any sweeter.Lassengot to his feet. He flushed when he saw the Deir glance at hisabdomen then quickly avert his eyes. He self-consciously pulled athis loose tunic to keep it from clinging to his slightly roundedbelly. Coming to the door, he paused.Howstrange to meet you here again of all places, Vaidon-tyar,he murmured. Last I saw you was two years ago when Rohyr named youJareths aide. He seems to have kept both of you very busy foreither of you to so seldom visit court since.Yandronodded respectfully. Weve been abroad more oft than home.Lassen remarked, The Ardan underwrote your university education.At thesurprisedlift of Yandros eyebrows, he added, He told me about you. Hesaid that Keiran Arthanna had recommended you for royal patronage.Im glad their faith in you has been well rewarded.Yandrofaintly smiled. And I wish I could help you stall for more time,Dyhar.But, verily, youd best meet the Ardan without further delay.Lassenfell silent then nodded and made his way to the sitting room. Hetried to ignore the dull ache that flared once more inside him. Whenhe reached the room, Jareth stepped out as if on cue. He gestured toLassen to enter. But when Mithre attempted to follow, he smoothlybarred the way.Rohyrwishes to speak to Lassen alone, he softly informed Mithre.Inside,Lassen hesitated to move away from the door, his eyes riveted on theDeir he had thought he would never see again. Starved for a glimpseof his lover, he thought Rohyr more handsome than he remembered.Rohyr, likewise, looked him over, his eyes growing colder by thesecond.WhenLassen finally noticed the icy appraisal, he reflexively folded hisarms to partially obscure his no longer taut belly. He timorouslyapproached Rohyr where he stood by the