couch beneath thewindow, Lassen was paler than Mithre liked. And the occasional wincethat crossed his features added to his fathers anxiety. Mithreknew, however, that physical pain was not solely responsible for hissons low spirits. The strain of exile and the resulting separationfrom the sire of the child he carried was wearing him down bit byagonizing bit.Toooften in the past month had Mithre come upon him lost in thought whenhe was not preoccupied with his chores. Staring at nothing and noone, his eyes would moisten and he would look lost and listless. Hehad also not gained the requisite weight necessary for the last stageof gestation. Consequently, he looked too thin, his now overlyprominent cheekbones and the dark shadows under his eyes making hisface seem almost gaunt.Areyou in pain again? Mithre gently asked.Lassenshook his head. A twinge now and then. What did he say?Thatwe need not worry, Mithre replied. But we are to call himforthwith should the pain worsen or the incidents become morefrequent.Youdont believe him, do you?Mithresighed. He thinks hes right. He sat on the edge of the couchand rubbed his sons legs comfortingly. Still, Ive beenthinking that perhaps twould be prudent for us to move somewherewith better medical facilities or at least more experiencedphysicians. We can return here once youve birthed.Doyou think it that serious?Idont know enough to make an informed opinion. Best we play itsafe.Ishall abide whatever you decide, Lassen replied. After a moment,he added, Im so sorry for involving you, Adda.Twas foolish of me not to consider all the repercussions of havingthis child.Nonsense,Mithre briskly said. How could I ever resent caring for you? Hewatched as his son slid a lean hand down to his slightly distendedbelly,spreadinghis fingers protectively over it. Pangs of apprehension smote Mithre.If Lassen lost this last link to Rohyr... Mithre shoved his fearsaside and forced himself to speak cheerfully.Restwhilst I go to the apothecary. Falan prescribed something for yourdiscomfort. Let us hope tis more helpful than he is.Hehurried down the stairs and out the front door and almost barrelledinto the zentyr that had inexplicably planted itself in his way.Cursing, he glanced up and froze.Imust commend you, Mithre Idana, Rohyr sarcastically remarked. Helooked the small row house over, one of the dozen that lined the mainroad. Seldom have I had to give chase longer than a few daysbefore overtaking my prey.Theswirling dust kicked up by his companys zentyra as they cantereddown the road was still in evidence. Mithre nervously looked theArdans entourage over. He immediately recognized their captain.Vaeren Henaz nodded his acknowledgement with curt civility. Mithrecould not fault him given how he and Lassen had deceived the officer.Beneath three of the five other riders cloaks, he descriedmilitary livery. But the remaining two were attired similarly toRohyr, a subtle sophistication underlying the simplicity of theirclothing. The sympathetic look the older of the pair gave Mithre didlittle to calm his suddenly strident nerves.Meanwhile,the neighbors began to gather a safe distance away, many gesturing incuriosity toward Rohyr who had kept the hood of his cloak up toobscure his identity. Nonetheless, Mithre did not wish to deal withan irate king in full