medical mission in Arvalde, on the behest of the royal family of...Sarmatia I think. Aron shook his head. He wont return toYlandre for anything less than a summons from the Ardan himself.ThenI shall find someone with close ties to the Ardan, Dylen decided.Aron stared at him. To what purpose?Tosecure an audience with him.Youwould dare ask Rohyr Essendri to send for his cousin? Aron asked,shocked. I will dare anything! Dylen declared. This is myaddaslife at stake!Assoon as a skeptical Aron departed, Dylen entered his bedroom andgrabbed his cloak. After flinging it on, he brought out his jewelrycase. From a small compartment he took out a mantle clasp.Hestared long at the leaping delphinid on the clasp, a name inscribedin the ancient Naeren alphabet just above the engraving. Finally, heclosed his fingers tightly around the precious piece.** * *Hehad no trouble locating the Leyhar residence in the affluent northdistrict. Riodan had pointed out the house when Dylen walked homewith him from the University one late afternoon. After dropping bythe Seralye to inform Zarael that he would be absent that evening, hehailed a coach plying the main avenue and headed north.Inthis section of Rikara where the majority of the capitals uppercrust resided, the houses tended to be large and multi-levelled withspacious lawns in back and high elaborate rail fencing in front. Buttypical of most Ylandrin city or town homes, there were no gardens orgates out front. Main entrances opened right onto the street, usuallywith a porch or stoop leading up to the door. The Leyhar abode was nodifferent though it was obviously a cut above many of its neighborsin size and costliness.Thehouse was well lighted, and a number of carriages were parked alongthe street fronting it. That meant the Leyhars were entertainingtonight. No matter, Dylen thought. His need was too great to be setaside for mere propriety.Aliveried servant responded to the sharp rap of the heavy doorknocker.He was quite taken aback by the cloaked and hooded figure at thedoorstep. In his haste, Dylen had notbotheredto exchange his long-sleeved, collarless undershirt for a regularshirt nor had he donned a tunic. He now hid his state of dishabilleunder his cloak.Iwish to see Riodan Leyhar, he announced in as authoritative avoice as he could muster.LookingDylen over doubtfully, the servant asked, Who shall I say asks forhim? Dylen did not give the Deir his name but instead said,Leyhar-tyartold me to seekhimshould I need his help. He held up the cloak clasp. He said toshow this as proof of his bidding.Hehanded the ornament to the servant.TheDeir stared at the gleaming piece in some awe. Markedly morecourteous, he bade Dylen to enter. He ushered him up the stairs andled him to a large parlor.Iseem to have intruded on a party, Dylen murmured apologetically ashe was shown into the predominantly grey-hued room.Itsa dinner in honor of Master Riodan, the servant answered, unableto resist imparting his knowledge of the households affairs. Hesleaving tomorrow for his first posting. As Ylandres Ambassador toTehara.Dylensmiled with genuine pleasure. Thats wonderful! It sayssomething about his abilities that hes been entrusted with such asensitive assignment.Theservant looked at him with interest.