Malkon is behind the recent problems in traderelations between Ylandre and Asmara, he said.Thatis correct.Andwe must tread carefully because he is wed to Amirs son. Yes.Butwhy me? Dylen asked. It makes sense to send Riodanhesproved his mettle as a diplomat. But Im untried whereas Gil hasany number of seasoned agents at his beck and call. Not to mentionfar more competent than I.Hardlymore competent, Rohyr demurred. It was you who helped uncoverno less than three instances of burgeoning disaffection amongst theleast suspected of the nobility.Minorachievements, Dylen said dismissively.Onthe contrary, Rohyr countered. Disaffection can easily evolveinto insurrection if not nipped in the bud. Besides, you displayed aknack for discerning the beginnings of the problems before theydeveloped into serious threats. And you have a great talent forgetting people to open up. Pardon the term, Dy, but you virtuallyseduced them into talking.Thosewere local cases, Dylen protested. This involves internationalrelations best left in a diplomats hands.Buta diplomats hands can be tied in ways an agents are not,Gilmael interjected. Rio will be constrained by his positioninsofar as discovering what Malkon is about. But hell be theshield behind which you can act as you see fit.Whichdoesnt explain why you want me to accompany him, Dylenretorted. Besides, how do you propose to explain to the Halvanswhy your adjutant is part of a supposedly diplomatic mission?Wouldnt it be better to covertly seed Rios team with agentsrather than openly have someone from Intelligence in it?Rohyrraised a hand to forestall the spate of questions.Itsmy prerogative to send who I want where I want, and no one canquestion my reasons, he reminded Dylen. But, if you feel a needfor one, its because you arelargely untried. Why shouldnt I desire my only brother to gainmore experience abroad? And wouldnt that allay suspicions onMalkons part about the real intent of this mission? Save for yourkinship to me, little is known about you even in Rikara itself. Notyour stealth or your skill at extracting information or your talentin the mind-arts. Malkon wont be on his guard and Amir will beflattered that I esteem him highly enough to sendmyown brother to his kingdom for his very first mission abroad. Helocked gazes with Dylen. Any more objections?Dylenglared back but only shook his head. Rohyr smiled faintly then lookedat the others. We are agreed on this then, he declared. Whencan they leave, Gil?Nolater than a sennight, Gilmael promptly replied. Very good,Rohyr said. You may go. Except you, Dy.Dylenseated himself once more, eyeing Rohyr warily as he did. The Ardanwaited until the others had left the chamber. He looked at Dylen,studying him until the latter began to scowl.Whydid you ask me to stay, Ardan-tyar?he stiffly asked. Rohyr sighed at the use of his title. Youredispleased.Ihave no right to be. Dy, please...Dylenleaned forward, eyes flashing with hurt. Why did you do this? Youknow what came of our previous association. Rohyr, I trusted you!AndI havent broken your trust. Havent you? Dylenchallenged.Doyou hate him that much? Rohyr said instead.Thequestion rendered Dylen speechless. He abruptly stood and walked tothe windows. For a long while, he stared out, viewing stately MountSarak in the distance. When he