on the eve of Dyraels binding to Keldon Essendri,Dylen replied. Only months separate us then. Rohyr narrowed hiseyes. Yet in all these yearsyounever approached either him or me. Why?Dylentactfully ignored the Ardans challenging tone. Wherefore? TheArdis came to my father in secret, wishing to play the sword beforehe was forever relegated to being your sires sheath. To revealthat he had begotten a child would have exposed his lack of innocenceat the time of his marriage. Besides, I was not conceived in love,he quietly added. Dyrael was intoxicated the night he visited myfather for the last time. He didnt take kindly to being refusedgenital intercourse with Addaand took him unprotected.Rohyrscowled. Are you saying he forced himself on your father? hesharply asked.Dylenhesitated then nodded. He asked forgiveness from Addathe following morn, when he realized what hed done. Addaunderstood and accepted his apology. He also chose to keep theiraffair and my birth a secret lest either became cause for dissensionin the Royal House, he added. We are loyal subjects first andforemost, Your Majesty.Thelast words were uttered with pride and dignity. Rohyrs scowlvanished to be replaced with a faint smile.Sowhy have you revealed yourself now? he asked. What need haveyou that isdireenough to require this unmasking?Uncertainlyreplaced pride. Dylen swallowed hard and said, Your help, Dyhar.My father is dying, and you have the power to save him.Darkeyebrows so alike to his own rose in surprise. Rohyr leaned back inhis seat, his expression thoughtful. Dylen waited with bated breath.Hewatched in some disbelief when Rohyr suddenly got to his feet, sayingto the others, Stay on and enjoy the evening. But speak of whatyouve heard to no one.Whenthe others assented, the Ardan glanced at his leman. Would youlike to come? he asked. Lassen nodded and stood up. Rohyr lookedonce more at Dylen. Take me to him.ChapterTwelveElevationDylengestured to a pop-eyed, tongue-tied Tarqin to make space for Rohyr atHirlens bedside. The servant obeyed, darting disbelieving glancesat Rohyr all the while. Indeed, he had been the very picture of shockwhen Dylen entered the room with the Ardan of Ylandre at his side.Tarqin hurriedly joined Lassen who stood unobtrusively in a corner.Rohyrbent over Hirlen, touching his fingers to the ailing Deirs cheek.Hirlens eyes fluttered open at his touch. He squinted in confusionat Rohyr.Dyrael?he whispered.Rohyrstilled and gazed at him. He stroked Hirlens cheek with hisknuckles until the Deir slipped back into unconsciousness. Dylencaught his breath a few minutes later when Rohyr pulled back thecovers and laid his hands on Hirlens withered legs.Dylenthought he saw an unearthly glow in Rohyrs eyes but before hecould look more closely his attention was drawn to the Ardanshands. Was it his imagination or did the pale flesh under his palmsshine with faint light? He quickly peered at his addasface. The lines that creased Hirlens brow and framed the sides ofhis mouth had eased almost to the point of vanishing. His fatherlooked very much at peace, his sleep unmarred by constant pain.Rohyrstraightened and pulled the covers back over Hirlen. He looked acrossthe bed at Dylen.Hemistook me for my father, he commented.Dylennodded. Rohyr was said to resemble his birthing father incountenance. What