to clean house as his forebearshad put it and never lowered his guard against them no matter how fewremained after. But neither he nor his predecessors had yet managedto eradicate them completely for they fled into the bordering hillsand mountains after every defeat, and it was all but impossible torout them out of the subterranean labyrinth of tunnels in which theyhid themselves until the next attempt at insurrection.Sothe Ferrendas remained without kingdom or throne, but not resourcesor prestige. Though stripped of a physical realm, they had managed toretain extensive properties in other lands whence they derived muchincome. And they were still of the blood royal and therefore remainedrespected in some countries, particularly in the south. After all,their former aggression had never touched the South Vihandrans. Thusto this day wedlock with House Ferrenda was still deemed acceptableby not a few southern clans, especially those whose ranks theFerrendas entered in the days before Varadans conquest by Ylandre.The Halvans were among the royals who counted Ferrendas among theirancestors. And still wed with them as evidenced by Prince Sivarsmarriage to Jubals son Malkon.Nowthat had not made Asmara unfriendly to Ylandre. On the contrary,relations between the two countries remained stable and lucrative.But no Essendri worth his salt would ever discount the possibility ofa hostile in-law meddling in the kingdoms affairs and influencingAsmara against Ylandre.Atpresent, Asmara had not put an embargo on Ylandrin goods orrestricted passage through the realm between Ylandre and thecountries down south. Nor had there been any hint of animosity on theShaja Amir Halvans part. But there were signs that Jubal wastrying to gain influence through his sons entry into the royalfamily.Thereis a possible indication of interference, Gilmael said. Theapproval of contract renewals between several Ylandrin and Asmarancorporations and guilds has been considerably delayed. Theres agreat chance that some may not be renewed at all even after years ofsmooth relations and fruitful cooperation. And its rumored thatMalkon is cultivating close ties with various heads of government.The Asmaran Minister of Trade is oft seen in his company.Riodanasked, What does our ambassador to Asmara say?Gilmaelshook his head. He was recalled last month after Foreign Affairsreceived reports of too much carousing in the stews and not enoughattention to duty. Another will be posted to Asmara when his currentassignment is done. In the meantime, we can make do with an interimconsular team.Andmay I presume that I will be part of that team? Riodan ventured.You may, Gilmael confirmed. You and Dylen.Silencemet his statement. Dylen and Riodan looked at each other in surprisethen stared at Gilmael.Youapprove of my inclusion in the team? Dylen asked disbelievingly.Gilmael nodded. Its a judicious choice.Judicious?Just how did you come to that conclusion? Gil didnt make thedecision, Rohyr interrupted. I did.Heglanced ruefully at Gilmael. He was not really surprised by Dylen orRiodans respective reactions. Dylen was glaring at him withincredulity coupled with suspicion while Riodans expressionrevealed a jumble of emotions, astonishment and the faintest tinge ofhope among them. Nay, he was not surprised and neither was hesanguine that Dylen would accept the mission unquestioningly.Sureenough, Dylen eyed him with barely concealed displeasure. So youwant to find out if