came out of his tranceand at once turned to regard him curiously.Youwere in the link with us, the Ardan remarked. You heard everyword. Dylen hesitated then realized it was ridiculous to deny whatRohyr already knew.Yes,he admitted. But I dont have the slightest notion how I did it.Ive never experienced anything like that before.Youare Dyraels son and of the direct royal line, Rohyr pointedout. You carry the Essendri potential in your blood and in fargreater degree than even Uncle Imcael it seems. He eyed Dylenthoughtfully. It only needs proper training to bring it tocomplete fruition. Quite unlike others who must toil long and hard tounleash their gifts to the fullest. What say you to that, DylenEssendri ilTeris?Dylenwas struck speechless. He had not been expecting Rohyrs formalrecognition of their relationship and even less his acceptance ofDylen as a member of the RoyalHouse.Yet Rohyr had given him leave to take the royal surname as his own,appending Hirlens family name in due respect to Dylens birthingfather. Overwhelmed, Dylen went down on one knee before Rohyr,struggling to keep his tears from flowing. He took his brothershand and kissed it. Rohyr looked at him in surprise.Whatsthis? he protested. He drew Dylen to his feet. With a smile, helaid his hand on Dylens shoulder and squeezed it. Never are youto bow or bend your knee to me, brother mine, save in ceremony. Helet go and turned toward the door. Now come, let us wait forEiren.** * *Halfan hour had passed when a translocation portal blossomed right on theempty street before the Teris townhouse. The late hour precluded muchpedestrian or vehicular traffic, but the Ardans people hadcordoned off the entire stretch nonetheless.Dylenblew his breath out as the very air before them rippled. A pinpointof light suddenly appeared in the darkness and rapidly expanded intoan opening large enough for a mounted Deir to pass through. Theopening was a-swirl with shifting brightness and shadows that blurredwhatever lay within. But Dylen sensed the high level of energygenerated by it. Small wonder only specially gifted enyracould create these transient corridors.Ofa sudden, a cloaked Deir emerged from the portal, astride a speckledsteed. The portal immediately closed behind him, its soft radiancequickly fading away. Rohyr approached the rider as he dismounted. Hecaught the Deir in a welcoming hug. The newcomer then turned toLassen and took his extended hand in a warm grip. They murmuredgreetings before Rohyr gestured to Dylen to come forward.EirenSarvan dropped his hood and glanced at Dylen. I take it this ishe? he ascertained.Itis, Rohyr affirmed.Eirencarefully looked Dylen over. He suddenly smiled. Welcome to thefamily, cousin, he said then swept past and entered the house.Rohyr grinned at Dylen before following the physician.Dylenstared after them in astonishment.Mostof them are like that, Lassen softly said. Dylen glanced at him.Most of them?Twouldbe prudent to tread warily around the Ardans uncle, Lassencautioned. Imcael Essendri is not as accommodating of outsiders.Tis fortunate he doesnt reside year-round in Rikara. But theothers are kind and welcoming. You wont feel a stranger amongstthem. He turned a reassuring gaze on Dylen. Eiren has wrestedmany from the very arms of death. He will do