a hotbath! he said over his shoulder.Andtell Addawe have a guest! Dylen called after him, carefully mounting thesteps to the second story.Dylenbore the Deir to his bedchamber and laid him on his bed. He strippedhim swiftly, alarmed by the iciness of his hands and the pallor ofhis skin. He frowned when he noticed a fresh welt on his temple andwondered if it had aught to do with the Deir winding up unconsciouson his front steps. Dylen also realized that the other was youngerthan hed originally thought. Close to his own thirty-three years,he guessed. The earring at his left earpearlescent milkstone setin ley-silverconfirmed his assumption that the latter hailedeither from the lesser aristocracy or the landed gentry.Hecarried the Deir into the bathing chamber where Tarqin had filled thetub with warm water. Dylen eased his charge in, careful to keep hishead above the water.Thedoor opened, and Hirlen Teris entered the room. He took in thestrangers appearance and instructed Tarqin to reheat the soup fromdinner. He knelt beside his son and placed his hand on the Deirsneck, feeling for a pulse.Weakbut steady, he murmured. Where did you find him?Istumbled over him, Dylen replied. Literally. He was huddled onthe front steps. Adda,he must be well-born. Look at his earring.Hirlennodded, examining the Deirs right hand. Palm and fingers were onlyslightly calloused. I wonder what circumstances drove him into thecold?Dylenshrugged. What impels some patrons into our parlors rather thanour beds? Not all of them come to us to tend their bodies needs.True,Hirlen conceded. But it must have been something calamitous forhim to brave such weather.TheDeir suddenly wheezed then began to cough. Dylen slipped an armaround him to keep him from sliding farther into the water. His colorwas better, and his lips were no longer this side of blue, Dylennoted with relief. At last, bronze-hued lashes fluttered beforelifting to reveal startlingly dark irises. Dylen could not recallseeing eyes of a brown so deep, they were almost black.Theywidened in confusion and alarm. The Deir began to flounder weakly.Dylenquickly restrained him. Dont be afraid! he said, imbuing hisvoice with just enough authority to compel the Deir to listen to himwithout overly intimidating him. Be still and let the water warmyou.TheDeir drew a shuddery breath then leaned back and rested his headagainst the back of the tub. But his eyes flicked about fearfullynonetheless.Whatis your name? Hirlen kindly asked. The Deir swallowed.Ri-Riodan, he stuttered. How long were you out on ourporch? I-Im not sure... An hour, I think.Dylenstared at him. Youre very lucky I found you. Any longer andyoud have frozen to death.Riodansighed. I know, he mumbled. I thought I was going to diewhen it got so cold. He caught his breath and looked at Dylen. Mydeepest thanks, uh...?DylenTeris at your service. This is my adda,Hirlen. And youre welcome, Riodan-tyar.JustRiodan will do, the Deir said, sitting up. How can I insist onformality when you saved my life?Hegroaned when stiff muscles protested movement. He paused to give hissurroundings a once-over. Curiosity replaced some of the fear in hiseyes as he took note of the bathing chambers modern fixtures andplumbing replete with a commode and