region as he called it,conveniently forgetting that if the region were overrun by brigandsand the like, his fief would come under threat as well. No mentionwas made of the main proviso Rohyr had required in return for hisprotection and aid.Onlywhen the dinner drew to a close was the matter finally broached.Gilmael took the Idanas aside ostensibly to inform them of the adventof some of his people within the next few days. The IntelligenceMinistry had been monitoring the outlaw activity and been aware ofits rapid escalation far earlier than the Velarusians themselves.Youknew? Mithre blurted out. He shook his head. Of course youknew, Dyhar.Your people have their fingers in every pie in the land.Initiallyalarmed by his mates boldness, Dael calmed down when Gilmaelchuckled. We did anticipate calls for aid such as yours, hereadily admitted. And we let it be known that we would visit yourtown and that the others would be welcome to present their requeststo the Crown here.Mithresighed. I never thought I would live to see Tal Ereq become liegeproperty. You havent, Gilmael corrected. The Ardandeclined your offer of liege homage. Mithre stared at him. Buthe granted our request.Heaccepted another concession, Dael softly explained.Mithrenoted his discomfort. Are you permitted to share it with me? hewarily asked.Heis, Gilmael said. Indeed, it is my cousins counsel that youdo so before it is made public. Its you and yours who will havethe most to lose or gain, depending on your point of view.Mithrelooked from the enyrannoble to his spouse. Dael, tell me, he murmured, not altogethersure that he wanted to know.Daeldid, Gilmaels presence lending him fortitude in the face ofMithres mounting incredulity. Thankfully, Mithre only respondedwith a curt, I see.Butonce they returned home, Mithres temper showed. He did not berateDael but he sent their servant home early and finished cleaning thekitchen on his own with a vigor one would have thought sapped fromhim after having spent the better part of the afternoon preparing theformal evening meal. Dael winced at the near violence with whichMithre stowed away the cookware. While Mithre was principal caregiverin addition to bearer of the eldest and youngest Idana children, thatdid not mean he wasphysicallyweaker or more domesticated than Dael. Bowing his head, Daelmuttered, Forgive me.Theangry sounds ceased and he heard Mithre sigh. He glanced cautiouslyat his spouse. Mithre turned around to face him, his expressionpained.Youhad no choice, he finally said. Tis just that... Mithrepeevishly rubbed his forehead. Ah, if only I had spoken to youbefore your meeting with him began. This might have been averted.But, nay, that is wishful thinking. From the moment he laid his eyeson Lassen, our sons fate was sealed.Whatdo you mean? Dael asked.Mithregestured to him to seat himself at the worktable then quietlyrecounted the incident in the courtyard. When he was done, Daelstared at him for some minutes. When he was able to speak again, hesaid, He mentioned seeing Lassen beforehand but I didnt knowthats what he meant. I only thought his proposal quite sudden.Itwassudden, Mithre affirmed. One swift perusal will hardly yieldthorough knowledge of anybody. Certainly not enough to stake arelationship of any length on it. Yet