he turned his gaze back to theElders who were nonplussed by the blunt discussion of their townsmerits and flaws. There is one other matter that needsclarification before a compact is drawn up.TheElders gaped. From the tenor of Rohyrs words, it seemed all wouldbe resolved in the span of one afternoons talk.Rohyrlooked at Dael inquiringly. There was a lad in the courtyardearlier. He regarded our party quite relentlessly and myself inparticular. Its a wonder his stare didnotscorch us to a crisp. He paused to allow for a round of chuckles.He has your mates coloring and something of your features. Iassumed he is kin to you.Thatwould be my youngest, Lassen, Dael replied. I beg pardon forhis untoward behavior, Dyhar.Hes never seen True Bloods before, let alone of such high birth.Never?Youve sheltered him quite rigorously. He is a breeder,Dael explained.Therewas no need for further elucidation. The chances of conception weregreater with breeders whose fertility so exceeded the ordinary theycould easily and safely reproduce even past the age when the generalability to conceive waned considerably. It was not unheard of for areluctant breeder to be abducted and forced to bear his captorsprogeny. This latter practice was outlawed in Ylandre severalcenturies back. But it was difficult to fully enforce any law in themore remote regions. It was better to be overly careful than havecause for regret later on.Yourehardly to blame for your caution, Rohyr agreed. But that is ofno account to me. He eyed Dael so intently it unnerved the Elder.Hes all that is needed to gain my consent, Dael Idana. Giveyour son into my ownership and I shall grant Tal Ereq full protectionand aid equal to a fiefdoms.Stunnedsilence met his pronouncement.Whatof the concessions they offered? Gilmael ventured after a moment.Wehave no need of them save for the outpost, Rohyr saiddismissively, shifting once more to the royal we to emphasizethe intractability of his stand. They merely provided a good gaugeof the severity of their need. He regarded the dumbfounded Elders.You may retain your autonomy and all the rights thereof. Thoughshould you offer assistance at any time, it wont be declined.Findinghis tongue, Dael anxiously sputtered, But-but, Dyhar!Lassen has just passed his twenty-sixth summer. He maynt be beddedbefore his thirtieth.Aleman may with parental consent, Rohyr shot back. Dael stared.You will make him your concubine?Youthink I will cast him aside after a few tumbles? Rohyr causticallysaid. What do you make of me, Elder? When Dael paled, hecontinued in a kinder tone. Its not my habit to bed younglingsfor sport. Rest assured I shall keep him well and bestow everyprivilege that is within my power on him.BeforeDael could reply, Rohyrs uncles spoke up. Imcael protestedvehemently; Yovan advised caution. Rohyr shrugged them off.Idont see how this will affect my governance. Its not as if Iwill grant him the rule over a ministry or hand him the keys to theroyal treasury! This has naught to do with my obligations save inproviding me with a greater measure of contentment in my spare time.And since it is when I am most content that Im also the mostinspired to do my duty, I think youll agree