malicious pleasure. Imcael was obviously aware that he knewof the Heruns argument with Rohyr the night before over theArdans intention to give Lassen his own personal zentyr, thehorned warsteed reserved only for bluebloods and high-rankingmilitary officers. Imcael made it a point to question just aboutevery gift or privilege Rohyr bestowed on his leman. Nothing was toopetty for Imcael to complain about if it had to do with Lassen Idana.Dylen oft wondered how his brother managed to endure their unclestiresome and oft vociferous company.Islept well, thank you, Imcael replied. He looked down at Hirlen,regarding the latters plain woolen jerkin with distaste. I onlywished to remind you that its considered unseemly to show onesself in public improperly dressed.Hirlenflushed. Im sorry. I didnt realize my attire wasunsuitable, he murmured. How is it unsuitable, Adda?Dylen interrupted. He looked coldly at Imcael.Excuseme, Your Grace, but since when is it improper to wear a jerkin inpublic when it is the garment of choice for picnics and other outdoorfunctions?Imcaelstiffened, taken aback by the younger Deirs challenge. A picnicis a casual activity, he retorted. One is not expected to dressup for it.Anda simple stroll is a formal exercise requiring court wear? Dylensarcastically asked.Dy...Nay,Adda,I wish to be enlightened as to the necessity of dressing up for amorning out in the gardens.Impertinentpup! Imcael growled. You have the manners of a peasant. Iheartily rue the day Rohyr discovered your existence!Betterthe manners of a peasant than the discourtesy of an ill-humoredstuffed shirt, Dylen shot back.Hirlengroaned in resignation while Imcael stared at Dylen in shock andumbrage. He opened his mouth to unleash a scathing rejoinder.Scrappingagain? They all turned to face a none too pleased Rohyr. The Ardanreproachfully remarked, Really, must this fine morning be spoiledby rancor?Dylenbowed briefly to his brother while Imcael closed his mouth but stuckhis jaw out pugnaciously. On the other hand, Hirlen murmuredapologies. Rohyr smiled at him.Youare the last person expected to apologize for anything, Teris-tyar,he said. These two however... He glanced at Dylen.Dylenshrugged. If defending my father is cause for censure then I begyour pardon,Dyhar.Rohyrfrowned at Dylens use of the high honorific. He looked at Imcael.Uncle? I was only trying to teach them proper court dress,Imcael testily declared.SoI heard, Rohyr dryly said. But as Dy pointed out, Teris-tyarsattire is perfectly suited for a turn in the gardens. You need not beso strict about these things, Uncle. It serves little purpose andonly encourages unnecessary friction amongst us.Imcaelhumphed. He stiffly said, It seems doing ones duty isconsidered unfashionable nowadays. I bid you all good day.Heturned on his heel and stalked off, ignoring the small groups of folkwho had gathered nearby, drawn by yet another altercation between theArdans mystery ward and ill-tempered uncle. After staring theminto dispersing, Rohyr sighed with some irritation.Imsorry, Dylen softly said.Rohyrshook his head. Nay, it wasnt your fault. His behavior wasuncalled for. It usually is, a scowling Tarqin mutteredbehind them. He turned scarlet whenRohyrlooked at him with a rueful grin.Youdidnt come back by coincidence, Dylen commented. Lassenfetched me.Therewas no need to trouble you. I could have dealt with him myself.Imsure you could, Rohyr easily agreed. But neither as swiftly norquietly.