and lack of response to his probing.Thesheet underneath was streaked with blood but Eiren noted that theflow had slowed to a heavy trickle. He laid his hands on Lassensbelly. In what seemed like mere seconds, the bleeding ceased. Eirencontinued his ministrations, using his fingers to direct the healingenergy his mind generated.Thechild lives, he announced, smiling a little when Rohyr exhaledwith blatant relief. Theyll both survive if I can heal andreinforce Lassens womb. Roh, Jath, share your strength with me.Heheard Falan catch his breath and sharply glanced at him. The healerwas gawking at Rohyr with curiosity and suspicion. Eiren shook hishead. It would not do for the Deir to guess their identities.Wethank you for your help, he told Falan. You may leave.Thehealer hesitated. Eiren sighed. Too quick for Falan to react, hesuddenly placed his fingers on the latters forehead. Falanseyes widened then glazed over.Rememberonly that all is well, Eiren softly commanded. Aught else youwill not recall. He released the Deir. Go now.Assoon as Falan departed, Yandro led Mithre aside while Rohyr andJareth gathered close around the bed. They opened themselves toEiren, allowing him to tap their strength and channel it. Mithregasped when Eirens dark eyes and slender hands glowed ever sogently,as if the physician were lit from within. Never had he yet seen ahealer wield such energy. It was a mesmerizing sight.Willhe be able to help Lassen? he whispered.EirenSarvan has saved many in far worse states, Yandro murmured. Mithrelooked at him searchingly. Yandro steadfastly met his gaze.Ipray youre right, Mithre said. He turned his eyes back to hisson. He meant no harm. He only wanted something of Rohyr to helphim endure parting from him. He didnt realize just how dangerousit could be to breed so soon.Yandrostared at Mithre in dawning comprehension. Was that your reasonfor fleeing? You feared what could happen should it be discoveredthat your son had conceived the Ardans child?Mithresighed and nodded. Hell be charged with treason for bearingRohyrs firstborn. And Veres only knows what would happen to thebabe. Tyrde will do everything in his power to dispose of a rival tohis own get.Rohyrwould never allow anyone to harm his son, Yandro staunchlydeclared. Granted he would be discouraged from making anillegitimate child his heir, but he would recognize him nonetheless.Just as he recognized his fathers son and named him brother.ButLassen? Mithre countered. He wont be allowed access to thechild, will he? Even if he escapes imprisonment, hell be banished;forced into exile. He would never see his son again.Yandrohesitated then said, The main cause of Rohyrs anger was notthat your son got with child but his assumption that the child wasnthis. He couldnt stomach the thought that another had touched whathe deemed his or that his leman had taken someone else into his bedas soon as he was free to do so. He met Mithres stare. Rohyrcares deeply for him. I dont believe that he will exile him ordeny him access to their son.Mithreswallowed. If only I could be as sure of that as you are. EvenLassen couldnt say with certainty whether Rohyr would dare toflout law and tradition. Had he felt