“Tayend nodded. “I know it won’t. I admit I was worried about you, but you are still your old self, underneath.”Dannyl straightened in protest. “Underneath what?”The Elyne stood up, waving one hand in Dannyl’s direction. “All…that.”“I’m reeling at your descriptive clarity,” Dannyl told him.”

“So what were you [Sonea] and Dorrien discussing before?' Akkarin asked.She turned to regard him. 'Discussing?''Outside the farmhouse when I was buying the food.''Oh. Then. Nothing.'He smiled and nodded. 'Nothing. Amazing subject, that one. Produces such fascinating reactions in people.”

“What was I thinking? Of all the assistants I could have wound up with, why did I have to choose the one with the scary mother and troublemaking in his bloodlines? I am doomed.”

“There's always a bit of truth in each rumour, the trouble is finding out which bit.- Tayend”

“Nodding, Cery strode to the door and stepped through. Though the burly guards eyes him suspiciously, Cery smiled back. Never make enemies of someone's lackeys, his father had taught him. Better still, make them like you a lot.”

“Friendship? What friendship? I lust after him and he rightly ignores it!”

“Though I can’t help feeling a sudden death cheats you of something. Death is an experience of life. You only get one death. I would like to be aware it was happening, even if that did mean enduring pain and fear.”