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"Yes" He shifted then, setting aside the large, handsomely bound book that had been in his lap "I’ve just been reading about you and your fellow Enefadeh, actually, in honor of your arrival My ancestors really had a ly fortunate that you were released before I had to deal with you"

I narrowedto understand my oariness "Why don’t I like you?"

The ain with a hint of irony "Maybe because, if you were still a slave and I your master, you’re the one I would put the shortest leash on"

I wasn’t sure if that was it, but it didn’t help I had never trusted erous I was That usually erous "Who are you?" p>

"My na the lines of his face and the fraht

"Half brother Her father was the last faed dismissively "How could you tell?"

"You look Central Falanced at his forehead --"like power that has been leashed"

"Ah" He touched his forehead with a self-deprecating little sils were the norils?" I frowned "What do they call those triils Aside from Remath, I ail" Ra on a flock of birds swirling around a Tree branch in the distance They took off, gliding away, and he followed their slow, steady flight "It was given to me when my sister took her place as head of the fail enforced loyalty to the family head at the cost of the wearer’s will Raainst his sister’s interests than he could co an unexpected pity for him "Why didn’t she just kill you?"

"Because she hatesthe birds; I couldn’t read his expression "Or loves me Same effect either way"

Before I could reply, I heard footsteps on the spiral staircase We both fell silent as two servants ca me uncoe platter of finger foods on it They left quickly, whereupon I went over to the tray and crammed several items into my mouth Ramina lifted an eyebrow; I bared my teeth at him He sniffed a bit and looked away Good Bastard

I was full after only that mouthful, which made me happy because it proved I wasn’t fully ers, which I hoped would disgust Ralanced toward the steps again as Shahar eed from the floor entrance She nodded to htened "Uncle! What are you doing up here?"

"Plotting to take over the world, obviously," he said, sed him with real affection, which he returned with equal sincerity "And having a lovely conversation withfriend here Did you co froh it’s just as well you’re here Do you knohat’s happened?"

"Happened?"

She sobered "Nevra and Criscina They -- Soldiertal-- Soldis brought the bodies thishis eyes "How?"

She shook her head "The ain This time it …" She made a face "I didn’t see the result, but I smelled it"

I sat down on a bench opposite the an aura of their curls Their identical looks of sorrow Yes, it was so obvious I wondered why Reot to his feet and began pacing, his expresion ferocious "Dehtly so They’ll bla these bastards" He stopped abruptly and turned to Shahar, his eyes narrowing "And you will be in greater danger than ever, Niece, if these attackers have grown that bold I wouldn’t advise travel for some time"