concern over tion. quot;I would o say so, yes.

    You ive in almost exactly tion as terrible man .”

    quot;So muc; Dianora protested. quot;My lord, !”

    Botted ionately.

    quot;t; ;is  for ty years at sea and to ts of ty.”

    quot;ell t; said Brandin, quot;we may o send you away somewil you are sleek as a seal again.”

    quot;My lord,quot; said Rantly, quot;I am yours to command in all t; ense.

    Brandin registered t and one c;I kno,quot; ;I  I  court. At bots. Portly or sleek, R unmindful of you, hink.”

    Very s, and a dismissal for t. Brighdrew. Brandin walked a couple of paces away, Rhun shuffling along beside him.

    Dianora folloo. Once out of ears of anyone but turned to o see, suppressing a smile.

    quot; did you do? Offer h Asoli?”

    Dianora felt sigration. time. quot;No,quot; sested, quot;is unfair. You are using magic.”

    t people c t eacher.

    quot;; Brandin murmured. quot;I  e it or drain myself on sometransparent.”

    quot;transparent!quot; she bridled.

    quot;Not you, my cynical manipulator. But Roo serious too quickly  posting ion of significance currently available is north Asoli and so . . .”

    tence trail off. Laughter lingered in his eyes.

    quot;ould ; Dianora asked defiantly. It ing o d sened again.

    quot; do you t; he asked by way of reply.

    quot;I? t; Sed ed arc; of ture to ters?”

    quot;No,quot; said Brandin nodding briskly, quot;is an intelligent observat