Alessan noted it. quot;You may speak freely. I trust every man and o even look at Erlein. Devin did look, but if ed a reaction from ted.

    iture Alienor dismissed s. to see to tion of to a ing-table by one of t to Alessan.

    quot;It is from Danoleon ; s;From your o hear or say.”

    And t, Devin  expected at all.

    quot;Forgive me,quot; Alessan murmured. rode quickly to fire, tearing tter open as . Alienor became very busy offering glasses of took a long drink from his.

    ticed t Baerd  touc anding rigidly, staring into the fire.

    quot;Alessan?quot; Baerd said.

    Alienor turned sly at t. Alessan did not move; seemed not to have even heard.

    quot;Alessan?quot; Baerd said again, more urgently. quot; is it?”

    Sloigana turned from to look at t really at t Baerd. t involuntarily.

    quot;It is from Danoleon, Im afraid. From tuary.quot; Alessans voice . quot;My mother is dying.

    I art omorrow.”

    Baerds face e as Alessans. quot;ting?quot; ;ting tomorrow?”

    quot;t first,quot; Alessan said. quot;After ting, wever  ride home.”

    Given t ne Alessans  niging surprise.

    been asleep. quot;ait,quot; ly and struggled quickly into  on over ockings across t tones wing ended. he door.

    In tside,  cast weird, flickering she corridor wall was Alienor herself.

    quot;Come,quot;  ened at t but Devin could discern ts beneatumbling over her shoulders and down her back in a black

    cascade.

    Devi