"Ten years I've been your student, and you still look the same, Teacher."

"That would be because I am still the same, your majesty," replied the Teacher, making a long, graceful bow.

"No, you never change." He walked back into the room from the bay of windows. "Please," he said, gesturing to a seat and settling into a great tufted leather chair himself. "You know why I've asked you to see me tonight."

"Yes," said the Teacher softly. "This is the night I am either saved or my heart breaks forever."

"I promise you that you know me," said Warin in a loud voice. "I am Warin, Prince of Tremont, eldest son of Gethin, and I have come back to take what's mine. Let me in." The captain drew his sword; his men followed suit, as did the Travelers. But Warin did not draw. Instead, he held his hands out to his sides. "Come close to me and tell me you don't know me. Tell me to my face I'm not who I say I am."

The captain approached warily, watching the Travelers for signs of ambush or falsehood. He looked in Warin's face, squinting. "You are very like him, I admit it. But it's been ten years since he's been seen here. How can I be sure?" Warin scanned the parapets until he saw a burning torch. He snatched a flame from it and formed it into a wand of light in his hand. "I've seen other nobles do that," said the captain uncomfortably.

Warin smiled grimly. "And this?" He spread his hands and the wand turned into a long staff. Warin spun it and struck the ground with one end. A wall of flames sprang up around the captain, who screamed in panic. Warin waved his hand; the flames died instantly, but he kept the staff in his hand.

Macca spat the chunk of flesh at Henrik, his blood trickling down her chin and her dagger in her hand. "You, my lord, are a false friend and worse, a traitor. We spoke inside Corharla Hill, and I am bound by my oath to keep this conversation between us. I leave it to you to explain the missing end of your tongue--perhaps," she said in her dry way, "a shaving accident, or better, a peckish whore. You will never, ever approach me alone again or I will kill you where you stand. I've given fair warning. More than that I'm not required to give under both Sairish and Tremontine law. Get up, sir, and get out. We are blood enemies from this moment on."