Pug said, “We—the same group as before—head down to Kesh and inspect that thing being built in the Valley of Lost Men. From Sandreena’s description, I don’t have a remote idea what they are doing.”

Amirantha said, “Neither do I. Gulamendis and I have talked into the night about what we thought we knew of demon lore and what we are now discovering.” He shook his head in wonder. “I am not ashamed to admit I have been humbled to discover how little I truly understood.”

Brandos grinned and clapped his old friend on the shoulder. “That’s a good start.” He stood and said, “Well, if we’re going off again, I think I should go spend a little time with my wife. She’s starting to feel neglected and that’s never a good thing.”

Pug nodded, a slightly sad expression on his face.

A young magician came into the kitchen and said, “Pug, we’ve just had word from Lord Kaspar that he will be here in an hour.”

Pug stood up and said, “Good. That means we leave after sundown. I wanted his military expertise.”

Amirantha said, “Well, I think I’ll leave Brandos and Samantha to their own…devices, and I will go find Gulamendis and see if he’s come up with any new insights from his reading. A little rest before we go would be nice.”

Magnus and his father were left alone at the table, while those in the kitchen were trying to ignore them as much as possible. Finally, Magnus said, “I wonder how Laromendis is doing up in Elvandar?”

Pug absently nodded. “I wonder, too.”

Laromendis stood before Tomas, and despite his complete understanding of what had been told to him about the figure he regarded being a human transformed by ancient magic into the likeness of a Valheru—a Dragon Lord—he still had to fight the alternating urge to kneel or to run in terror. He wondered if he would ever get over that feeling, no matter how many times he had come to see him.

“Laromendis,” said Tomas, motioning for the Taredhel conjurer to take a seat at the small table in the Queen’s private chamber. “You wished to speak to me in private?”

“Yes, my lord”—Tomas held up his hand. “Err, yes, Tomas.” He laughed slightly. “I may never get used to that.”

Tomas smiled and behind the warrior’s powerful visage a youthful humor seemed to peek out. “It took a while for a lot of people around here to get used to it, Laro. You don’t mind if I call you that? I overheard your brother call you that.”

Laromendis was startled, but the smile directed at him was infectious, even charming, and he said, “Why, no. I’d be flattered. He’s the only one who ever did, but, please, feel free.”

“So, why did you wish to see me alone?”