Maev's eyebrows rose so high Tanin thought they might fall off. The gruff wrestler squirmed, trying to free herself from the embrace. When the young woman stepped back, tears filled her eyes. "I am Princess Issari Seran. The prince is my brother."

* * * * *

Not long after, the three sat in a winehouse, a little place with a domed ceiling, pale brick walls, and several tables crowded with patrons. Figurines of gods, animals, and even phalli stood in alcoves; Tanin and Maev raised their eyebrows at the latter statuettes until Issari explained that they were fertility symbols. The three companions sat at the back, in shadows, beneath a bronze engraving of a winged bull. Issari had pulled a hood over her head and hid her mouth and nose behind a shawl.

"I am not to be seen," she whispered, leaning across the table toward Tanin and Maev. "Many here would recognize the face of Issari Seran, Princess of Eteer." She glanced around, but the remaining patrons were busy imbibing wine, squabbling over games of mancala, and admiring a scantily clad dancer who swayed upon a stage. "In the underbelly of this city, I am merely the Priestess in White, a savior of weredragons."

Maev thrust out her bottom lip, raised her chin, and clenched her fists. "We are Vir Requis."

Issari blinked. "What does it mean? I thought 'weredragons' was your name."

With a growl, Maev leaped to her feet, knocking back her chair, and looked ready to brawl. A few patrons glanced over. Tanin pulled his sister back down, shoved a mug of wine toward her, and told her, "You drink. I'll talk."

Maev snorted. "Fine with me." She brought the mug to her lips and began to gulp it down.

Tanin turned back toward Issari. "It means 'people of Requiem.' We're building a tribe of our own in the north. There aren't many of us now—just me, the warthog here, and my father and grandfather. We've come seeking others to join us. We weren't sure others even existed."

"Many did live here." Issari lowered her eyes. "Many died. My father, King Raem, summoned the demons to hunt them. His wife was a were— I mean, a Vir Requis. So is my sister Laira, but she fled our kingdom many years ago. Many others lived here, but he killed most. Some I saved and sent north in ships, though I fear for them too; my father has flown north to hunt Vir Requis in the wilderness as well. I don't know if others still live in this city—aside from my brother." She clutched her mug of wine but did not drink. She looked up Tanin with those huge green eyes, and her lips quivered. "Can you save him?"