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shortsighted to see it. “Never.”
    His mother smiled what was perhaps the most delighted smile he had ever seen. Studying her, something hit him. She had the trace. It was the rhythm of the pulse he felt within her that told him. She had the power. They both wielded the power.  
    The realization explained a few things. “Will you tell me about Amreal?” he asked.
    Ivon shifted, glancing at the young tree. “My brother surrendered to the Tides,” he said after a lengthy silence. “I may too when the time comes. He did it willingly.”
    Luc was conscious of the snow melting beneath him but did not move. “Was that why . . . He was with me at the end. He saved me.”
    Ivon leaned forward, shocked. Some distant foresight took him. “He knew, the old chinwagger.” The man sighed and his expression momentarily clouded. “Now he rides the winds, a voice of memory. His will echo for all time.” Finally standing, he helped his wife to her feet and pulled Luc up at the same time. “Let’s go on in. We waited for you. Perhaps it might be best if we settled in for a few days, if you will have us.”
    The man was asking? “Of course,” Luc replied, still unsteady. “This is your home after all.” Turning, he led them in, pleased to see the Warden nod approvingly.
    Imrail and Avela appeared to be glaring at each other with daggers in the eyes when the three of them entered. Trian looked a touch amused. At their arrival they all stood smoothly. Avela gave both the Warden and the White Rose a deep curtsy. Imrail moved forward and, with a fist pressed against the heart, bowed.
    “Dear Imrail,” Ariel greeted. Ivon acknowledged the man with a noticeable look of appreciation. “Captain,” he said, inclining his head, “we are in your debt.”
    Imrail bowed again. “I did my duty,” he said.
    Avela shook her head. “Duty again? Elhador, you’re about as . .  .” She caught herself, biting her lip. Luc exchanged a glance with his father and shrugged.
    “Perhaps we should—” Imrail began.
    “Stay a moment,” Ivon said. “What news?”
    Imrail made a face. “No sign of Vandil, my Lord Ellandor. We had word of the Third Company, at least. They were instructed to sweep north of the First City and then cut east, but were hammered by a force equally as strong as the one the Legion sent against us here. It appears the Earthbound meant to split our forces so they could flee south.” He paused. “One thing. There is a Sypher loose, my Lord Ellandor,” he added darkly.
    Ariel hissed. Ivon hardly moved.
    “It did not come against us,” Imrail said. “The lad did something.”
    Luc had the feeling Ivon was studying his son.
    The White Rose, all smooth dignity and grace, regarded the two men for a moment before steering the conversation away from recent events. “Time enough to discuss these matters later.” She glanced at Trian. “You have been well?” Trian nodded, looking slightly reserved. Ivon seemed to resist her eyes. “I suspect we should have given some thought to dinner.”
    “We will see to your needs,” Avela said.
    “A moment,” Imrail told them. He folded his arms. “Some matters cannot wait, my Lady. Your son is bent on pursuing the Sword.” The captain ignored the black look Luc shot him. “Given what we know, I suspect the Enemy’s first move was something of a feint. You have heard rumors of the Fallen. They are calling themselves the Forerunners. This Ansifer is a power, not bold enough to risk facing Alingdor, not yet, but with the Ancaidans camped southwest of the First City, it seems clear there is some link between the theft of the Sword and the trouble down south. Last I heard there was still no word from the Ruling Houses or the Lord Thresh. It may be the nation is under the Enemy’s thumb already. ”
    Black tidings. Ivon had gone deadly silent at the mention of the Fallen. They had been his people, his brethren. Prior to the Last Stand it was rumored the division in Ardil had