ROU'S ADVICE AND CONCERNS

{""A problem well stated is a problem half solved."}

Rou's shock was almost comical. I knew then, without a doubt, that old Althea's words had been true. The union of the two breeds, bound by Hanka magic, would change the realm. Rou had always dismissed Althea as nothing more than an old woman spinning riddles, but now, faced with reality, he was rattled.

We watched as he paced back and forth, muttering under his breath, his fingers rubbing at his chin, then dragging across his forehead in frustration. Then, abruptly, he turned to Kayne, his gaze raking over him from head to toe. A beat of silence passed before he suddenly burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the chamber.

"You do know," he said between chuckles, "that your father's disguises were never as good as yours? I caught him once, and we had one hell of a fight. I had never found such an opponent who could work like that."