Kosar was not prepared to respond to this statement.
So after Tarkyn had broken off a few more pieces of his stick he continued, “And I will also tell you this, even though you will probably not believe it: I have never had any designs on your throne. You are not my twin and I have no wish to be like you, or to have what you have. The contest is, and always has been, just between you and Jarand.”
Kosar thought through all the justifications he had dreamt his way through during the night and struggled to find any of them that continued to hold. But he also knew that he could never afford to lose face by sanctioning Tarkyn’s return.
As he went to speak, Tarkyn held up his hand, “Don’t Kosar. Don’t reply. I know what you are bound to say, whatever you really think, and I don’t want to hear
