“That isn't what's going on here.”
“Are you sure of that?”
“Yes.”
He smiled his handsome smile. “If you say so. And tell me, what of Ran? You entered the city with only Nox. Did the brave rider die of his burns?”
Perhaps if they thought Ran was dead they wouldn't hunt for him. Nox would surely tell them the truth sooner or later, but perhaps she could buy Ran a little time.
“Yes. He brought us here with the last of his strength. He died where the wyrm road left us, on the banks of the An.”
“Ah. That explains it. It does seem people keep dying around you doesn't it? First your father and now your mother. Then the boy Lugg heads off alone into the mountains on a doomed mission to confront an insane dragon. Now Ran, too. Death stalks you, Cait Weerd. The blood of Ilminion is strong in y
