'The misappropriation of royal money, part of which would have traditionally ended up here thanks to such a long-lasting friendship between us and Cedris, is just another unpleasant news of recent days. I have no doubt that one look at our settlement, because it would be silly to pretend that we are still a fortress, is telling it all.' Low flames in a longitudinal fireplace in the center of an elongated wooden central house illuminated the benches where Morghat's warriors sat. All the women and men were Northerners. Daemonica was grateful for the kind welcome and warm supper. She was tired from the arduous all-day journey through the snowy foothills with a hard-to-reach landscape, but she felt she wouldn't get much rest anytime soon. 'Though you leaving the Roses, and that we can no

