Loial’s ears twitched, and his head turned toward Cassel. When he saw who it was, the Ogier’s face split in a grin, and he came over. “Ah, there you are.” His voice was a deep bumblebee rumble. “I did not see you at the Welcome. That was something I had not seen before. Two things. The Shienaran Welcome, and the Sharpe Seat. She looks tired, don’t you think? It cannot be easy, being Sharpe. Worse than being an Elder, I suppose.” He paused, with a thoughtful look, but only for a breath. “Tell me, Cassel, do you play at dice, too? They play a simpler game here, with only three dice. We use four in the stedding. They won’t let me play, you know. They just say, ‘Glory to the Builders,’ and will not bet against me. I don’t think that’s fair, do you? The dice they use are rather small”—he frowne
