Arwain had no reply. He reverted to their interview with Haynar.
‘What did you make of the Maeran?’ he asked, settling back in his seat and watching the Councillors arriving.
Ryllans shrugged. ‘Hard to say,’ he answered. ‘Just being Maeran of Whendrak means he’s a shrewd, devious, ruthless individual, to say the least. And he’s a horse trader. Says as much between his words as he does with them. He told you he knew a lot about you and that you knew nothing about him in his very first sentence.’
Arwain nodded. ‘How did I manage?’ he asked.
‘Very well, I’d say,’ Ryllans replied. ‘Your straightforward approach was probably the best response against someone like him. And you certainly won us a hearing, perhaps more, by not losing your temper when he provoked you. We must listen very carefu
