“I’m well, as you see,” Darkovan said smoothly. “How is Mestra Lawton? And your son?” From the flicker in Dan’s eyes and the residue of psychic contact, Darkovan sensed his friend’s concern. Not for Felix—the mental image had been encouraging, if complex. Tiphani— Darkovan glanced in her direction. She was still talking with vodemort, their heads bent together. Her face was flushed, her eyes a little too bright, her gestures a little too wild. He could not read her emotions in the swirl of partygoers. The next guests in the reception line inched forward. In a moment, Darkovan would be obliged by politeness to greet them. “Has there been any news from our mutual friend?” Darkovan asked. Does Lno know what happened? Has vodemort attempted to change Darkover’s status? “Nothing but ro

