"As for the rest," he added, “Bel has sent a quintet to investigate Sian and Torel's disappearance. Let's send another two north to look into the other attacks. If dahl'reisen really are to blame, we need to put a stop to it.

CHAPTER SIX

Rain followed Cannevar Barrial's manservant to the northwest corner of the walled palace grounds where Lord Barrial and his four sons were occupied with archery practice.

The Great Lord wore golden brown leathers cut in plain lines that might have made him seem a simple man were it not for the glowing luster of the leather and the glint of decorative gold studs. His dark hair was caught in a leather band at the nape of his neck. His face was in profile, his concentration complete as he drew back the taut sinew of an Elvish bow. He did not wear a bowman's finger rings, Rain noted and was duly impressed when the border lord still managed to draw the bowstring back behind his ear. Not an easy thing for a man to manage when the bow was Elvish and crafted of indomitable hartshorn wood.

"I'll be with you in a moment, my lord Feyreisen," Lord Barrial said, proving that his concentration was not so complete as Rain had thought. Still, the Celierian never took his eyes from the tiny circular target far, far in the distance, and when he let loose the bowstring, his notched arrow flew swift and true to its center.

"Impressive shot." Rain nodded at the carved bow in Barrial's hands. "And a fine bow. Made by craftsmen of the Valorian Mountains, if my memory of Elvish symbols serves me.”

"Your memory is good." Lord Barrial smiled. "Galad Hawksheart gifted this bow to me at First Hunt when I turned sixteen." Behind him, Lord Barrial's sons each let fly with his own arrow, and to the last, each hit his target dead center.

"Hawksheart?" Rain's brows rose. The Elf King was not unknown to him. He'd led the Elves into battle during the Mage Wars and guarded an ancient Elvish prophecy called the Dance. "You keep fine friends, Cannevar Barrial. Do you call a Song in the Dance?”

Lord Barrial laughed. "No, thank the gods. I just shake my feet to the tune like the rest of the world." He handed the bow to his manservant. "My relation to Hawksheart is a simple one: We share ties of kinship through my mother's family. I spent my childhood in Elvia after my parents were killed.”

"Ah." This man grew more interesting by the moment. Royal Elvish blood, dahl'reisen friends, and a sorreisu kiyr around his throat. Cannevar Barrial might not call a Song in the Dance, but Rain would bet his last blade he at least played a Harmony.

Lord Barrial stepped away for a moment to murmur something to his oldest son. The young man nodded, and a few chimes later, he and his brothers began to pack up their gear. Lord Barrial walked back to Rain. "I understand you're dining with Teleos tonight,”

"I am. Will you be joining us?”

"No, I promised my sons I'd take them hunting since Council is out of session for the next two days. We're riding for Kings-wood in a few bells." He grimaced and confided, "I'm avoiding Lady Thea. She, unfortunately, was the nearest unattached woman when your truemate spun her weave last night, and I think she read more into what followed than there was.”

"My truemate's weave, Lord Barrial?" Rain tried to sound confused.

The border lord arched a canny brow. "I've enough Elvish in me to know magic when I see it. Especially when it grabs me by the c**k and doesn't let go for seven scorching bells. If you recall, I was sitting directly across from your lady. As she was the only one not shedding clothes and those crystals of hers were glowing, it wasn't hard to identify the guilty party.”

"Ah." Rain fought the urge to scratch a sudden itch behind one ear. At least, Lord Barrial seemed to be taking the weave in stride. "My lady has an unusually strong ... affinity for keflee, and a strong gift in Spirit. Add to that five sorreisu kiyr and a bit too much pinalle, and ... well, you saw the results. There was no ill intent, I assure you. She did not know what she was doing." He met Lord Barrial's gaze and held it steadily. "I would consider myself indebted, Lord Barrial, if you would keep the source of the weave a secret between us. Ellysetta already has a steep enough path to climb to gain acceptance from the noble Houses.”

Lord Barrial grinned. "No debt needed. The memory of Morvel chasing his wife round the room like a chicken is more than enough payment for my silence." He laughed and clapped Rain on the shoulder, "Come, walk with me, and ask your questions. I'll give you what answers I can”

"Tell me about the dahl'reisen," Rain prompted as they walked through an avenue of stately, arching fireoaks.

Cannevar smiled. "I thought that might be among the first of your questions. Oh, I've heard all the rumors and listened to the "proof' Sebourne and several others offered yesterday in Council, but I still find it hard to believe. Dahl'reisen have protected my family for centuries. And for all the bogey stories about him, Gaelen vel Serranis avoids contact with mortals.”

"At the dinner, you said you'd met him.”

"Ta. Twice. The first time was when I was a lad of five. Elden raiders attacked my family as we were returning from a wedding celebration at a distant cousin's estate. They killed my parents and were coming after me when a man appeared out of nowhere. He wore Fey steel and killed ten Eld in moments, as swiftly and skillfully as I've ever seen any being kill.”

"You are sure it was Gaelen vel Serranis?”