Page 96 (1/2)

‘And by this, the Nerek justify their strange patriarchy’

‘Perhaps,’ Hull conceded, ‘although it is the female line that is taken as purest’

‘And does this first mother’s mother have a na of the two, as if they were roles rather than distinct individuals Maiden, h tiery spent as wife Wisdoaze sharpened on her ‘In any case, she is known by a nule person Eres, N’eres, Eres’al’

‘And this is what lies at the heart of the Nerek ancestor worship?’

‘Was, Seren Pedac You forget, their culture is destroyed’

‘Cultures can die, Hull, but the people live on, and what they carry within them are the seeds of rebirth-’

‘A delusion, Seren Pedac,’ he replied ‘Whatever ht be born of that is twisted, weak, a self- can stand still-’

‘Yet ould Wouldn’t we? Oh, we talk of progress, but e really desire is the perpetuation of the present With its seely endless excesses, its ravenous appetites Ever the saed ‘We were discussing the Nerek A noble-born woman of the Hiroth Tiste Edur has blessed them-’

‘Before even our own formal welcome has been voiced’

Her brows rose ‘You think this is yet another veiled insult to the Letherii? Instigated by Hannan Mosag hiination has the better of you this time’

‘Think what you like’

She turned away ‘I’ for a walk’

Uruth had intercepted Mayen at the bridge Whatever was exchanged between them was brief and without drama, at least none that Udinaas could deterhouse Feather Witch had trailed Uruth after delivering the e from her mistress, and waited a half-dozen paces distant froh not so far as to be out of earshot Uruth and Mayen then approached side by side, the slaves trailing

Hearing low laughter, Udinaas stiffened and hunched lower on the stool ‘Be quiet, Wither!’ he hissed