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happiness."
    "Well said." Torn stood. "And I know you too well to think you need advice with women. Beneath all that eccentric phrasing and wide-eyed innocence there's a man who knows how to treat a lady better than any of these vow-breaking idiots. Do you know why? Because you study their likes and dislikes and you listen to what they say. When it comes to females, that can be hard to do."
    Blaze cocked an eyebrow. "And does your bride know you feel this way? That understanding women is as difficult as catching a waterfall in a thimble?"
    "Tell her I said that and you'd better be prepared to defend yourself on the training field." Torn headed for the door.
    "Yes, but not today. Within the hour I leave for Femmeglenn."
    "Have a good time with Dame Melody and thanks for the clove oil."
    "You assume much, brother. Perhaps I am on my way to assist in training their healers."
    "You have many talents, Blaze, but being a good liar isn't one of them. No wonder I never wanted you in my faction."
    "I never desired to be among your spies. Should anyone require supplies while I'm gone, apprentice River will be presiding over my workshop until this evening."
    "Give my regards to Dame Melody."
    "I shall."
    Torn closed the door behind him, leaving Blaze to his work. At dawn, he'd begun his rounds, then helped some of the Knights apprentice with their studies. As soon as he completed the mixture, he'd be off to the Opal Order's fortress for his meeting with Melody.
    Other than if the spirits kept him awake, Blaze usually had little trouble sleeping, but last night he'd remained awake for hours before drifting off. Lying in his moonlit chamber, the scent of herbs wafting through the half open window, he thought of Melody. How good it had felt to hold her. The kisses they'd shared had been nothing short of dreamlike. She tasted soft and sweet.
    Though small, her body was strong and firm from years of hard work and training with weapons. Not only did she possess a warrior's skills and a healer's intelligence, but she personified femininity. She was gentle, kind, and full of passion.
    Scarcely able to control his desire, he had left his bed and opened the trunk that held almost all of his most personal possessions. At the bottom was a book made of parchment and bound in cloth.
    Long ago, during his time with Master Etah, part of his training had been to copy the words of a sacred love book, creating a second volume in his own hand.
    A warrior must also study art. Learning the beauty of pen and ink while at the same time learning the glory of lovemaking is a gift that I pass onto you, Blaze. Use both arts as well and with the same respect as your skills in empty handed combat.
    Blaze had devoured the book's lessons with enthusiasm. After his first sour experience with a woman, he wanted to know how to please the right one when she came along. His first lover, if she could truly be called that, had mocked his inexperience. When and if he found a woman whose real desire was to share his thoughts and his body, he didn't want her to be disappointed. A man may be inexperienced, but he need not be ignorant.
    Last night, he'd turned the parchment pages, pouring over the words and images he'd drawn in colored ink. With a pounding heart and a stirring in his cock, he imagined practicing the sacred techniques on Sweet Music. To give her pleasure would lift his own to unimagined realms. Sweet, sweet music…
    Was Torn right? Was this love he felt? How could it be? He'd only just met her. They needed time to get to know each other better. Time to savor every touch, every kiss, every word.
    Words. Without the spirit, Tara, to translate for her, would she grow tired of deciphering his odd speech? Her desire to understand him was profoundly touching, yet was it reasonable?
    It had taken Torn, Mahir, and his faction years to smoothly communicate with him, and at times it still wasn't easy. Would a woman truly want to burden herself with a lover whose sentences