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cinnagin in the self-indulgent debauchery practiced by hedonistic nobles.” She turned away and resumed walking.
    “ The practice of the Lesser and Great Rite benefits all Verdantians tremendously,” Crawford replied as they walked. They joined the group of Captain Biron and the women. “Most magisters and magistras use their years of schooling and genetic heritage for the benefit of all. Very few abuse their privileges.”
    Adonia straightened proudly. “The Oshtesh do without those comforts. My people have existed without the benefit of your diamantorre and the protection of the sigil towers for centuries.”
    Biron cocked his head in question. Crawford explained what Adonia had told him a moment before. Adonia remained stubbornly silent while the two men discussed her opinion.
    Captai n Biron addressed Eudora. “Are you a Mother’s Acolyte?”
    Her silence was his answer. With a tired sigh, he shook his head. “I suggest your understanding of the events of our recent history is flawed. Primus G’hed and Mother Lyre have discouraged the growth of your sect among the Oshtesh and I know them to be open, accepting people. Honest ignorance can be remedied. Willful ignorance is nothing but poorly disguised prejudice and I have no patience for it.”
    N either of the women would meet his eyes.
    “ The discovery of the aphrodisiac by the Haarb was a tragic accident. But, once Cinnagin became known to the universe, its sale was necessary to finance our planet’s defense from the Haarb. The aristocrats responsible for the fall of our sigil towers paid with their lives and took tens of thousands of honorable, self-sacrificing noblemen and women with them.” Biron continued to pierce each woman with a hard gaze. “Those nobles you sneer at dedicated their lives to the service of Verdantia’s people and I’ll not hear them denigrated by you.”
    Silence descended on the small group.
    Adonia’s quiet voice broke the stillness. “Commander DeStroia needs your help, Captain Biron.”
    He nodded curtly and strode off.
    Eric gave a sigh of relief when Biron entered the cavern and walked to him. Biron paused, scanned the picture before him then covered his lower face with his hand, pretending to rub his jaw. Eric slanted a sardonic glance up at his captain. “Yes. I asked for my clothing and was given this…” he picked at the loose-fitting garment draping his large frame, “…dress. Mistress Layna informed me that it would not ‘chafe at my wounds like trousers would’.” He shrugged. “As ridiculous as I look, she is right.”
    Biron’s face assumed a serious mien. “I particularly like the beading and embroidery work around the neckline, sir. A perfect complement to your eyes and hair. The burning question is can we survive the sight of your glowing white calves and bony ankles?”
    Laughing at Eric’s growl , Jon leaned over and supported his leader’s struggle to stand.
    “Damnation, my head is swimming, ” Eric grunted.
    “Steady on, sir.” Biron shrugged himself under his commander’s right shoulder, placing a supporting arm around Eric’s ribs. “Lean on me. We’ll take this slowly. It is not far.”
    ”You lied. That was at least a hundred miles there and back.” Eric accused as he collapsed on his pallet when they returned. Sophi waited there for him.
    “Thank you, Captain. I’ll see to him now.” The captain returned her smi le and nodding at Eric, left. Eric watched her eyes run over him, appraising.
    “As you can see, Flight Leader , still in one piece.”
    She bent down and held a cool hand against his forehead. “And no sign of a fever returning. Good. I have brought some stew we cobbled together —a change from dried meat and journey bread.”
    “Will you sit with me while I eat? ” Eric asked. “There are things we should discuss.”
    Sophi nodded and lowered herself gracefully to her knees beside his pallet.
    “Your brother charged me with bringing you safely to Sylvan