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whis-, pered through Carolin’s mind, wordless. The man’s expression did not change, yet Carolin felt the shift in him, could almost catch his thought, So this is Hastur’s cub.
    Carolin, stung by the undercurrent of animosity, took a moment to study the older man’s face. Was this man an enemy? His tutors had always made it a great point to remember both names and appearances. But no, he could not detect even a hint of familiarity.
    In that instant, he picked up a surge of tightly controlled anger.
    How dare they? How dare they question me?
    Neither Auster nor Gavin gave any sign they’d read the man’s thoughts, though the room vibrated with tension.
    “It is just as I told you,” the older man said. “My son came on his own accord, without my knowledge or approval.” And only Aldones knows what trouble will come from this! “Nothing you can say will alter my decision.”
    “You—you are the father of the boy who came to seek admission to the Tower this morning,” Carolin said.
    The man inclined his head and answered politely, “I am Felix Ridenow.”
    “We thank you for the courtesy of your visit,” Auster said. “And we will, of course, consider all the factors involved in this case.”
    “There is nothing to consider, vai tenerézu. My son’s ill-considered adventure is over. He returns home with me as planned. I bid you good day.”
    Gavin and Lerrys escorted Dom Felix from the room with impeccable courtesy and equally unmistakable suspicion.
    What was going on here? With a shiver, Carolin knew.
    No matter how talented this Varzil might be, he is suspect simply because he is a Ridenow! And his own father will not agree to his staying for exactly the same reason. This feud should have been settled long ago!
    Carolin had been brought up on court intrigue, but had always believed the Towers above those petty maneuverings. The unfairness rankled like poison beneath his skin.
    Varzil had been so filled with passion. Even from his perch on the balcony, Carolin had felt it. Varzil had passed the Veil, thus proving his pure Comyn blood, and the kyrri had answered him. They didn’t often do that. And now, for Auster to dismiss his potential, his dedication, to question this dignified man who was his father, all from political motives! It was not just. More than that, it was not honorable.
    Auster shifted, gesturing for Carolin to sit. “You are concerned about the Ridenow boy.”
    Sitting, Carolin nodded. “I know it’s not my place to question your decisions, but it‘s—it’s wrong to send him away.”
    “Wrong?” One eyebrow arched upward, but not in anger.
    Carolin, knowing Auster would pick up the emotion behind his thought, if not the exact meaning, lifted his eyes in a direct gaze. “What I mean is—it isn’t fair to not even give him a chance because of his family.”
    “You, a Hastur, say this?”
    Anger sparked in Carolin. Am I never to forget who I am? Am I to choose my friends by their parentage instead of their character? “I speak of what is right, not necessarily of what is expedient. Is it not better to take a longer perspective on this matter? After all, it is said the only way to truly eliminate an enemy is to turn him into a friend.”
    Auster leaned back in his chair, the slightest transfer of weight. “It is also said that it is better to leave a sleeping banshee alone. In this case, the boy’s own father has forbidden his son to come here, and we dare not take any contrary action.”
    “What about Varzil’s own desires—what about his destiny? Are you, the Keeper of Arilinn Tower, intimidated by a minor Ridenow lord?”
    “Carlo, now it is I who remind you to take the longer view. Going against the father’s expressed wishes could cause incalculable harm to every faction involved. Leave it. Let the hot feelings die down. Practice the discipline of the work. In a few years, the boy will have made his peace with his father’s decision, and no harm will have been