Deliberations

CYRAN

It is Elwyn. I'd know those brown laughing, eyes anywhere. But not the raggedy look, the torn clothes and the coldness in his gaze. His hair is matted to his skull with sweat, and even from this distance, he smells dirty.

I wish I'd known, had believed earlier when Veesa had said so. I'd have shielded Saelyna from the sight on time. But then, it would not have been any good.

She's staring, wide-eyed in his direction, not quite as rigid as she had been at Halden. I look over her head, at Quain and he stares back with something akin to ruth. 'I tried to tell you,' he says, 'He killed Allos'.

Fareedah is cursing under her breath, while Filen is actually holding Edril back from attacking Elwyn, while he looks on with an amused expression, like he is watching a very entertaining play. Those eyes, the sharpness to his

features…I do not know this man at all.

I look to Caivan, but he's staring directly at Pedran, and Ronn, both of whom seem not to notice. I hold my breath as a stone sai