These two were elegantly turned out, their long cloaks thrown back to expose richly embroidered cloth. The Duke examined them closely. Obviously, here was one of the great western nobles, with an almost equally noble companion. The golden circlet proclaimed the identity of one, and the proud bearing and rich dress of both confirmed their station. Somehow, the Duke thought, these two presented a far more imposing appearance than his vassal, the Baron Bel Menstal, despite that Baron's overwhelming personality. He thought of his hard fighting border protector. Of course, he had far to come, and the way through the mountains could be difficult. But it was a little strange he was not yet here. The Duke remembered some of the resentful gazes he had noted during his passage through the fair. He must have words, he decided, with Bel Menstal. Possibly the man was a little too eager to collect his road and river taxes. Possibly this hard man of his was too hard, too grasping. Of course, he held a valuable bastion against the tribes of the Ajerical, but---- He shrugged away his thoughts and devoted his attention to the dishes before him. * * * * * As the Duke took up his food, the waiting company commenced reaching for dishes. Konar turned toward Meinora with a slight smile. _"Got 'em well trained, hasn't he?"_ _"That he has. Another note for our cultural information."_ _"When do you want me to talk to him?"_ _"After he's finished his main courses and got a few cups of wine in him. Our boy'll be delayed for a while, you know. We've plenty of time to let Orieano fill the Duke in before Bel Menstal arrives."_ Klion Meinora turned his attention to the trencher before him for a moment, then looked toward his companion again. _"Notice the girl sitting by the Baron?"_ _"You mean Orieano's daughter?"_ _"Precisely. Don't give her any cause for fear. Don't even make a sudden move in her presence."_ _"You mean----?"_ _"I do. She could become Lady Death, if she got frightened."_ Konar looked toward the elevated table. The girl looked harmless enough. She was slender, attractive, even delicate looking. But he remembered a horror-distorted face, a mind-shattering scream, and a blinding flash of light. He shuddered a little and turned his attention to his food. [Illustration] * * * * * Florel Bel Menstal strode into the hall, looking toward the table head. The Duke, he noted, was still at table, though he had finished his meal. Now, he was engaged in earnest conversation with Orieano. This, Bel Menstal thought, must be checked. Haughtily ignoring the rest of the company, he paced to the head of the table, where he made perfunctory obeisance. "Your Excellency," he greeted. He straightened. "I offer my apologies for my late appearance. My men had to clear a slide from the way." He turned toward Orieano.