'ANOTHER ATTACK, MY LADY,' ALDEERN murmured as they hurried from the hastily arranged meeting with the heads of the Houses that now occupied the castle.

Face calm, Elena asked quietly through still lips, 'Where?'

'Just beyond Gartoll.'

'Dead?'

'No. Badly injured. They're bringing the victim to you.'

'When?'

'Within the hour.'

Damn. Elena paused and turned her head, regarding those that crowded the area. Many eyes met hers, expressions ...