THE SHARP RAP ON THE door had the ardwyr's hackles up in an instant. Leseach made a sound in her throat that quietened the snarls to grumbles as she opened the door.

'She knows me anywhere,' Rashid commented as he made a short bow to Leseach. 'Ready for the hunt?'

'Yes,' Leseach replied, stepping past him into the corridor. The ardwyr charged after her, stopping short at another sound from her. 'No. You stay.'

Lips pursed as if he might laugh, Rashid shut the ...