Then it was that he saw a shadow come into Nada's eyes—a shadow which wiped away his smile and closed a cold hand about his heart.
"Nada!" he exclaimed. "What is wrong? Has something happened to her?"
"She is ... gone," his mother said dully.
"Gone?"
"Yes. Pryak gave her to a man from a land far to the south of Sephar. He has taken her there with him."
Tharn's face was white beneath its layer of tan. "How long since?" he demanded hoarsely.
"This is the third day."
Without another word the young man wheeled and started for the door. Before he could reach it, however, strong fingers closed on his arm.
His father had stopped him. "Wait, Tharn. Where are you going?"
"After Dylara," said his son grimly.