Grasping her arm roughly, he strode along the hall, the girl beside him. Shortly afterward they descended the great staircase to the main floor of the palace.
They met no one on the way, the intense heat having sent the palace inhabitants to their beds to rest until early evening.
To Dylara's mingled surprise and alarm, her escort moved straight to the great doorway leading to the palace grounds. Four guards lounging outside the entrance watched them pass, nodding briefly to the man with her.
They turned into one of the wide streets that led to the city's outer wall.
Dylara fought down a wave of panic. "Where are you taking me?"
The man was quick to sense her fear. He tightened his hold on her arm.
"To Urim," he replied briefly.
"Where is he?"
The Sepharian turned his head and frowned at her. For the first time Dylara noticed the long white scar across his cheek.
"You ask too many questions," he said roughly. "Now keep them to yourself."