Starke said, "Rann will find some way around you. Get her first. Attack Crom Dhu the following day."
The youth deliberated. "You're stalling. But there's sense in it. Rann is most important. We'll get Falga first, then. You'll have a bit of time in which to raise false hopes."
Starke began to get sick again. The room swam.
Very quietly, very easily, Rann came into his mind again. He felt her glide in like the merest touch of a sea fern weaving in a tide pool.
He closed his mind down, but not before she snatched at a shred of thought. Her aquamarine eyes reflected desire and inquiry.
"Hugh Starke, you're with the sea people?"
Her voice was soft. He shook his head.
"Tell me, Hugh Starke. How are you plotting against Falga?"
He said nothing. He thought nothing. He shut his eyes.
Her fingernails glittered, raking at his mind. "Tell me!"