'Yes,' Damen replied because, even after many months and many experiences since then, he could remember that feast well. Most especially the expert way Laurent had negotiated with Torveld. Then, to avoid the likelihood of Erasmus misinterpreting his words, Damen quickly added, 'Yes, there was fire but you did not shame Akielos. You were very, very brave.'

Ducking his head somewhat, he tried to catch Erasmus's eyes, his hand still wrapped warmly around the boy's. 'This will sound impossible, I know, but you're no longer at court,' he continued, carefully rising to his feet and urging Erasmus to rise with him. 'In fact, you're no longer in Vere. This is a new place. A new world. It's called Darrow.'