Riina had been quiet lately, but not so quiet that Tahiri wasn't always aware of her there, somewhere in the back of her mind; it felt like those jungle patrols back on Borleias, knowing she was being watched but not being able to sense a distinct presence.

"Waking up in the stables was embarrassing enough," she ventured shyly, reaching for one of the glasses. Swallowing hard, she asked, "Is there . . . what exactly do you need to know?"