Janius nodded along with Kaleeth. He formed a subdued smile; it did sound like it was what Kaleeth needed to hear. Perhaps more than that she needed to hear it from Reanaseer.

He put an arm around her shoulders as he turned to where Julan sat a distance away. "Oh, only here and there," Janius answered. "He was nervous but he's opening up now, I think. Shall we go and meet his new friends?"

[hr]
Ahnasha's recount caused Rhazii to bring himself upright while kneeling. He looked confronted and some of his sadness returned, this time sympathetic towards Ahnasha, but he did not sob.

He turned his eyes down and away for a moment. He sniffed and rubbed the tears from his eyes. "The worst punishment there is. He would deserve the worst, to do that to you and father." He had to stop to breathe. He looked to Ahnasha's eyes. "Mother, I had no idea. I'm so sorry."