Rynere stared at Tass. Tass grinned.

"Did you really ..."

"I know I didn't, but I really can't control what you believe about it."

"What he know and doesn't know really has no bearing on this," Matthan took a step forward, glaring at Tass. "You make up everything you tell this girl."

Tass smirked. But he didn't say anything.

"You don't deny it." Matthan arched an eyebrow.

"What I do and do not deny really has no bearing on this," Tass grinned again. "That should be obvious, if I'm making up everything I say."

Matthan let out a low growl. Tass chuckled.

"Look, Matt, you try this every time. Remind me of the last time you succeeded. Either that or you match Einstein's definition of insanity perfectly ..."

"Einstein?" Rynere said, confused.

Tass shook his head.

"Don't worry about it."

"It's another thing he's created in his own mind," Matthan said from through his teeth. "Where's Kiera, Tass? Either that or the girl and Danid die."

"I'm sorry, Matthan," Tass said, his voice anything but sorry. "I can't let them die. What would I do when I returned to the king empty-handed? My head would soon be a curiosity on the city gates."

"Then where's Kiera?" Matthan was growing angrier.

Tass grinned.

"Why should I tell you where she is? She's far more important than I am."

"Then you won't mind the girl dying," Matthan drew back the bowstring.

"Of course I do!" Tass shook his head, as if dealing with an exasperating child. "Matthan, Matthan, will you ever learn? I like my head and I like having my wife alive, and somehow I'm going to find a way to do both."

Matthan didn't waste any more words. He let the arrow fly.

Rynere ducked. Tass was just watching with a half-smile.

"Next time take my advice and get some archery lessons, Matthan. You cut her hair. Last I checked, that wasn't fatal ...unless, of course, that hair is your lifeline." Tass looked at Rynere with a cocked eyebrow. "Which, somehow, I doubt."

Matthan gave a wry smile.

"Who hasn't learned yet, Tass? These arrows are poisoned. When the poison on her hair touches her skin, she'll die. So will Danid."