Dalquist did not stop to think for a moment. "I should like to invite Grimm Afelnor to accompany me," he said. "I know how eager he is to prove his worth, and this will be a good first test for him."

Thorn nodded. "An excellent idea, Questor Dalquist. If Questor Grimm performs well, he will be entitled to place the first ring on his staff. He will then be a Questor of the First Rank in fact as well as title. Let us get him blooded.

"Now; when can you be ready to leave? Time is of the essence."

Dalquist replied, "I will need to spend some time in the Library researching the lie of the land, Lord Prelate. However, I expect to be ready to leave at first light tomorrow. I intend to spend a little time in the town of Drute to select the Seculars I require. I have Quested in that region before, and I have at least one particular man in mind.

"With your permission, Lord Thorn, I will leave now to acquaint Questor Grimm with the details of the Quest. I will then embark on my research."

"God speed, Questor Dalquist, and good hunting."

Prelate Thorn stared at the scrying-crystal before him, his hands like pink crabs crawling over its glowing green surface.

Mother, are you there?

The unpleasant, dry crackle of the voice of Thorn's mother, Lizaveta, flickered in his head.

Of course I am here, Thorn. Where else would I be, idiot?

Thorn hated his mother's interference in his life, and he hoped his news would mollify her insensate demands for a while. She was determined that her despised son should become the next Dominie of the Guild, whether he wanted to or not, and a successful Quest of such importance would go a long way towards raising his profile. That pompous old fool, Horin, would not last forever, and, if Thorn could only get close enough, he might even be able to assist him in his passage to eternal glory. If that did not satisfy Lizaveta, he did not know what would. The Prelate had no conception of why his mother took such interest in the affairs of a son whom she professed to despise. However, despite possessing the indomitable will of a Seventh Rank Questor, he felt unable to ignore or disobey her.