Chapter 26

"I do not question Eyrmysse's actions, Uriel. Regardless of what happened in the Trials and her behavior thereafter, I love my sister very much. I would be the first to cite her positive qualities. What concerns me, however, is her motives. And how they concern you."

"I'm not sure I know what you mean." Uriel said the words slowly, becoming wary.

"In what ways did she help you, Uriel?"

Uriel got up from the bed and began to pace. "Just with some of the histories and things. Nothing much, actually. The Runes for example."

"It was just yesterday when you emphatically assured me that you were not studying anything of a magical nature." Arhyvhynne closed her eyes for a moment. What are you trying to hide, Uriel, and why are you trying to hide it? The High Witch decided to voice her thoughts.

"I'm not hiding anything," Uriel replied.

Arhyvhynne was still leaning against the wall, very cool, very composed as she said, "Then you should not object to submitting to a mind scan this evening."

Uriel stopped in his tracks. He slowly turned and looked at Arhyvhynne. "I rather not."

"I know—although I would venture to say that you greatly understate the case. It was painfully obvious in the Chambers that the thought of a mind scan frightened you terribly." The High Witch pushed herself from the wall and walked over to where Uriel was standing. "My mother went to great extremes to protect you and I will do the same. I will never forget what you did for me. But you must tell me what it is that you are concealing, Uriel. Please."