" His readiness to answer my questions caused my mind to glitter with new ideas, like a fountain in the sunlight. I was suddenly eager to try my own theories of government, formed during my half year of reading. I launched a barrage of questions related to the merits of an all volunteer army paid from crown revenues, versus each noble being responsible for a certain number of trained and equipped soldiers should the need arise. To each question Shevraeth readily responded, until we had a conversation--not quite a debate--going about the strengths and weaknesses of each method of keeping the country safe. Very soon I began to see where my lapses of knowledge were, for he knew the books I quoted from. Further, he knew the sources’ strengths and weaknesses, whereas I had taken them as authorities. Still, I was enjoying myself, until I remembered what he’d said about listening to busybodies. Immediately full of self-doubt at the thought, I wondered if I sounded like one of those busybodies. Or worse, had I betrayed my secret quest? Abruptly I stopped talking and turned my attention to my dinner, which lay cold and untouched on my plate. Stealing a quick glance up, I realized that I’d also kept Shevraeth talking so that his dinner was equally cold. I picked up my fork, fighting against another surge of those old feelings of helpless anger. Into the sudden silence Branaric laughed, then said, “You’ve left me behind. What have you been reading, Mel? Life! You should go up to Erev-li-Erval and help take the field against the Djurans. Unless you’re planning another revolution here!” “Were you thinking of taking the field against me?” the Marquis addressed me in his usual drawl. Aghast, I choked on a bite of food. Then I saw the gleam of humor in his eyes, and realized he’d been joking. “But I’m not,” I squawked. “Not at all! I just like, well, reading and thinking about these things.” “And testing knowledge, Danric,” Bran added. “Whether you are testing mine or your own, you really will get your best information firsthand,” Shevraeth said to me. “Come to Athanarel. Study the records. Ask questions.” Was he really inviting me straight out to do what I’d resolved so secretly? I had no idea what to make of this. “I promised Nimiar I’d come,” I mumbled, and that ended the subject. "