I have a minor question, and perhaps this is addressed in a FAQ somewhere that I can't find, but: This question involves complete spoilage for a revelation in ORCA. In TALTOS, Vlad is coerced into going to Dzur Mountain because Sethra needs him for a job and she can't leave Dzur Mountain right then (because of an impending Jenoine problem that we don't learn about until later). Vlad gets his courage up in part because while tasting Fenarian brandies, Kiera comes into the bar and tells him that she's got his back. In ORCA, we learn that Kiera is a disguise for Sethra, a way for her to go out and about and have a bit of fun without being (ominous drumbeat) Sethra Lavode. This raises the obvious question: How can Kiera encourage Vlad in Adrilankha when Sethra can't leave Dzur Mountain? 1. Kiera has an independent existence and Sethra can possess her remotely. 2. Kiera doesn't have an independent existence, but is just a spare body that Sethra can remotely possess. 3. Kiera is a projected image (as the D&D spell) of Sethra. 4. SKZB made a mistake. 5. Other? -- "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up."--Pablo Picasso mailto:Dr.Elmo at whiterose.org http://www.whiterose.org/dr.elmo/blog/