Spoiler space inserted > Loved all of it until the end. > > I don't care what careful plot twist is necessary in order to have Piro be > in the company of bandits for the next book. There is no way that the son > of Khaavren could turn against his own character, his friend the Empress, > the dignity of the respected personages he had encountered, and turn bandit > just because he had too few funds and his father wouldn't let him marry the > dzur. He is young, male, in love, and thwarted in that love. Such persons are not known for their exceedingly rational behaviour. He may well come to regret his hastiness, but I find it a plausible course of action. Alexx Alexx Kay Opinions expressed are my own and not necessarily those of my employers alexx at world.std.com http://world.std.com/~alexx The job situation is so bad, I saw an engineer carrying a sign: "WILL WORK FOR FOOLS". -- Chris Jarocha-Ernst