"Think back to your own past, Vlad: I know what Aliera told you about your past lives, so consider her words now. Millennia ago, back in the days when we were creating an Empire, though only Zerika knew that we were doing so, the seeds of all this were planted. Consider those you know of who were once your family, and those who mattered to you in a time too faded in the mist for you to imagine, much less remember. Kieron is gone now, and remains in the Paths of the Dead awaiting his moment. I, who had some importance in the tribe, am here, watching the Great Weapons, observing the Jenoine, listening to the gods, and trying to see that nothing upsets the balance." --Sethra Lavode, _Issola_, p. 41 (Hardcover). It would appear, at least at the time of the Empire's founding, that Sethra Lavode is or was considered a Dragon. What that means to the current estimation of her House is up to the PTI (Power That Is, i.e. Steve). Also, though I don't have it handy, I seem to recall that the very first mention Vlad ever makes (well, in order of writing) of the Necromancer is that he's always liked her. On the other hand, in later writings -- Issola comes to mind, as it is at hand -- Vlad seems to, well, be afraid of her, or at least dislike being around her. Any thoughts as to why this is? Thomas