On Sun, 10 Apr 2005, Jot Powers wrote: > I think you have Aliera and 2 companions, Vlad and Morrolan. Verra > has just discounted Vlad, so now is speaking of Morrolan. > > I think what is missing is the subtle difference between "can" (physically > possible) and "can" (the gods will allow) > > Aliera and Vlad are physically capable of leaving because their blood > is not string dragaeran. Morollan is not physically capable of leaving > because his blood is strictly dragaeran. > > The gods did not want to ALLOW Aliera to leave, but Verra, the position > in the cycle and the fact that she is heir creates a situation where they > are willing to allow it. They had never considered an easterner coming > down, so they decided it's allowed this once (due to the oversight) but > it won't be again. Morrolan they don't have to worry about because of > the previous paragraph. Once that gets fixed, the gods aren't consulted > before they leave so they sneak out. I'm sure Verra is willing to let > it slide. I like this theory, but I'd want to tweak it a bit and combine it with my earlier, less creative reading. The simplest take might be that the translator or publisher dropped the "s" after companion. Vlad wouldn't get to waltz in and out without such a good excuse, and Morrolan wouldn't either; Vlad is able to leave, Morrolan isn't. This is perhaps in fact a subtle hint on Verra's part.