The yellow-orange glow of an anachronistic oil-lamp was the only light in the room. The Iskar walked up and turned to face the woman. "He is dangerous," she stated flatly. "I am well aware of the dangers he poses, Effra." "Not him. Him!" "Our guest?" The woman thought for a moment. "Yes, he is. But tell me what danger you see." The Iskar was silent for a very long time before it answered the question."His emotions are very powerful. Yet they are very focused. This one feels overly attracted by them. Yet, like you and him, this one has no power over him." The blonde woman glanced at the Iskar and rose from her seat. "That should not be possible. He is not of the line. So...." Her fingers moved as if caressing an invisible globe. "Thank you for telling me these things, Effra. I know it is not like your kind to explain anything." The Iskar nodded. "This one has its reasons, Mistress." "Could you tell me if he is becoming a true threat?" "Not that this one could be sure of, Mistrees. This one will do its best for you." "And glad am I of that." She thought for a moment. "Have there been any further intrusion attempts by the sensitive?" The Iskar smiled coldly. "Not that has not been punished, Mistress. He is inept for one so talented. I shall not underestimate him but I do not fear him." The woman nodded. "Well enough. As for our guest, he is, indeed, dangerous. But I believe that he is honest as far as such things go these days. If he makes a bargain it will be kept. I think I have enough of a bargain to offer to win, if not his loyalty, his co-operation." She smiled at the Iskar. "As I'm sure you would like him around to satisfy your desire for emotions." The Iskar nodded slowly. "This one is not sure that this will be liked. You are the one more knowledgeable in these things so this one follows your lead." The woman looked sharply at the Iskar. "I am not your ruler." "Whether you will it or no you are a leader. There will be those who will follow you though they know not where you go." The Iskar smiled. "And this one feels that this is as it should be." "In that case, please show him here after he has refreshed himself. I want to have a conference with him. I want you there also so don't wander away." The Iskar arched a brow and smiled. "This one would not think of missing this, Mistress." She turned and walked towards the shadowed doors of the large room. The woman slowly forced her hands from their position. It was not time for such things yet. To be continued..........