Hallowed Bond (Chronicles of Ylandre Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

of its occurrence. “Wherefore indulging in something that is forbidden to the fraternity and might lead to expulsion from its ranks?” he softly said.
    His father shook his head. “You know full well that love isn’t forbidden to us; only wedlock.”
    “But the first oft leads to the second. And, even if it doesn’t, how can anyone ask it of his partner to look the other way whilst he continues to share himself with others? It’s no wonder marriage is proscribed. It isn’t just to keep us focused on our patrons but also to prevent jealous spouses from wrecking the peace.”
    “Not every love is meant to culminate in wedlock,” Hirlen pointed out. “If you do come to know such a love, I’ll be the first to encourage you to leave the fraternity and bind yourself in matrimony. But there is no certitude that it will happen. In which case, I see no reason why you shouldn’t indulge in a romantic interlude now and then. I did and came out the richer for having known the affection and concern of those precious few I called lovers.” Again he regarded his son with keen interest. “Are you so drawn to him that you think he will lead you to the marriage bed?”
    This time, Dylen went still. He mutely stared at his father for the longest while. At length he said, “Even were I to desire that, one such as he would hardly want the same thing. A one-night tumble, a brief affair, yes, he might propose either arrangement to a hethar . But wedlock? Our profession, even if I leave it, will likely get in the way given that I have entertained many Deira he will eventually associate with and even bedded a fair number of them.”
    “And that’s your real fear,” Hirlen mused. “You’re afraid to fall in love with someone to whom your past might prove an obstacle too great to overcome.”
    Dylen shrugged. “It doesn’t really matter, does it? If love comes a-looking, it will find me. I’ll just have to cope with the consequences the best I can.” He warned Hirlen of Riodan’s return with a slight tilt of his head. “Nonetheless, it’s good to get that off my chest, Adda ,” he said as he rose to his feet. “Thank you for knowing me so well.”
    Hirlen smiled. He glanced up at Riodan who looked from him to Dylen with equal parts curiosity and wariness.
    He’s naïve but not obtuse , Hirlen thought. Aloud he said, “You might as well make inquiries at the University, Riodan. No sense waiting until the start of second term and risking all the student slots being filled.”
    “Yes, I’ll do that,” Riodan replied. “Thank you, Teris- dyhar .”
    Hirlen’s eyebrows rose at his use of the high honorific. “To what does this humble commoner owe such esteem?”
    “You opened your home to me, a stranger in need, and took me under your wing,”
    Riodan earnestly explained. “You are noble in heart if not in blood, and I count that the more worthy of praise.”
    Dylen averted his eyes, but Hirlen espied the gleam of pleasure in them. Hirlen inwardly sighed.
    And what will my gallant Dylen be to you, Riodan Leyhar? A mere bed treat as he fears? Or a true desire?
    Chapter Three

Progression
    Three months, Dylen thought as he readied himself for his next guest. Three months and still Riodan Leyhar remained with them. He had started second term at the State University but, as expected, there were no vacancies among the decent student lodgings in the city this time of the year. And so, the young Sidonan continued to make the Teris abode his home. And Dylen’s bedchamber his quarters.
    Riodan had persuaded Dylen to return to his room and declared himself happy with the divan beneath the window, claiming it was as comfortable as any bed. Dylen had given in, but suspected it wasn’t just his room that Riodan wished to share.
    He strove to put the thought out of his mind. He suspected, but he had no concrete proof, that his roommate wanted more than friendship between them. Indeed, his misgivings might very well be merely a