b'50LISA E. BETZRoxana helped Livia into a tunic and brushed the worst of the tangles from her hair. She must have been tossing all night, trying to work out what was bothering her. When she was sufficiently presentable she sent her maid to fetch Dryas.The old mans features were set in grimmer lines than normal. You required me, my lady?When you prepared Fathers body, did you notice anything unusual?I am not sure what you are asking, my lady. Everything about the masters death was unusual.That is what troubles me. She held up the ring. We are told Father and Tyndareus were killed by thieves, yet I found this on his finger. Did you or Cook notice anything else that does not make sense?He stared at the floor for several heartbeats before answer-ing. Based on the wounds, it would appear whoever attacked them intended to kill. Tyndareus was struck on the back of the head, presumably to stun him before slitting his throat. His club was still thrust in his belt, as if there had been no warning of the attack.And Father? Livia made herself ask.There were several wounds. He hesitated, flicked a glance at Livia. It appears he too was struck in the head before the killing blow. Cook and I discussed it with the young master. We assume there was more than one attacker.And yet no one took fathers ring.No.AndTyndareusbeltpouchstillcontainedcoins,my lady.The dread grew stronger. Are you saying Father might have been . . . that maybe it wasnt thieves who killed him?A solemn nod. The facts indicate something underhand. I am sorry, my lady.Thank you, Dryas. Please keep these suspicions to yourself.'