Arkoniel never learned what Iya said to Rhius during her visit to Atyion, but the duke returned to the keep soon after and promised to stay until Tobin’s name day in Erasin. Better still, Rhius seemed almost his old self again, praising the improvements to the house and inviting Arkoniel to game with him and Tharin in the evenings. Whatever rift had been between Rhius and his friend had healed. The two men appeared to be as close as ever. The duke approved of Ki, as well, and praised Tharin’s training when Ki served at table or matched Tobin at sword and bow practice. When Tobin knelt in the hall on his tenth name day and requested that Ki be made his squire, Rhius granted his permission readily and allowed the boys to pledge their oath to Sakor at the house shrine that same night. Tobin gave Ki one of his finest carved horse charms on a neck chain as a symbol of the bond. Yet in spite of all this, Rhius maintained a certain aloofness with Ki that cost both boys some discomfort. On Tobin’s name day, Rhius had gifted Ki with a new suit of clothes and a fine roan horse named Dragon.
What do You think about The Bone Doll's Twin (2001)?
