Surrounded by the Veg, the Vykan Dynasty stood in mortal danger.Nv. Julianus Mullerium, The Age of the Star Kings, middle Second Stellar Empire period Who has a Vegan for a friend has no need of an enemy.Proverb, early Second Stellar Empire period The ride through the streets of Nyor began as a progress, but once within the walls, the Rhadan sensed the change. The way was lined with Vegan Imperials, far more than courtesy demanded. And these were skirmishers, light-armored men, each with a drawn crossbow across his saddle.The people of Nyor, who had cheered Kier and his party outside the gate, now stood silently, sensing that they might be witnesses to some great treachery, but helpless to prevent it.The rain fell in a steady, gentle drizzle out of a high gray sky, and Cavour murmured, “This is headsman’s weather, King.”If Landro heard, he gave no sign.Kier said, “Do you need so many troops to control the Nyori, Landro?”“Why would you think that, Kier?” the Veg said easily.
