Bloodlines

Roshan did not answer Arran's question immediately. Instead, the Archon remained silent for a time, looking at him with appraising eyes as if he were a stable master and Arran was a newly bought horse.

"I have known Lady Merem for many years," the man finally said in a ponderous tone, "and not once have I seen her take an interest in someone without good cause. Even had others not told me of the potential within your blood, her interest would have sparked my curiosity."

Arran's heart nearly skipped a beat at the Archon's words. "The potential within my blood?" He hadn't forgotten what Lady Merem had told him — that the church made quick work of those found to have heretical bloodlines.

"You thought we did not know?" There was a hint of amusement in Roshan's expression, as if the very idea was absurd. "There aren't many who have such a difficult time gaining their citizenship. You did not expect such a secret to stay hidden, did you?"