2210 Bleeding Heart (Part 2)

"You have my word. I'll bring Valeron the Second to my home and raise him as if he was my own."

"Are you the Guardian of Wisdom or of Deafness? Haven't you heard what I said just a second ago?" Thrud's voice oozed with so much spite that the rest of Mogar had run dry. "You are a horrible father. A monster no better than I am.

"Just like the Great Mother here." She nodded at Tyris, making the image of Arthan's suffering reappear. "Both of you knew what was happening and could have saved Jormun's life yet you did nothing.

"I have no reason to believe that you would act any different for my son."

"What then? Salaark?" Leegaain asked.

"I trust no Guardian." The Mad Queen shook her head. "After you rescue Valeron, I want you to entrust him to Lith Tiamat Verhen's care. It was my husband's dying wish and I intend to honor it."