"But he is her blood," Valyn pointed out. "And the rest of the family isn't exactly something to be proud of, either. We Hernalths aren't really that prize of a bunch." It was sad, but true. "And you don't count. It's different, with you." Damn, why did Shadow have to tell him the same things Keman had?

"I don't know how. I've never let a woman down in my life." It was easier just to give them what they wanted. "Maybe I should tell her about us. Keman already knows, or at least suspects. It's all terribly unfair to her, I think. I do find her attractive and she does mean a great deal to me. But, ancestors, if.... if things were different.... But I can't take the risk."

In an oddly human gesture - picked up from the people Valyn spent his time around - he pressed the heel of his hand between his eyes and rested his head in his hand.

"Before Keman knew all this, he suggested I marry her."