Excerpt: The Spear Bride

Talenia straightened in her chair and fixed her son with the bright black eyes the family had come to fear. "I wed you to one of the finest women of our clan," she said. "I did so when there was no need for an alliance--when you could indulge yourself without thinking what it would mean for yourself, or your sister. Or me . . .

"Now you come here with the she-spawn of the man who murdered my mother, and you dare tell me that she will be your wife? When you are Protector of this House? Did you think I would allow it?"

"She is not to blame," Alessan answered, and Talenia's lip curled in response.

"Blood tells. Mingle ours with hers, and you'll end up with a litter of two-legged plague-rats." She threw Rehane a glance that was splinter-sharp with hate. "I will not have her under my roof. She goes out, now."

"If she goes," and Alessan pulled Rehane against him, "I go."

"So be it. You've given me grandchildren to take your place."

Senya stared at Talenia in horror, but the Lady took no notice of him. She watched Alessan, pitiless, remorseless. Senya heard his brothers drew deep breaths behind him; his sister choked back a sob. Alessan looked up from Rehane's bright head to meet their eyes. At that moment, Senya decided; no matter how much he disliked Rehane, his stepmother was an easy burden to bear beside the loss of his father.

He strode across the floor, hearing his brothers and sister call after him, "Senya, what are you doing?" as he took hold of Alessan's free arm. Rehane stared at him in shock. So did his father.

"You don't know what you're doing," he murmured.

"I know exactly what I'm doing," Senya returned. "You're my father. I'm not leaving you."