"No!" I exclaimed, laying a hand upon his arm. "It would be horrible."
He turned a surprised look upon me and then a nasty, sneering smile curled his lips. "Maudlin, sentimental fool!" he cried. "Who dare say no to me?"
I laid a hand upon the hilt of my long-sword and looked him steadily in the eye. "Ras Thavas," I said, "you are master in your own house; but while I am your guest treat me with courtesy."
He returned my look for a moment but his eyes wavered. "I was hasty," he said. "Let it pass." That, I let answer for an apology—really it was more than I had expected—but the event was not unfortunate. I think he treated me with far greater respect thereafter; but now he turned immediately to the slab bearing the mortal remains of 4296-E-2631-H.
"Prepare the subject for revivification
