I looked away, unhappy that Seonaid should know about my carnal episodes, and embarrassed that I should be so easily duped by Aela and Alistair.
“You were a fool, Fergus, but perhaps you have learned now.” Seonaid was never less than candid.
I nodded again. “But you … were not affected at all. How did you escape?” I thought back to those days of two years ago when I had been arrogant enough to think I could deal with Alistair Mor on my own. “I remember seeing the hatred in you: did that protect you?”
She shook her head. “No, Fergus, hatred protects nothing. Indeed, Alistair and his minions can feed off hatred and turn it to their own ends. No: now think Fergus; what is my name?”
“You are Seonaid,” I could answer that one easily enough, despite my confused mind.
“Good. And what did peo
