Coming on this book was like a chance meeting with old friends. It was great to catch up with Cefwyn, Ninevrise, and their relatives, friends, and enemies. I especially love Tristen, and during the considerable portions of the book when he is absent, I missed him as much as Cefwyn does. As the book goes on, it became clear that it was not a mere coda to the tale that has gone before it, but the start of a new cycle concerning Cefwyn's two sons, his heir Aewyn and the illegitimate Elfwyn. Can the two boys preserve the peace and security of the realm through their improbable friendship, or will they inevitably part and become enemies and rivals, opening the way for war, chaos, and evil? As I said, I love Tristen, but I don't think he treated Elfwyn very wisely: if the boy is a hollow vessel as everyone fears, why not try to fill him up with some of the guidance he is begging for? I'm once again hooked and captivated, waiting to see what comes next. As always, Cherryh's masterful world-building, sensuous prose, and facility with naming provide great pleasure.