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There were seventeen members of the council: Dulupina, Verasa, Sarapen, Markus, Thrix, Kalix, Tupan, Dominil, Kurian, Mar-wanis, Kertal, Lucia, Butix, Delix, Baron MacAllister, Baron Mac-Gregor and Baron MacPhee. Dulupina was the mother of the recently deceased Thane. Tupan was the eldest of the Thane's three younger brothers. Dominil was Tupan's daughter. Kurian was the youngest brother of the Thane. Mar-wanis was Kurian's daughter and Kertal his son. Lucia was Verasa's younger sister. Butix and Delix - Beauty and Delicious - were daughters of the Thane's middle brother Marwis, who had died with his wife some years ago.

The Fire Queen started sobbing on Daniel's shoulder again. Daniel, perplexed, wondered what he should do. He presumed that this exotic beauty was some supermodel who had been upset at a fashion show. He tried patting her hand. "There there," he said. Malveria looked at him, tears running down her cheeks. " she said. " Daniel was touched. His kindly nature was upset at the sight of the woman's distress. Though it was contrary to his natural shyness he strained to think of something pleasant to say which might make her feel better.

As Kalix walked down the street she was hit by a sudden wave of depression as powerful as any she'd ever felt before. It poured down like a heavy black rain, covering her till she staggered under its weight. Kalix tried to keep on walking but it was difficult. The tide of depression was frightening in its intensity. Kalix realised that this was the final attack which was going to kill her. The thought flashed through her mind that it was happening now because she had dropped her guard for an instant.