Now, this chapter actually did get wrapped up last night when I read it to my wife.  We started sort of late, so, by the time I finished, it was 11 PM at night.  What’s great are her reactions – she was really, truly pleased with this chapter, and she thought it was exciting.  She compared it to the “Avengers”, which I take as a huge compliment.

Another fun thing that happens in this chapter is that one of the more innocent members of Sahnassa’s family, her younger sister Hylea, gets dragged into the dangerous world Sahni has become quite accustomed to.  In many ways, it’s nearly comical to see how she reacts, but it’s also a contrast, letting you know exactly how far Sahnassa has come.  Without a doubt, the attacks at the front of the book, dealing with those, grieving her failures, and having situation after situation to overcome have sharpened Sahni from a new matron to someone who has the poise, skill, and judgment to be not only a dame, but the Teldear of this world.

If you’ve lived awhile, you’ll know there are some, even those closest to you, who will always see you a certain way.  It may be something you did in high school, college, or the way you were growing up.  You may grow and change, but their perception of you is simply stuck in the past – they way they want to think of you.  By “coming along for the ride,” Hylea really has to face that her sister has changed, has secrets and alliances and connections that are daunting and maybe a little frightening.  Imagining finding that your big sister can order someone to be incarcerated or even set free.

With Hylea at a point in her life where she is about to begin her own career, seeing Sahnassa established in her own has to create tremendous doubts.  It’s a little like finding out the guy no one seemed to like in high school now has an amazing family, a rich and full life, not to mention the honor and respect of those he works with.  Wouldn’t that make you kind of sit and wonder, “Am I doing the right thing with my life?”  It will be fun for me to see how Sahnassa tries to bridge that divide and stay connected to her little sister.

Thanks, and see you in the future!
JTL