Yolara's hand stole softly upon the Irishman's curls caressingly.
"You know the law, Yolara." Lugur's voice was flat, deadly, "You may not mate with other than your own kind.

And this man is a stranger--a barbarian--food for the Shining One!" Literally, he spat the phrase.
"No, not of our kind--Lugur--higher!" Yolara answered serenely.

"Lo, a son of Siya and of Siyana!" "A lie!" roared the red dwarf.

"A lie!" "The Shining One revealed it to me!" said Yolara sweetly.

"And if ye believe not, Lugur--go ask of the Shining One if it be not truth!" There was bitter, nameless menace in those last words--and whatever their hidden message to Lugur, it was potent.