“Mer headed for the tavern. He'd have a beer, listen to the talk, and try not to think about Tamyr Thimpor. On such a short acquaintance as he'd had with this strange Queen, he'd taken a liking to her. That was the last thing he needed. He was already disliking his part in what was to come to this city. He didn't need to develop affection for its Queen or its inhabitants. He'd come here to help destroy them, not like them.”