"In the three realms, the taint has been eliminated, all the tainted have met the final death," she said with soft firmness. "But the taint came from two corrupted witches. The High Lord works hard to hold on to the Old Ways, and has always served Witch. His name may have been feared in Terrielle, but the Queens in Kaleer have long since learned when to fear him, and when to not."

"As one of his subjects directly, I'll stick with fear and a healthy respect," Theiorn said dryly.