Back at the party, Paris drew Zeer aside, "I am so proud of thee."
"It is humbling. There are few chances in this world to do good. The Master has chosen us and we canna deny him."
"Bah, yer just a power hungry toad lover," said Zac.
"Right, Dad. Did I not lose as much as you in that war?"
"Aye, sorry, son..."
"Listen, Dad, there things happening here that may exceed all of our wishes."
"It would have ta bring down the whole Imperion ta satisfy me, laddie buck."
Listening to them talk in his bed Shannon thought to himself, "It very well may, ma wee brudder…"
He turned his physical attention to his new mate. After a while, he went to sleep in Tantee's arms. His mind was still listening to Zeer and Paris's comments through the evening. He awoke with a start. In his mind, he had heard the word, “Verdollium..." as part of the conversation between Paris and Zeer. It had set him up straight in the bed.
"Verdollium... I knew it... but... who has the bloody stuff!" he wanted to scream.
He began pacing the bedroom, limping back and forth. Now, if I can keep me darling, Tantee, near my brother, he thought, I shall be finding out. After a while, he shrugged to himself, smiled, and returned to sleep.
Preacher Man Page 32