If this hadn''t involved Gerald''s orders, even someone as yful as Averill would not joke about it. Felix had almost thought she was teasing.


    "What do you mean, ''fiancée''?"


    Averill seemed to anticipate his questions. "You lucky dog! Your engagement to Xena was arranged by Mr. Hoffman, Lady N through the Greenes, and this fiancée I just mentioned? It''s arranged by your birth mother. Get it?" Felix exploded. "What the hell? Am I some kind ofmodity? Everyone''s just arranging marriages for me!"


    Gerald was family, so that was different. But what gave the Greenes and Cordelia the right to do this?


    "I don''t know the details. But ording to Mr. Hoffman, this fiancée of yours is seriously dangerous. He kept muttering about them sending someone. He doesn''t know when they''ll show up, but he wanted you to be prepared." Prepared for what? Felix refused to acknowledge any engagement except to Xena, especially after seeing how N would do anything for power. Thank goodness she and Yvonne had disappeared and stopped bothering him, or he would have been exhausted. "What''s the second thing?"


    To his surprise, Averill answered with a question, "How many Dragonspine pieces have you cultivated?"


    "Five!" Without those five Dragonspine pieces, Felix''s power wouldn''t have grown so rapidly-probably to levels that worried the Elders'' Council.


    Averill nodded approvingly, like a proud elder.


    "Not bad, only four left! Mr. Hoffman''s second message is about the Dragonspine. After you reported the pieces you''d absorbed, he did something and discovered the remaining pieces aren''t where they should be.


    "They''ll be harder to find, but at least you can sense them within range.


    Felix frowned. "Does that mean Mr. Hoffman wants me to find the remaining pieces quickly?"


    Averill nodded. "Exactly! Your primary duty was the engagement to Xena, but since you''ve officially broken up, that obligation is fulfilled. Nothing''s more important than the Dragonspine now."


    Felix fell silent. He hade to Gray City hoping to reconcile with Xena. Why would he


    leave now? His n was almostplete. Just a little more time and he could talk to Willow.


    "You seem reluctant! Well, Mr. Hoffman said if you can''t collect the other four pieces within six months, he''ll end your apprenticeship."


    What?


    Felix''s eyes widened in shock. "Did Mr. Hoffman really say that?"


    Even the yful Averill gave a bitter smile.


    "Yeah, I tried defending you and got chewed out! Mr. Hoffman said the fact that your fiancée''s people are after you and Victor''s death means something big ising. We need to get ready for it, and the Dragonspine is your only advantage." "Got it."


    That was all Felix could say. He had hurt Xena. Regardless of Sarah''s behind-the-scenes role, that was no excuse. He had to finish this.


    If reconciliation proved impossible after that, then he would focus on finding the Dragonspine.