Perhaps it is because I am mentally exhausted after two very long, very straining tours earlier today, but I just had a whole new experience:

I’ve never before — never ever — been touched to tears by exposition just 116 pages into a book. Never. Not until Baerd told Devin of the fate of Tigana and Avalle, and of Devin’s mother.

Also, the Lords of Astibar are a devilishly cunning and cold lot. 8)