Heh. Well, if you are me, addicted to the original book, pre-sequels, for 15 years, my future for dear Alec has nothing to do with being a Duke, mad or not. So I'm the wrong person to ask. Hee. I do think that the sequels really messed with Alec's characterization, so I see what you mean. That is one of the things I deeply dislike about the sequels. However, as I ignore all things sequel, I don't think he is mad one bit in "Swordspoint"...just 19, depressed, using psychedelics, and running away from his life. YAY! I ALWAYS will believe that Alec leaves his nobility and his money and his title behind him when he chooses Richard, and no amount of sequels will ever convince me otherwise. This is probably not what you need to hear right now. Heh. I only meant to support your confusion over Alec's weird character development in the course of the books. *supports* I'll shut up now. lalala