Hi, I'm new to the board. I thought I'd add my own two cents worth about my little 'conspiracy theory' with the connection between Barrons and V'Lane. I was thinking that maybe Barrons is a Sidhe-Seer? I know that the ones mentioned in earlier books have all been women, but ... there is always an exception to the 'rules' it were. Even if that is not the case, Barrons is 'something' different since he did refer to the state of the world as being Mac's world, and not his as well. I thought it was a bit odd since, most would consider the world to be at least partially theirs since it is where they have to live.
I was also thinking that since Mac had turned down V'Lane's 'gift' of the Cuff of Cruce, that it may be what Barrons was wearing that obviously kept the shades at bay.
On another note ... what are the odds that Barrons might have connections to the Draghar or some other type of Druid sect? Much as I would hate to think it, he still might not be a 'good' character. Plus, even if he does have such connections, it doesn't mean he did not come to his senses and began to walk the right path. ( or, at least a better path than he had been on previously.)And, Mac mentioned something about him muttering what sounded like a dead language after the battle with Malluce. Sounds like a healing spell of some kind to me.
Anyway, that is a bit more than I meant to write, but thats all I got for now. Please let me know what you think.
More on JB and V'Lane