Page 59 (2/2)

I very shtened When I approached her, she lowered herself into a bow and remained that way

"Please rise," I said "It’s still me"

She obeyed but shook her head "No, I don’t think it is"

"How hness"

"Must you call me that?"

Her voice faltered "I ive me? Can you?"

She lowered her eyes "If you command it, then I will"

"What if I don’t command it?"

"Please don’t ask me that"

Kerwyn ca Jaron?"

I took her hand and led her to the center of the group "She is a lady in disguise, just as I was disguised as an orphan for four years She is Ien, and her family has debts to Master Conner She has fully repaid those debts tocare and co, I posthumously declare hihter and will be treated as such"

Ien shook her head "No, don’t I can’t repay this"

I turned to her and loweredYou are free, and I wish you well in life" I gave her hand to Kerwyn "Will you see that she is given a comfortable roo as she wishes, and at whatever point she asks it, see that she is provided a way hoh her tears and bowed toJaron"

I sen I wouldn’t have survived these past teeks except for you"

Kerwyn led her away, but when he looked back at ht fall upon his shoulders Difficult ti war should never ruin a good party With a sroup and said, "Carthyans, tonight I aht we dance!"