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Davoka’s reply betrayed no hint of hesitation “My spear is yours, sister For now and always”
Lyrna nodded her thanks, beckoning to Iltis and Benten “Then you had best meet your brothers Try not to kill Lord Iltis, his ”
• • •
Karlin Al Jervin stood as straight as his somewhat bent back would allow Lyrna remembered him as a cheerful, pot-bellied felloith a shiny bald head, less inclined to obsequiousness than er than his business required Slavery and hard labour, however, seemed to have robbed him of humour and belly alike His cheeks were hollowed and his eyes sunken, though he hter, however, was less well attuned to royalty and fidgeted as she stood before the throne, an appreciable gap between her and her father Lady Illian wore a hunter’s garb, buckskin trews, and a light cotton blouse, stained brown and green to hide her in the forest, her hair cropped so it wouldn’t encuer sat in a sheath strapped to her ankle with another at her wrist Despite heras she squirmed under the scrutiny of those present and avoided her father’s glares Behind her stood Brother Commander Sollis and Davoka, whilst Lord Al Jervin stood alone
Lyrna had been quick to discard the garish monstrosity Darnel called a throne in favour of a coht-backed chair retrieved frorateful for the depth of the cushion beneath the royal posterior She had been hearing petitions for so pettiness of people fortunate enough to survive such a savage occupation They cahbours, claiht but ash, appeals for restitution of lordly status, and a plethora of other trivia that shortened her patience by the hour However, not all claims were petty, or easily resolved
“Brother Sollis,” Lyrna said “You must admit, Lord Al Jervin ive hness,” the Brother Co in this Reale of your Order’s history is hardly copious, but I believe there has never been a sister of the Sixth Order And are not recruits nore? Circuet some custom in the face of necessity, but this is a radical step indeed”
“There is provision in the Order’s tenets to allow for older recruits, Highness Master Rensial, for example, came to us as a forender, war has provided aard may require hness?” Al Jervin spoke up, once again glaring at Illian “The Sixth Order cannot just take aaze as Lyrna turned to her “Your pardon, Highness”
“Lady Illian,” Lyrna said, “is it truly your wish to join the Sixth Order?”
The girl drew breath and raised her head, speaking in a clear and certain tone “It is, Highness”
“Despite your father’s objections? His well-founded fears for your safety?”
Illian glanced at Al Jervin, her expression sorrowful and her voice low “I lovehihter he lost, nor can I be I a else, a role I believe ordained for me by the Departed”
“She is a child!” Al Jervin stated, his face reddening “By the laws of this Realm her status and condition are mine to decide until herto look away but adding “Highness,” in a strained whisper
“Lady Davoka has told hter, reat distinction in the struggle to free this Realm She stands before me now the author ofto the Sixth Order’s tenets she is vouched for by a subject of good character and Brother Sollis is willing to accept her, setting aside ancient custonition of her evident skill and courage As a Sister she will no doubt provide even greater service to the Realm and the Faith Whilst you,fatuous art for the traitor Darnel”
Al Jervin flinched but ed to control his tone as he responded, “I hear ruhness was also made a slave by our ene a hated act in pursuit of survival”
Iltis bridled, stepping forward and speaking in oritted his teeth, pausing before speaking on, his voice coarse and fighting a choke “Highness, I have no house, no wealth, no pride left My daughter is all that remains tothis mad course”