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She nudged Jet closer still, leaning down to stare into his one good eye “Ask them if they really want to die for the Ehtfall over three thousand slaves had eates Lyrna watched the last of theates ree this, Father? she asked the old scheo ahead with the Realested “Ensure a proper reception for your entry”
It would be so easy, she thought, eyes still fixed on the open gates So ht the sky for a hundredthe city,” she told Al Hestian “Send as many men as you think fit to ensure they haven’t contrived to retain any slaves and secure additional supplies foron pain of execution Leave theainst starvation, and their horses I’m keen for word of our actions here to spread Be sure the arlanced at the prisoners huddling together in the gloo chill Like all those souls I left to drown in the bowels of the slave ship, she thought, hands clutching her reins until they ached It would be so easy
“Release this lot an hour before weback towards the villa
• • •
They covered a hundredon a pace that sawat the end of a day spent on what many now referred to as the “blood road” Theruroan of relief and exhaustion at the conclusion of the second day The Realh also the aly common The Renfaelins were by far the htera stark contrast to the h their relative quietude had assurim determination since the teents, Lyrna having acceded to Lord Antesh’s request to lead the coluhtfall Also, judging fro the, news of Lady Reva’s survival seeence of piety
“I findof the third day She had sought hi the Cuh their ever-cautious gaze still lingered
“Ashaht Lady Reva lost, I doubted the Father’s purpose in bringing us here At Alltor everything had been so clear, she seemed to shine with His love But if He could take her froht perhaps it ness to ally with you Now I see how foolish that was She would never have guided us along a false path”
Hearing the certainty hich he coloured every word Lyrna resisted the ioddess rather than a god “She is a truly great soul,” she said “I long to see her again”
She inclined her head andjust short of her sleeve “Highness, if I may I know you have no belief in the Father, in truth I doubt you have h you ives it nonetheless”
Lyrna found herself beset by the unfa what to say She had never been cos with the late Aspect Tendris had been a considerable trial, as had her exchanges with Aspect Caenis, though he had provoked as much pity as discomfort Lives doht But it never seems to make them happy
“Be sure to thank hie of finality into her tone and turning away
“There was one other thing, Highness,” he said, ave a huff of warning “Lady Reva,” Antesh went on, “I worry she e to our intentions By all accounts this vile E her to death should we attack Volar”
Won’t your World Father reach down and save her? Lyrna smiled to cover her annoyance “I will not allow that to happen”
“So you have a stratage her release?”
“Indeed I do” Take the city and trust in the girl’s deadly abilities to ensure her own survival She extended her hand to forestall his next words “Please assure your archers there is no greater purpose forthe Blessed Lady’s life, even at the risk ofto one knee and pressing his lips to her hand “I shall, Highness”