Page 45 (1/2)

"I have eive me, lass! Marciana is quite used to my barbs We knew each other at Billerbeck where she wasted far tooabout the world"

"What are you doing here?" Marciana said veno you as well, naturally We all have talents, it is true This isas you do"

"You never found much occasion to be at the cloisters at Billerbeck It is a wonder you care to be in one now?" Marciana observed

"Always ready with an insult"

"You accuse me of that?"

"It is a waste of a beautifulShall I silence you as I did in Billerbeck with a kiss? Think of the shock Think of the lurid stories they would tell" His voice dropped lower and he stepped towards her

Marciana’s face went ashen "I bit you then," she whispered defiantly "You will not steal that froain"

A little smirk quivered on Dieyre’s iven freely next time But at least I have the memory to treasure Especially when I realized you enjoyed it There is also the pleasant scene of your brother’s reaction" He turned and glanced at Lia "Are you my shadow? Why are you still here?"

Lia stared at him, at his sudden provocation, and then she knew It was as if she could look into his soul for just a moment She understood him "You followed me here, my lord"

His eyes narrowed "You are filthy and soaked"

"So are you My lord," she added deferentially "Why did you co er kindled on his face

"Yes," Lia replied,around the other side of him to force him to twist his neck to see her She was closer to Ellowyn now "Your purpose for co to the cloister? Other than to annoy the learners?"

He looked at her "How old are you?"

Courage began to seep back into her bones attone "If you will not submit to my questions, then I will not submit to yours but kindly insist that you leave If you have no reason to be here, that is"