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"Is it still troubling you?" Prestwich asked softly, his brows agitated

"More so at night Do not worry All will be well in theThank you"

The snow-haired steward did not look convinced, but he obeyed the Alderently shut the door A pent-up breath passed in the hush of the evening Only the desk laht Lia nestled at theseat, where Martin usually did, and watched the Aldermaston’s face, so tired and in obvious pain

"I am sorry to add to your burdens," Lia whispered

"You did as you should Thank you, Lia" He looked at her solemnly "You do not realize how much I rely on you Or how e the facts as I understand theer seeks to lay blame for her husband’s death on Muirwood and specifically, er "How can she accuse you when it was I?"

The Aldermaston held up his hand "Let us understand the facts before we discern e indicated She departs on the morrow for Winterroith her retinue but claims she will return to celebrate Whitsunday which is next week Martin has not returned You tracked Scarseth to the Tor where you were aer’s retinue Those riders are probably still in the woods searching for Martin or perhaps waiting for you to wander out It is clear they had a description of my hunter before they arrived The Earl of Dieyre travels with the Queen Dowager and offers a warning to Ellowyn Deerous to be here He discloses to you that a kishion is part of the retinue, and you have rightly learned that they are hired killers" He stared at his desk "Did I neglect anything?"

Lia leapt out of theseat "How can you sit there so cal "My head is so full! I do not knohat to think or e should do with so many threats I am at a loss, Aldermaston Should I take Ellowyn now and flee in the storm? Is there a safe haven that would welcoently held up one hand in a calesture "The tiht now My feelings tell me we should wait"

"Wait for what?"

"What indeed? For the right moment to act The Medium will tell us when that is"

Lia folded her arms "The way the Earl of Dieyre said it, it ht made her furious It was her Abbey, her home

He smiled sardonically "Which is why he said it, Lia Do not trust hiuer He told you about the kishion precisely because he wanted to put you on your guard Tohere"

"Should I not worry, Alderainst the best swordsainst a kishion? I am barely fifteen"

"You are who you have always been I told you that yesterday In this Abbey, you are the strongest in the Mediuht and wisdom, and protection that your enemies do not have You are under my protection as well as the protection of the Abbey And not just this one, but every Abbey in the realm who stays true to the oaths and covenants that are ht has not struck us yet So remember, child, that there are more with us than with the were to happen to the Abbey…to you…" Lia e of protectiveness

His eyes crinkled "My fate rests with the Mediuer’s, though she would believe otherwise And so does yours Remember that Always reme at him with respect He had always been so stern Rarely had she heard such softness in his voice

"Prepare ourselves to act as the Mediuht moment But it would help us to be wise The rain will delay the Queen Dowager’s departure until later in the day Many of her servants only speak Dahoe, which is foreign to our helpers Let us change that"

Lia stepped closer "How?"

"Come here, child Kneel before me so I do not have to stand I intend to Gift you"

A thrill went through her heart Eagerly, she approached and knelt before hi fro and choked with emotion She bowed her head and closed her eyes so he couldHis heavy hand pressed against her head and a shiver went through her skin