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"Lia, what happened to you?" Ed with alarm

The Aldermaston turned, his brow also creased with physical pain and his eyebrows flexed with concern He said nothing, only waited for her to speak, to share the news that would change the Abbeys situation yet again

"Daho her voice low "The Queen Dowager left sohts in the woods They have rallied a rerounds, hidden I believe they will use Scarseth to set the Leerings afire before they attack us I encountered three of them, just past the Cider Orchard and they attacked me I defended myself, but I "

She stopped, trying to catch her breath and stared at the Aldermaston

"We ap "We can have horses saddled and be on our way at once!"

The Aldermaston shook his head "That would play into their hands and forfeit your life unnecessarily You are a brave lad, Ed" He paused deliberately, his eyes veiled,the pain he suffered "For someone who does not believe in the Mediu some precautions to ensure her success That is in our favor She underestiuidance All afternoon, I have felt a burden Your news confirirl before the Queen Dowager returns If they have her in possession, it will strengthen their position She uarded Edmon – hurry to the cloister and summon her and her couard her during the day Lia will guard her at night She must be under watch constantly I feel it heavily upon h ill not see it through the clouds Lia, you are her priuardian Stay near her constantly"

Lia frowned "I can take her away tonight Even without horses If we go into the Bearden Muir, they will have difficulty following us"

"She is not ready nor is it the right tiis, we must watch our pace and not stureater than all the cunning of the Queen Dowager and the Earl of Dieyre Go, Lia Go, Eduard her toEllowyn Demont safe"

Darkness settled over Muirith a sullen whisper Rain-choked leaves burdened the li the Abbey Inside the ap in the doorway of her resting chaood night TellHe will understand Thank you, again" Slowly, she shut the huge oak door and settled the crossbar into place

She turned and looked at Lia gravely It was the first time they could speak privately since her time in the orchard with Colvin "You dear creature," she said sihed and shook her mane of hair "My first reaction and admission must be honesty I was surprised when Colvin revealed the nature of your conversation But how can I blahly myself? We will speak more on this matter in due course But first Lia, we must attend to you A bath, I think, would do your spirits sory with me?"

A puckish smile cary Elloould you irl smiled "I would like to help I can…I can wash her clothes after she’s done with the bathwater It is late, after all, and we should let the lavenders sleep"

"That is kind of you both," Lia said, feeling sore and discouraged The thought of a bath did sound pleasant "But do not wait on ear"

Marciana smiled "Of course you are able to, Lia But you are to be our guardian tonight and every night You give us service in doing so Please…let us offer this so faster with help You let Pasqua and Sowe help you Why not us?"

"Because you are both nobles"

Marciana shook her head "It would be a privilege, Lia Please"

Lia nodded in aard agreeing screen was folded open and Lia felt the gentleset into the wall near the tub flared to life and water began churning into the basin Marciana concentrated harder and a gentle haze of stealanced back at Lia and winked at her "Is this warh?"