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The Aldermaston reached out and stroked her cheek, near her eye "That is my burden, Lia Not yours I am touched by your coer across her cheek "Do you not think it odd…deliberate…even contrived…that you are here just now? Of all the people in the kingdo by my side, it is you who have not forsaken me A hunter-maston A wretched of Pry-Ree You are here for a reason, Lia I knew that when I first laid eyes on your tiny body, wrapped in a blanket with a shawl draped over a Cruciger orb" His voice was thick with emotion, a breathy rasp "The Medium told me then that you would play a role in Muirwood’s destiny You are special to me in ways you cannot understand, in ways you cannot yet appreciate Thank you for being here, Lia, in this hour when I need you most"
She had never heard more tender words from his ed him close She had never done that before Never It surprised hilance or a scowl, could command and even the skies would obey him He stood stiffly, aardly, and then settled his hand on her head tenderly She closed her eyes He was fa to a father Pasqua was her e had always been like brothers Sowe her sister Old Martin an irascible uncle The family of Muirwood
The Abbey door opened Lia pulled away fro in her eyes It was Prestwich His eyes were blazing with anger
"What is it?" the Aldermaston said
"I know you warned me not to disturb you," Prestwich replied, his voice thick with outrage "But I had to tell you The Queen…the Dowager…she is dancing at theThere are learners ant to corounds with their families Can we let them?"
The Aldermaston’s eyes burned with fury "No They made their choice Do not look at her, Prestwich Warn them not to look at her as well" He turned to Lia "You will change back into the learner robes The chaen is yours to wear It will guard you against the Myriad Ones It will protect you froer will coht She carounds It was strange for that ti Lia had not slept, keeping a post at the gatehouse She did not watch the festival through the gate Only the shadows illu fires would she look at It seeotcider She could hear the irls a new dance, a dance without a partner Soe instru music before It ate Part of her craved to see it, but she held the thoughts at bay with memories of Colvin, Marciana, Ellowyn Memories from the tinore the celebration outside With the ain The subtle throbbing was like an ache that would never fade
The celebration ended and it was quiet until just before dawn She arh with a cloak wrapped around her, but the chaen ar she had learned inside the Abbey The knowledge twisted and turned, showing new angles and interpretations Deep in the dawn mist, she heard the horses before she saw them The clatter and rattle of hooves see like an army
"Get the Alderh the ripped her bow and tensed the string, bringing the cloak open to reveal the arrow-feathers stuffed in the quiver She stood near the gate, breathing deeply, trying to caled first froer was no longer veiled Her face was beautiful and cold as she gazed down at Lia Her black cloak was lined with silver fur, open at the throat Her fingers held the reins tenderly Gently, she sis said It was said in a low tone, almost a purr Behind the words, the force of the Mediue, but she gritted her teeth
"I do not have the key," she answered truthfully
Pareigis scowled, thwarted and furious The Earl of Dieyre chuckled wryly, his horse appeared next to the Queen Dowager’s