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"I will not," the Alder hard "I will not allow you to threaten anyone in this abbey"

"Threaten her?" said the sheriff, co even closer to Lia "You s If the report I heard is true, and if you are harboring a fugitive in your kitchen, irl alone where you cannot influence her answers I a to protect you"

"This is nonsense and ingratitude," Pasqua said, bristling She clenched a long spoon in her hand like a weapon "This is ht I will not hear another word of this nonsense You are tearing this place asunder before one, you rascals! I’ll not let you lay a hand on either of these children Now let her go Let her go!" Pasqua swatted at the one holding Sowe, and he hastily backed away froirls alone," the sheriff said, his voice calm, his eyes earnest

"You will not," Pasqua said "Ask what you will, but you will in my presence"

"Your cook has spirit, Alderhout the abbey," he replied "Lia, child, if a wounded soldier were hiding in this kitchen, would you know of it?"

"Yes, Alder at hiet in, and little rooht, yes," he said "Yourin either kitchen Nor has any soldier or ht sanctuary inside the abbey itself There are laws governing that, as you well know As I told you before, Aluer, I would like to conclude this rude interruption The learners and helpers will gossip for le productive thing has happened in the abbey since you arrived It was an enthralling display of horseated show of contempt for my authority here Which, I feel iain, you have no authority here"

"I arily "I a’s man in this Hundred"

"A sheriff has authority over every place where the king’s tax is collected Muirwood Abbey does not owe the king’s tax It never has, not since its founding I offer you my hospitality and the hospitality of our blacksmiths, our cider, our stores, even the hospitality of my own personal cook If you wish to be invited to celebrate Whitsunday here this season or any season in the future, then accept uest Otherwise, I will report your conduct to the king and tell hi beyond an idle report of what? A drunkard? Have I ain Couests, or you will never step foot on the abbey grounds again"

Lia watched the Aldermaston with amazement A little slanced at the sheriff she saw that he was not looking at all at the Alder a s in his eyes, the sheriff said, "I accept your gracious hospitality, Aldermaston" He followed the Alder at Lia again "When was she left on the abbey steps – nearly fourteen years ago?"

The Alderether and his hands clenched at his sides Lia’s er – roared inside of her

"It ly oblivious to the Alder his beard, he said softly to Lia, "I think I knew your father"

The Aldermaston’s words were cold and short "You have said h, sheriff"

The day was a blur of activity Both kitchens worked furiously to feed the sudden influx of mouths and beasts, but Pasqua’s kitchen bore the brunt of it The three worked slavishly, kneading dough, preparing sauces, cutting meat Wronen Butcher carved up a cow and had the pieces delivered to each kitchen Additional help froh they sent the younger ones to help scrub the pots and clean the wooden spoons

"Was there truly a knight hiding here?" one asked