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Theophanu examined Alain with interest and without fear "Heir to Lavas," she said "I knohat you once were I wonder what you are now Very well I accept"

Alain stepped forward He was dressed siestures He did not raise his voice Yet every soul there watched him, and every soul listened when he spoke

"So be it" His authority was not that of the swordsman or captain; it was not that of the biscop or lord It came from a deeper place Even the vicious black hounds loved him, not with submission but only out of love for his pure heart

"I will do as you ask," he said, "if all are agreed"

He waited Not even Mother Scholastica gainsaid hined As if he were accepting his fate As Theophanu and Stronghand would accept the terms he laid down, because on this day it was necessary

No mortal soul can see into the future

These were the words he spoke in the silent hall

"Quarters will be cleared for the Eika army, but hall and throne will be shared by lady and lord"

"Morning gifts shall be given, each to the other in equalthe retinue of the opposing ar to the honor and status of those coation will be formed"

"If one is attacked, the other will co yourselves and in your own lands, you will govern according to the local custoether easily Or at all Therefore, as long as this alliance is sealed by the living bodies of each of these tho come to be partner in it, let no spear be cast that is meant to fix bla the survivors All fought honorably Let no word or deed, no insinuation, give offense"

"What each one brings to the contract will go to their own heirs, as long as they can hold it To guarantee the peace, let ten beloved children froe be raised in the heart of the other’s hall"

"That is all"

He possessed the guivre’s stare, whose veheth to stop all creatures in their tracks The easier to gobble them up Yet after he surveyed the asseesture that released them with his final words

"Let this contract be sealed Let the dead be buried Let the survivors return to their homes"