Page 14 (1/2)

Malenarin held his son’s eyes The boy understood as coht help him, but he understood And he’d sent another away in his place

"Kralle," Malenarin barked, glancing toward one of the soldiers passing by

"Yes, my Lord Commander?"

"Run down to my office," Malenarin said "There is a sword in

"Father?" Keemlin said "My nameday isn’t for three days"

Malenarin waited with arms behind his back His most important task at the moment was to be seen in command, to reassure his troops Kralle returned with the sword; its worn scabbard bore the ie of the oak set aflame The symbol of House Rai

"Father…" Keemlin repeated "I--"

"This weapon is offered to a boy when he beco, son For I see a ht hand Around the tower top, soldiers turned toward him: the archers with bows ready, the soldiers who operated the mirrors, the duty watchmen As Borderlanders, each and every one of theiven his sword on his fourteenth nameday Each one had felt the catch in the chest, the wonderful feeling of coe It had happened to each of them, but that did not make this occasion any less special

Keemlin went down on one knee

"Why do you draw your sword?" Malenarin asked, voice loud so that every man atop the toould hear

"In defense of my honor,do you fight?"

"Until my last breath joins the northern winds"

"When do you stop watching?"

"Never," Keemlin whispered

"Speak it louder!"

"Never!"

"Once this sword is drawn, you becoht the Shadow Will you draw this blade and join us, as a rip and pulled the weapon free