“Lia, what happened to you?” Edmon asked, his face contorting 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.

“Dahomeyjan soldiers,” Lia said, coming near him and keeping her voice low. “The Queen Dowager left some of her knights in the woods. They have rallied a remnant of the king’s army and it surrounds the grounds, 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 may have killed one. They said the kishion is coming.”

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

“We must take Ellowyn away from here!” Edmon said, closing the gap. “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, Edmon, but allow me to do the thinking.” He paused deliberately, his eyes veiled, masking the pain he suffered. “For someone who does not believe in the Medium’s power, the Queen Dowager is taking some precautions to ensure her success. That is in our favor. She underestimates us and does not appreciate the Medium’s guidance. All afternoon, I have felt a burden. Your news confirms it. They will try and abduct the girl before the Queen Dowager returns. If they have her in possession, it will strengthen their position. She must be safeguarded. Edmon – hurry to the cloister and summon her and her companion to my manor. You and the Earl of Forshee will guard her during the day. Lia will guard her at night. She must be under watch constantly. I feel it heavily upon me, as certain as I know the moon will rise even though we will not see it through the clouds. Lia, you are her primary guardian. 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 time. In this deadly dance we play with Pareigis, we must watch our pace and not stumble over our feet. Our collective wisdom is greater than all the cunning of the Queen Dowager and the Earl of Dieyre. Go, Lia. Go, Edmon. Safeguard her to my manor. The future of the realm depends on keeping Ellowyn Demont safe.”

* * *

Darkness settled over Muirwood with a sullen whisper. Rain-choked leaves burdened the limbs of the mighty oaks surrounding the Abbey. Inside the manor house, Marciana stood at the gap in the doorway of her resting chamber, guarding the scene. “Thank you, Aldermaston. I bid you good night. Tell my brother I will explain everything. He 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 simply. She sighed 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 blame you, when I esteem him so highly 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 some good.”

Lia stared at her in amazement. “You are not angry with me?”

A puckish smile came with the reply. “I am sorry for you. But no, I am not angry. Ellowyn, would you mind if I attended to Lia first tonight?”

The shy girl 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 me. I can bathe myself and clean my own gear.”

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 small service in return for yours. It will go 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 awkward agreement and went to the wooden tub in the far corner. The changing screen was folded open and Lia felt the gentle murmur of the Medium as the water Leering set into the wall near the tub flared to life and water began churning into the basin. Marciana concentrated harder and a gentle haze of steam followed shortly after. She glanced back at Lia and winked at her. “Is this warm enough?”