“Understand,” Sithe said, as she stepped away from the pot
and glanced at the open doorway, leading back into the common room. “that I can’t
... guarantee anything. You know that, right? If this were a civilian
situation ... well. But this is military business. My influence is limited.”
“I know,” Lady Heiler muttered. “I don’t even know what I’m
doing. It’s just so ... fast.”
“When the Guards want someone,” Sithe said slowly, “they
stop at nothing. I’m guessing that’s how you completely bypassed the Middle
Ring.” Lady Heiler nodded. “From copper tabs to diamond cuff-links. I can see
why you would be concerned.”
“It’s not just that,” Lady Heiler said. “Loki is still a
student. He barely knows how to use his gifts. I barely know how to teach him. They’re grooming the greenest of
soldiers to take a spot on the front lines.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that,” Sithe said. “Milford doesn’t
recruit someone whose abilities he doesn’t understand. And what he lacks in practical affinity, Sister
Ai has in spades. If anyone on this continent is going to teach your boy how to
use his power, it’s them.”
Lady Heiler grunted, and stared down at her lap. “I hate
this. I shouldn’t have bothered you with this. It’s not ... it’s nothing that
I can control. It’s not even my choice anymore. As soon as he accepted that
badge, he became an adult. I’m not even his guardian anymore.”
Sithe smirked. “Losing a title doesn’t mean losing the job,”
she said. “You’ve met my sire, haven’t you?”
“Commander Breckenridge? Yes. I have.”
“He hasn’t been an ordained Son of Vilaya for seven years.”
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