Sunday, January 11, 2015

Page 51

“The covens can’t do that,” Lady Heiler breathed, watching as the giant bear wandered about the garden, docile as any house-cat. “This isn’t just some skill he picked up. Where did you find this man?”

Sithe shrugged. “Happened across my door some nights ago. You see why I’ve brought this to your attention, Sentinel? I thought your commander might be ... interested in this sort of thing. And, of course, that you would.”

Loki was barely paying attention. His eyes kept wandering back to the bear. “... Huh?”

Sithe winked at Lady Heiler, gesturing to Sythius. You see? she mouthed. Lady Heiler nodded.

“You’ll want to report this to Sister Nan-Tamé,” Lady Heiler said to her son, who looked up at her dazedly. “She’ll want to know, and better it come from you than a civilian. She’s like to be busy. But there’s no better time than now to start recruiting. If he fights as well as he looks like he can, she might have him trained and ready by next spring.”

“Assuming he wants to fight,” Loki said slowly. “Does he want to join the Guards?”

“He’s a born defender,” Sithe said. “Tell him he’ll be training to protect the children. He’ll go along with it.”

“He’s a simpleton, isn’t he?” Loki asked. The bear was now trotting, head held high and clearly pleased. He looked like a trained parade horse, cantering about a town square. Lady Heiler laughed quietly.

“He understands more than you might assume,” Sithe said, “but ... for the most part, yes.”

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