Mindbender Read Online Free PDF Page B

happened here. Speak only truth,” Constance commanded with calm assurance.
    “Yes, Mistress,” Wren said. “Our guests asked that I show them the island. I brought them here to watch the patrols. It’s one of my favorite places, so I thought they would like it. Knight Warrick and his men came up the stairs behind us and threatened to throw them off the balcony.”
    “You lie, girl,” Warrick shouted.
    Constance slowly turned a glare on Warrick and he shrank back a bit and fell silent.
    “Please continue, Wren,” Constance said gently.
    “Knight Warrick reached for Lady Isabel’s throat, but she and Lady Abigail were faster. They knocked them down the stairs and took their swords. Knight Warrick regained his feet and drew his friend’s sword just as you came around the corner.”
    “You’re a traitor, girl,” Warrick growled.
    Wren swallowed hard and seemed to shrink in on herself again.
    “Lady Isabel, do you agree with Wren’s account?” Constance asked.
    Isabel lowered her sword and looked Constance in the eye. “Yes,” she said calmly but firmly.
    Constance appraised her for a moment. She was clearly a woman accustomed to command. With a nod she turned her back to Isabel and Abigail and faced the three Sky Knights.
    “I understand your anger, Warrick, but your actions are unacceptable. First, Lady Isabel and Lady Abigail are guests by order of the triumvirate. If you or any of your associates cause them to feel unwelcome in any way, I will see to it that you never ride again. Second, Wren is under my protection. Harm her and I will challenge you myself to single combat.” She paused to drive home the likely outcome of such a challenge. From the look on his face it was clear that he understood. “Third, you attacked a force of unknown capability from a position of weakness. That was foolish. Learn from the mistakes you made here today. Now, take your men and attend to your injuries. I will accept the bruises to your bodies and your pride as sufficient reprimand for your transgressions.”
    Constance turned to Isabel and Abigail. “Please, return their weapons to them. You have my word they will not bother you again.”
    Isabel and Abigail flipped the swords around and held out the hilts for the Sky Knights to take. Warrick gave them a look of smoldering hate. His friends looked more embarrassed than anything. Mistress Constance watched them hobble off down the hall until they turned the corner before she faced Isabel and Abigail again.
    “Warrick lost his steed attempting to stop your husband from entering the Reishi Keep,” Constance said matter-of-factly. “Two of his close friends never returned from that battle. He feels guilt that he was not at their side when they fell and grief for their loss. I say these things not to excuse his actions but to explain them. If you choose to take this matter to the triumvirate, as is your right, they will be punished severely.”
    “I don’t think that will be necessary,” Isabel said. “But hear me clearly, Mistress Constance, Wren has offered us her friendship freely and honestly. I will not have her harmed for being my friend. I will view any retaliation against her as an attack against me and mine and respond accordingly.”
    Constance smiled gently. “Then it would seem that she has two protectors.” With that, she turned on her heel and strode off down the hall.
    Wren was quiet as she led them back to their quarters. When they arrived at the door she stopped and looked up timidly, her wispy hair floating around her head like a halo. She was clearly shaken by the violent turn the evening had taken.
    “Thank you,” she said. “I’m honored to have you as friends.”
    Isabel smiled. “Thank you, Wren. We’re a long way from home and this would be a very lonely place without you.”
    Abigail gave her a hug, then held her out at arm’s length. “If anybody gives you any trouble, you let us know right away.”
    Wren nodded seriously.
    Abigail