A flurry of remonstrations came to Eldric’s mind, but they fell to nothing against Arinndier’s resolution and he brushed them away with a reluctant growl. ‘Very well,’ he said, nodding. ‘After all that’s happened of late I suppose we should be beyond being surprised. But... women... fighting...’ He shook his head and sighed resignedly. ‘I can’t see it myself, but tell me about them anyway.’
* * * *
After leaving the impromptu command meeting, Gulda stood pensively on the Palace steps. ‘Go on ahead,’ she said to her companions. ‘You’re tired, and there’s still a lot to do. I’ve some things here I need to attend to.’
As the Orthlundyn left, Gulda turned and went back into the Palace.
Walking through its many corridors and halls, she was inevitably an object of some curiosity to the serva
