71
Draya and Rhoda met them upstairs in the private parlour. Their eyes widened when they saw the woodfolk clustered in one corner, looking distinctly on edge in a room of straight lines and right angles.
Sasha saw that Marlene was watching the two refugee shamans’ relaxed interaction with the woodfolk and thought she looked impressed. The young girl had been worrying about Marlene’s reaction to two unregistered shamans.
But her fears were allayed when Marlene introduced herself and said warmly, “I admire the independent spirits that made you avoid the shackles of Queen Toriana’s binding. I wish I had known before I took the oath and became bound.” She shook her head, looking shamefaced. “So many things I would not have done and many shamans I would not have forced into Toriana’s servic
