King Alavar held his hand up to the Sage and said, "Lady Azriel, come forward. I have heard of your efforts in pushing back the Blight at the mines of Andora. Of course, Duke Ashdeer would have helped you immensely, in this, but.....you do realize that you walk into this court with the mark of the dark forces on your neck!"
The Sage stood on the platform, his eyes boring into Azriel. She looked up to see the many noblemen and women staring at her. Most stared at her with open curiosity, while others had frowns on their faces. She barely registered Quinn standing next to the tiny blonde, and a tall girl, with high cheekbones and a feral face that looked very familiar to her, but she was unable to place her.
