A heavy silence hung over the assembled captives as they stared at both Ashlynn and the glowing crystals on the table.
Daithi was the first to speak, drawing a shuddering breath and clasping his hands briefly in silent prayer before opening his mouth.
"My lad, no, Your Holiness," he corrected himself. Confusion wracked his mind and his heart trembled with questions the teachings of his faith couldn't answer but he refused to deny the proof of his own eyes.
"Your Holiness, if you have words for us, then we'll listen. When you're finished, I hope you'll allow us to ask some questions," he said cautiously.
"Some questions can't wait," Eamon said, shaking himself free of the shock and narrowing his eyes at Ashlynn. "I've seen many things in the forest between the march and the vale but I've never seen the demons tolerate something holy. How is it they haven't killed you yet?" the grizzled man asked bluntly.
