"Seneschal Ashlynn," Hauke said, offering a polite bow. "You never needed to prove yourself to begin with. Lady Nyrielle's messenger arrived days ago to announce your arrival. There was never anything to prove."
"He seems to think otherwise," Ashlynn said after listening to Captain Lennart's translation. "As did some of your men," she added with a frown at Torsten's lackeys.
"Not my men," Hauke said quickly, scowling at the others. "Apologize for offending the Seneschal," he said in a voice that would have sounded more commanding if it hadn't broken partway through his statement.
Hauke was still young, only fifteen years old, and the only true authority he held in the High Pass was the authority his father gave him. He had yet to complete a great hunt, had yet to face his rivals in formal challenges, and had yet to demonstrate that he had the strength to protect his people.
