Isobel gave the order, and Ty stood while keeping her gaze trained on her boots. Isobel continued, “If others have the same reactions I’ve had, it’s going to be a difficult transition. She looks so much like Sábria that it’s gut-wrenching to see her timidly standing in a corner. I have to keep reminding myself that they’re two vastly different people with totally different pasts.”

  “What kind of a person is she? Can you tell?”

  That was the question Isobel had been asking herself from the time she’d discovered Ty in the nobleman’s stables. “I know she’s very good with horses. Seems to have a second sense around them, and they listen to her. She can fight with her hands. I’ve wrestled with her a few times, and while she’s untrained, she’s strong and doesn’t give up unless I pin her in an armlock where she can’t move.”

  “Weapons?”

  “No weapons experience at all. Dreyuthan slaves are executed if they’re found with one, unless it’s a kitchen knife they’re using to chop food or maybe a knife or trencher if they’re working with leather. But you get the idea.”

  Shirin nodded. “Does she have any skills other than horsemanship or equestrian ability?”

  “Not that I know of. Being a slave in Dreyutha isn’t…conducive to learning anything other than what you were bought to do. Not many owners try to enrich their lives.”

  “They’re property.” The idea left a bad taste in Shirin’s mouth, but since they were talking about Isobel’s culture, she was careful to keep the derision out of her tone.

  The shrug Isobel gave said it all. “You wouldn’t try to enhance the life of your chair, so why do it for a slave?” When Shirin didn’t react, Isobel smiled, “I know that’s harsh and cruel, but that kind of attitude is rampant among the majority of slaveholders. Queen Sophia, Duke Ravenkind, and I have been working to regulate the industry so the crueler owners can’t get away with murder. Literally. But our economy is built around slavery, so it’s a slow process. And just so you know, my own slaves are all happy, well-adjusted people. Even when I set them free, which I’ve done for nearly all those who serve me, they remain living on my estates. They’re happy.” She looked at Ty again. “Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case with the types of scum who owned her.”

  “You’ve set nearly all of your slaves free?”

  “Some, believe it or not, don’t want to be free. They’re mostly the older ones who’ve been slaves their entire lives. Freedom terrifies them, and they ask that I remain their owner. That also gives them more protection than if they simply work for me. I pay them and protect them. It’s a win-win, really.

  “Sábria is worried they…for lack of a better word…made her a blank slate. That her personality has been wiped clean.”

  The two women studied Ty, who hadn’t moved once since she’d risen to her feet. Isobel crossed her arms as she thought about her response. “Sábria is correct. Those types of owners beat any hint of personality out of their slaves. So, yes, in a manner of speaking, she is a blank slate. However, I’ve bought some of those types of slaves, and given time and encouragement, their personality inevitably emerges.” She looked sideways at Shirin again. “As you know, I’m not a patient woman. But I’m more aware of my short temper around those particular slaves and reign it in when I can.”

  Shirin chuckled, “I shudder to think what being around Ailith will do for her. But even though she drives me to distraction, she has a good heart and will do her best to help.” She hiked a thumb over her shoulder. “Should I bring her in?”

  “Yes. I’ve been looking forward to seeing her again.”

  Shirin opened the door and motioned Ailith inside.

  Isobel’s scowl had been replaced by an affectionate, welcoming grin, and Ailith couldn’t help grinning back. “Lady Isobel. I’ve missed ya.”

  Isobel wrapped her arm around Ailith’s neck, pulled her in close, and rubbed her head. “You have, have you?” She took her by the shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “Let me look at you.” Taking hold of Ailith’s bicep, she squeezed and lowered her brows. “Are you still growing those muscles, Lass? Look at those tree stumps you call legs.”

  “Aye. Bet I could beat ya in a fight, now.”

  Isobel scoffed, “And my battlemare has turned into a bird and flown away.”

  Ailith’s grin widened. “Don’t get no feathers in yer mouth, then.”

  The Commander cleared her throat, and when Isobel glanced at her, Shirin raised her brows and cocked her head toward Ty.

  Ty had kept so quiet that Ailith hadn’t even noticed her standing off to the side. When her gaze came to rest on the woman standing stock-still in the corner, the grin faded.

  Isobel said in Dreyuthan, “Ty, this is trainee Ailith. Look at her.”

  Ty instantly obeyed and Ailith couldn’t help gasping out loud. “Fowk.” She glanced at Shirin, then at Isobel. “Well, th’ Lady said she looked like her. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, but…well, they could be twins. Twenty turns apart, but still.”

  She’d had some contact with Isobel’s slaves, so she walked over, held out her hand, and said in Dreyuthan, “Just call me Ailith. I’ll be yer trainer fer awhile. Well, yer trainer, translator, and hopefully, yer friend. I’m thinkin’ th’ weapons masters will take up yer trainin’ in swords and knives and such.”

  Ty’s eyes widened, and if she weren’t already up against the wall, she probably would have taken a step back.

  Isobel stepped forward and spoke in Cibían, “Easy, Ailith. Do you remember how Taren was when I bought her?”

  Ailith stared in disbelief. “Aye. She were dead inside.” She looked back at Ty, lowered her hand, and switched back to Dreyuthan. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare ya. I’m that chuffed about bein’ yer friend, and I got a bit…well, chuffed.”

  Once again, Ailith changed to Cibían. “Does she ken she’s no a slave no more?”

  “No. I wasn’t sure how this would all play out and thought she might return to Dreyutha with me.”

  Ailith knew how Isobel treated her slaves and thought that would have been fine, too. “She’d of been lucky to be livin’ on yer estates, Milady. Sure, yer more than a bit techy at times, and folks duck outta th’ room when they see yer outta sorts, but once they get to know ya, they see yer good as far as bein’ a noble goes.” She blinked at the irritation that rose in Isobel’s eyes and at Shirin’s snorted laughter. Realizing she’d said something that hadn’t gone over well, she decided to move away from that topic and try again.

  She needed to clarify a few things with Shirin. “I work Deadnights, and since she don’t have weapon’s trainin’, she can’t come along. Then I’ll be workin’ with th’ Senior Guardian takin’ food fer the skellis and nints. Do ya want her taggin’ along fer that?”

  “No.”

  “Then I usually sleep until it’s time to go to weapons practice.”

  Shirin realized she’d have to make a few changes in Ailith’s schedule, at least while Ty was acclimating. “Having Jenx visiting her family will work out well because I’m changing your schedule, at least for the next sevenday. I’ll tell Geller and Terro that you’re off Deadnights for the time being. Your priority is helping Ty adjust. As we discussed, we’re not telling anyone she was a slave. Because of her obvious resemblance to Sábria, people will be curious. All you have to say is that Ty was adopted, and now she’s come to live at the Temple. If anyone has questions, tell them to come speak to me.”

  “Aye, Commander.” Ailith looked down at her feet. “Do ya think I could get a few hours in me bunk before we start? She can stay in here, right?” She looked back and forth between Isobel and Shirin.

  Shirin nodded. “Yes. I think maybe it’s better that Lady Isobel and I take Ty down and begin to introduce her so that you’re not the first one trying to explain the circumstances. You go on and get some rest.”

  Ailith came to attention and brought her fist to her chest. “Aye, Commander.” She grinned at Isobel, bowed low, and left the room.

  This was one task Shirin wasn’t looking forward to. As she watched Ty standing with her hands at her sides and her gaze riveted on the floor, she realized how difficult it was going to be to introduce her as anything but a former slave. With a sigh, she turned to Isobel. “Please tell her that although she is no longer a slave, she must follow my directions and orders and that I answer to the Lady Sábria. Tell her that if Sábria countermands my orders, she’s to obey Sábria and not me.”

  It took a moment for Isobel to translate, and when she finished, Shirin continued. “She’s to get into the habit of looking people in the eyes. When she’s introduced to people of rank, that would be Senior Guardians, Primes, Subcommanders, me, and, of course, Sábria, she’ll pull her forelock as a sign of respect. She will never go to her knees or prostrate herself.”

  Once again, she waited for Isobel to translate. “Tell her people will be staring at her, and she’s to pay that no mind. Do not tell her that Sábria is her mother. That’s up to Sábria whether to tell her or not.” Shirin shook her head. “I forgot to mention that to Ailith. If you see her before I do, please fill her in. Now, everyone who lives and works in the Temple learns to handle at the very least a sword and a knife to defend themselves and the Temple should the need arise.”

  When Isobel got to that part, Ty’s eyes opened wide with fright. She shook her head and whispered something in Dreyuthan. Isobel barked a command.

  Ty immediately looked down. “Hai.”

  “What was that about?”

  She told me she couldn’t hold a weapon.

  “And you said?”

  “I told her she’ll learn to use a weapon or feel my whip on her back when I return.”

  Shirin was afraid the exchange had been something like that. “She’s not a slave anymore, Isobel.”

  Isobel’s eyes flashed a warning. “And I am a blooded Dreyuthan knight. If I order her to do something, she will obey, just as anyone beneath my rank is expected to do. Do you allow those beneath you to blatantly disobey your orders?”

  When Shirin glanced at Ty without responding, Isobel moved close and spoke with the same authority she used on the warriors who served her. “Either you pamper her as the honored daughter of the Arch Priestess, or you treat her as you would any other civilian in this Temple. Everyone will take your lead in this, Commander, and you need to decide which you intend for it to be. I guarantee her adjustment will be one hundred times easier if she’s treated as though she’s a normal woman coming to live in the Temple, and she’ll adjust better if you eventually give her some tasks to perform. I already told you she is good with horses. Perhaps, once she’s acclimated, she could work in your stables?”

  Shirin rubbed her forehead and nodded. “You’re right, of course. This is all so new. I’m having a difficult time adjusting. If she didn’t look just like her, I’d have an easier time of it.”

  “And how is Sábria adjusting? Did she return with you?”

  “She’s in Sarlogne, at her townhome. She needed time.”

  “Could I see her? Perhaps she could unburden herself easier with a friend who’s not one of her Blades or one of her subjects. Is she…is she still angry with me?”

  “I don’t know, Isobel. Let’s go down and introduce Ty first, and then we’ll see. So, back to her instructions. People will naturally hold their hands out to shake. Since she’s not a warrior, she’ll take their hand instead of clasping forearms. Could you ask her to come here and practice with me?”

  Ty was moving before Isobel finished speaking. She stepped up to Shirin, looked her directly in the eyes, albeit with a blank expression, and waited.

  Isobel introduced them, but Ty pulled her forelock and averted her gaze instead of taking Shirin’s outstretched hand.

  Shirin lowered her hand. “I don’t think she understands we’re role playing. Could you tell her I’m pretending to be an unranked Blade or even a civilian?”

  When the explanation was given, Ty again stared into Shirin’s eyes.

  Shirin held out her hand, and Ty grasped it in a surprisingly strong grip. Shirin let her approval show. “Very good. You’re strong.”

  Isobel translated, and there was no reaction whatsoever to the praise.

  Shirin glanced at the Lady Knight. “Most people at least respond with a look of thanks, a shy smile, or something. I don’t want people to think she’s standoffish or, worse, conceited because she’s Sábria’s daughter.”

  Isobel cocked her head, thinking. “So, they’ll realize she’s her daughter, but she won’t know until she either sees herself in a mirror or Sábria tells her. That could be a problem.”

  Shirin rubbed her forehead again. “Goddess. There are so many problems with this that I don’t even know where to begin. It seems we try to account for this or that, and another problem arises.”

  “I think it will be all right as long as Ailith doesn’t translate when people ask or comment on how much Ty looks like Sábria. She doesn’t understand even one Cibían word, which will give you and Sábria time to adjust.”

  “Okay, there’s another point I need to make with Ailith. Don’t translate anything to do with Ty being Sábria’s daughter.” Shirin smiled at Isobel. “Do you think between the two of us we can think fast enough on our feet today that we can get through this first exposure without any major mishaps?”

  “I think we can. I’ll direct Ty as best I can. At least no one except Ailith speaks Dreyuthan, so no one will know when I correct her slave-like behavior. The good thing is, she’ll obey me immediately, and perhaps no one will notice I’m acting like a puppet master controlling her strings. Regarding her lack of expression, let me talk to her for a moment.”

  Ty looked Isobel in the eye while she spoke. Something close to a smile crossed her lips, but the gesture didn’t reach her eyes.

  In fact, the eyes held more fear than anything, and Shirin wondered whether they should wait a few days to introduce her to the general population. “This isn’t going to work, Isobel. I think I’d rather bring people to her here, in the room, and introduce her one-on-one. Let her get accustomed to meeting people, maybe relax a bit. I can choose people I trust and explain what they can expect.”

  Shirin realized they’d been discussing Ty as though she weren’t standing right there in the room with them. With a sigh, she reflexively touched the woman’s arm with light fingers. “Ty, would you mind staying here in the room for a short time while we sort through a few things? We’ll bring in people to meet you one at a time rather than trying to introduce everyone all at once.”

  Isobel blinked at Ty’s inclusion in the decision but decided she was Shirin’s responsibility now, and she needed to take her lead. She asked Ty what she thought of the plan. Ty’s face held no reaction whatsoever, and Isobel idly thought that if nothing else, she could definitely make a living in the gambling houses. By the time slaves were Ty’s age, they’d even learned to control their blushes and heartbeats.

  Ty brought her palms together in front of her chest and bowed slightly. “Hai.”

  Shirin raised her brows. “It sounds like she’s obeying rather than giving an opinion.”

  “She is. Commander, don’t expect her to throw off a lifetime of brutal conditioning in a day. I know this is difficult for you because I assume you’ve never been around slaves.” A thought occurred to her, and she lowered her brows while she considered the idea. “When you first mentioned that Ailith would be Ty’s contact, I quite honestly believed that would be a disaster. But now that I think about it, she at least can understand what Ty is going through. Well, better than anyone else in the Temple anyway.”

  “How so?”

  “My travels for the King take me all over Dreyutha. When Ailith rode with me, all the nobles we visited had slaves, and quite a few were treated exactly as Ty was. Ailith’s unique status as a non-person in Dreyuthan society allowed her to make connections that, quite frankly, I never looked for nor wanted. She understood the slaves we came across, and even though she was free and my standard bearer, she never put herself above them, and they came to trust her.”

  The day was getting away from Shirin, and the list of tasks she needed to perform weighed heavily on her mind. Taking Sábria’s letter to Lady Farryn was high on the list, and having their scribes begin copying the orders that would bring more Blades to the Temple was paramount, as well. With those thoughts came a long list of tasks she needed to complete before things got too out of hand. “Let’s table this for now. I’d like to move you back to your guest suite in the Sanctum since that’s much more comfortable than here.”

  Isobel held up her hand. “For now, we’re fine. I’d much rather visit Sábria and offer myself as a neutral sounding board.”

  Sábria had told Shirin she wanted to be alone. Still, she’d gotten the impression alone had meant away from Ty and the Temple and the duties and responsibilities of her office. “I’ll have someone escort you to her townhouse, but I’ll need your word that if she tells you to leave, you will.”

  “Of course.”

  As they exited the dormitory, Shirin spotted Geller speaking with Ayne Benú, the Gloaming shift’s Prime. When she and Isobel strode over, both women straightened. “Lady Isobel, you’re familiar with Prime Geller, but I’m not sure you’ve met Prime Benú.”

  Isobel shook her head and took in the woman’s dark features that were coupled with a square body and head. “I haven’t, but I’m pleased to meet a woman with a hint of Dak blood running through her veins.”

  Benú’s thick lips drew up at the sides. “I’m pleased to meet you, as well, My Lady. Only Ailith has guessed that part of my heritage. Most just tease me about enjoying my meals a bit too much.”

  “Ailith worked with a man who was half Dak, so that’s why she recognized it in you.”