Llan didn’t fail to notice that some of them were looking at Pensould, too. That didn’t please her as much.
Ori turned back with a shudder. ‘It’s that speculative look that alarms me,’ he confided.
‘I don’t think they have anything too unpleasant in mind,’ she teased. ‘Any idea why we’re here, Ori?’
He looked surprised. ‘We’re guests of honour. Didn’t you know? There are thank-yous and rewards and other burdens to be bestowed.’
‘What?’ Llandry paled. She may have come a long way in the past few moons, but the prospect of being put on show before the crowds could still turn her knees weak and her hands shaky.
‘None of that, miss,’ Ori said sternly. ‘You’re a braver girl than you think. Here.’ He gripped one of her hands and Pensould took the other. Llandry suddenly realised that everyo
