Chapter 92: Young And Old
"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.
When he spoke, his young voice lacked the power to compel obedience without the icy shadow of his father, Lord Ritchel, behind him. And yet, so long as Lord Ritchel ordered it, most of the Frost Walkers in the High Pass would obey without question. Only a few stubborn holdouts like Torsten, his lackeys, and some elders who supported them would resist Lort Ritchel’s arrangements.
"I suggest you listen to your little lord," Captain Lennart added, scowling at the men who still wore surly expressions on their faces. "Before Lady Ashlynn decides to offer your friend to Lady Nyrielle as an appetizer."
"You, you wouldn’t dare!" Torsten cried, resisting the urge to struggle in Ashlynn’s grasp. A strange magical energy washed over her, warming the air around her and turning the frost that clung to his fur into rivulets of icy water that dripped from his fur.
The heat wasn’t great enough to do damage but it was even more terrifying than the pain shooting through his ear as Ashlynn twisted mercilessly to keep him off balance.
"I’m sure the agreement our messenger brought included hunting rights," Ashlynn said coldly, giving Captain Lennart a grateful nod for thinking of the threat. "But I think she might find your flesh distasteful," she added, letting go of the ear and giving Torsten a shove that sent him sprawling on his backside on the frozen ground.