Chapter 194 - 195
Next, he made his intentions known to all in his retinue, carefully selecting twenty-two subordinates to accompany him into the forest.
"I’ll come as well," came a calm, steadfast voice.
Maels suppressed a sigh as he saw Arienne dismounting from her horse, the lean, somewhat tall woman removing her scabbarded sword from the saddlebags and sliding it through a loop in her belt.
"You will stay here," he said in a stern tone, faking a bit of concern. "You’re the most capable fighter among us. In order to assure the safety of the county’s citizens, I want you to watch over Peimon and the rest."
Her shoulder-length blonde hair jostled as she shook her head, her expression brooking no argument. "His Eminence the archbishop ordered me to stay by your side, and I intend to do that. I swore an oath to him, after all."
"You’re not a part of our faction," Maels said frankly as he adjusted his clean white robes. "What we do is none of your business. Do you intend to go against my orders?"
Several of the knights around him suddenly grew tense, each of them ready to confront Arienne should the need arise.
"Do you intend to go against the archbishop’s orders?"
The knights hesitated under her sharp gaze, at which point Maels relented. "If it’s so important to you, then you may accompany us." Turning to those around him, he said, "Hurry and finish with your preparations! We’ll set off in a few minutes."