THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION

42

The musicians had been playing for the second hour. Behind the high arched windows, the stars had long been burning, and the flickering lights of candles were reflected in the dark panes.

Standing in the shadow of one of the pillars that supported the high vault of the spacious rectangular hall, Christian watched his sister carefully. He objected to her first public appearance without proper preparation, but Falinor eventually convinced that it would be a rewarding experience for Liramel. “If I were in her place, I would certainly choose Pat,” she said confidentially before the ball. “Gorgoth has too many wolves and too much politics. No joy!” His aunt's words, and Liramel's assurance that her show of frivolity would appease the Council and present the escape from Lausens as a youthful impulse, finally convinced Christian.

My sister danced easily and quickly, but her movements were harsh - there was not enough practice. The luxurious blue dress, altered a couple of hours before