THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION

66

Miel climbed the rock in the late afternoon, accompanied by a tall red-haired woman whom Liramel had seen among the army of allotars and at the black throne on the day she first entered the fortress. Carl was also with them, but kept a little distance and looked gloomy and tired.

Without saying anything, the prince took off his baldric and threw a caftan lined with dark fur onto the stone floor. In a long white tunic, intercepted by a wide leather belt, Mielle looked unusual and even more intimidating than usual. Fastening his scabbard, he approached and, leaning slightly over the stove, smiled.

“Decided to become a martyr? Liramel's already familiar voice sounded in her head, and she closed her eyes for a moment so as not to see the hated eyes. “In vain, daughter of Lirdan. In vain. You look like my sister... See that you do not suffer the same fate.

Realizing that he would not wait for an answer, Miel clicked irritably and, turning around, solemnly said:

I call you to witness.

– L