“Beclan, you’re not asked to abandon Gird—whom we both believe saved your life by awakening your magery. If you find you cannot follow Falk without feeling a traitor to Gird, then you must stay Girdish, though it may mean you cannot gain a knighthood.” Even as she said it, she remembered that a company of Girdish knights had a training hall in Fin Panir. Would the Marshal-General allow a young magelord to train with them? Unlikely, though she could ask. Still—neither Arcolin nor Paks had been knighted.

“I understand,” Beclan said. “I suppose I can learn fighting skills with you, can’t I?”

“You can, though both of us have other duties. I may have to import an armsmaster specifically for you squires.” As she said it, she realized how sensible that would be—relieving her of the need to supervise their practices.

Marshal Fenold, when she called him in to talk with her and with Beclan, nodded. “You explained about your squire’s difficulty when you brought him back, my lord; I have no problem with the king’s command that he learn more magery, or with his taking instruction at Falk’s Hall. We learn about Falk’s Oath of Gold; we honor Falk.” He turned to Beclan. “I honor your thinking on this, too, Beclan. You’re loyal to Gird for the right reasons, not just that you grew up Girdish. But you have need of guidance in the use of your powers—powers Gird did not have. I don’t think Gird will mind if you study with Falkians.”

Beclan moved his hands restlessly. “I don’t know if I can pledge to Falk.”

“No need to decide that now, Beclan,” the Marshal said. “But I advise you to consider Falk when you are practicing magery, just as I advise you to consider Gird when you pick up a hauk. It doesn’t hurt a man to have more than one friend, down here or up there.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way,” Beclan said. “I wouldn’t have to give up believing in Gird?”

“Of course not. I’ve been known to call on Falk myself in some circumstances, and I was born and brought up in Fintha. That should tell you something.”

“I see.” Now he looked more cheerful. “My lord Duke tells me they’re much alike in their rules.”

“So they are. When I studied in Fin Panir, we read all we could about all the great saints and the gods too, what little is known. I met Knights of Falk before ever I met your duke; they were welcome at our table. If you become one someday, Beclan, I will welcome you to the grange just the same as I do now.”

“Thank you, Marshal.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Valdaire, Aarenis