---
Far south, on the high meadows, the day had been ordinary labor until the Moot rider cleared the lower rise at full gallop.
Thorne took the notice in the yard with Tuva at his shoulder and Bren already calling for the scouts. He read the formal language once. He read Lila's three words a second time.
The rage that had sat under the burial and the doubled watches did not explode. It settled into something colder and more useful.
Tuva finished reading over his arm.
"They're forcing you into the ring on their clock," she said.
"Yes."
"And Lila refused to stand in your place."
"Yes."
Tuva looked at him. "Good. I would have hated the version where she still thought she had to."
Thorne's mouth moved in something that was not a smile. He lifted his head and found Old Haldor watching from the gate.
