Those That Anger - Part 4

"Well I suppose that's tha—" Nila began to say, but Lasha cut her off.

"I'll go regardless!" She said.

"My Lady!?" Pauline said, horrified. "You mustn't! The Passing Scroll is of the utmost importance. Please consider your position as a Lady. Its absence will affect your future marriage prospects – people will accuse you of being a fool."

"Let them say what they will," Lasha declared. "I'll prove that I am otherwise on the battlefield."

"But…" Pauline started to say, biting her lip.

"I do not mean to force the choice on you, Pauline," Lasha said gently. "In fact, I would order the opposite. Do not give up your own Passing Scrolls for my sake."

Her retainers were the same age as their mistress. For them to join her would be to resign themselves to the same fate – and that of Oliver.

Pauline heaved a sigh, and shook her head, smiling. "No, my Lady. We shall follow you, and trust that your choice is the right one."