Peto seemed uncertain how to act. It was her age,

Ilsabet decided; that and her sex. If it had been Mihael who stood so boldly against Peto, he would be dead by now. Nonetheless, she fully expected death. She folded back the corners of her cloak and pulled her father's dagger from her belt. Holding it high, she cried, "The war is not over, Peto Casse of Sundell-not as long as there are those who revere my father's memory. If you wish me to pledge to save my life, I will do so, but in truth you know how much I will mean it."

Jorani moved to Peto's side and said, "She was the favorite of her father. No one loved him as she did."

"I see that," Peto answered, then faced Ilsabet. "I hope to one day have a daughter that so honors me," he declared and moved closer to her; but not within striking distance, Ilsabet noted with satisfaction. "I would not ask you to swear allegiance to me with his memory so keen in your mind. But until you do, you are confined to this castle. Regard it as your home."

"My home! Peto, it always has been my home. It will forever be!" She turned and stalked from the hall. Once out of sight, she leaned against the wall, tried to breathe deeply, and coughed. Her body was trembling, and her hands felt icy cold. She'd fully expected to share her father's fate.

Jorani joined her in the hall. "Your brother is inside, placating our uninvited host," he said. "May I walk with you to your chambers and talk with you a while?"

"To convince me to bow before him as my sister did?"

"Not at all. After I recovered from my shock, I realized that you did a very brave thing in there."

"Then, yes, come with me. There's no one whose company I cherish more."

The outer doors had been left open, but the dry warmth of the castle kept the fog at bay. Even so, the lower stairs were darkened by the damp, and beads of moisture had formed on the marble handrail. They climbed the stairs and passed through the cold hall to Ilsabet's chambers. Inside, she gave in to her weakness, wrapping herself in a blanket and falling into a chair.