Savaric decided for appearance as well as safety to let her ride the Hunnuli. The effect would be worth a thousand words when they came to the council. When Gabria walked out with the healer, she saw Savaric, Athlone, several of the hearthguard warriors, and the four Oathbreakers already waiting for her. She was surprised by the presence of the men of the lash, but she only gave Seth and his companions a cursory glance. Seth, on the other hand, exchanged looks with his men, and, when Nara pranced to Gabria's side, he gave his brother an appreciative shake of his head. Athlone helped the girl mount Nara's broad back. He looked into her drawn face and recognized the fires burning her within. He squeezed her knee. When she glanced down at him, her eyes were bright and distant. "Keep a guard on your tongue. Do not do anything to risk the lives of this parry. Do you hear me?" Athlone demanded. His emphatic tone drew her back to the present. She nodded with some surprise. The Hunnuli nudged her thoughts.
