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faintly blushing as she buckled it at his waist. Donal handed off the Haldane sword to Kenneth to hold. When the queen was done, Arthen’s father presented him with a sword, which he slipped into the hangers at his waist before kneeling again to set his joined hands between those of the king.
    â€œI, Arthen Talbot, Knight, do become your liege man of life and limb and earthly worship; and faith and truth will I bear unto you, to live and to die, against all manner of folk, so help me God.”
    The king then returned the oath, pledging justice and protection for the new knight’s loyalty, after which the other Mearan knights in the hall gave a whoop of affirmation and surged forward to congratulate their new brother. The brief commotion served to bring young Alaric’s attention back to the head of the hall, for he had begun to grow restive at his mother’s side as the ceremonies stretched on.
    â€œPay attention now, darling,” she whispered in his ear, as the space before the thrones again cleared and the chamberlain rapped with his staff for attention.
    Jovett was lining up the Lendour candidates and bidding their two sponsors to fall into place behind them, each bearing a sheathed sword with spurs looped over the quillons. The newly squired Jamyl Arilan had been drafted to carry the Lendour banner when their turn should come around, and came smartly to attention as the chamberlain cleared his throat.
    â€œLet the candidates from Lendour approach.”
    At Jovett’s nod, Jamyl started forward with the Lendour banner, Jovett following with the two candidates, their sponsors, and several more Lendour retainers. Young Alaric stood on his tiptoes to see them better, only restrained from following by his mother’s hands on his shoulders.
    â€œYour Majesty,” Jovett said, making a graceful obeisance as his charges did the same and Jamyl dipped the banner, “on behalf of the regency council of Lendour, I beg leave to present two candidates for knighthood: the squires Yves de Tremelan and Xander of Torrylin.”
    â€œAnd I am well pleased to receive them,” the king responded, settling back slightly on his throne. “I have heard excellent reports regarding the accomplishments of both Lendour’s candidates. However, a striking irregularity makes me loath to confer that honor.”

Chapter 4
    â€œHe made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance.”
    â€”PSALM 105:21
    F OLLOWING on an instant of shocked silence, a murmur of question and consternation rippled through the hall. Jovett stood stunned, as did Xander; young Yves bore an expression of blank bewilderment, as did both sponsors. Alaric caught the tumult of the various reactions and looked up at his mother for reassurance. Alyce felt the sharp glance of question from her heart-sister, but only slipped her free hand around Zoë’s shoulders and slightly shook her head, sending a close-focused thought into her mind, as Deryni sometimes could do with humans.
    Don’t worry.
    Don’t worry? Zoë returned, carefully shaping the words in her mind. Do you know what this is about? Is this why the king summoned you before court?
    Somewhat, Alyce replied. Just wait and see.
    â€œSire, I don’t understand,” Jovett said uncertainly, as he exchanged glances with his two candidates and their sponsors.
    â€œAllow me to rephrase,” the king said. “And please reassure your candidates. This has nothing to do with their suitability for knighthood.” He swept his gaze across the waiting courtiers and their ladies, then nodded toward Kenneth.
    â€œSir Kenneth, my sword, if you please—and Lady Alyce, please attend, and bring the boy.”
    Bracing herself, head held high, Alyce kept her son’s hand in hers and led him before the throne, pausing before the first step of the dais to make her reverence. Young Alaric followed his mother’s example with a grave, courtly