The document, which had been dropped in haste to the floor, was seized by an aide who brought it to the Thane, who was on his feet.
‘I humbly apologise for this outrage,’ he said to Malina. ‘I myself, declare your position official, forthwith. I will have documents drawn up to that effect, and sign them myself, so that there will be no further mischief. I can assure you that I will spare no effort to have that gentleman tracked down and brought to justice.
‘That said, while I do not command you to make your Emissarial Address, still, I ask it of you. I realise that you are unprepared, but I do ask, for the sake of certain of those present, that you make some sort of address, if only because the voice of Faeriekind has never before been heard in this chamber, nor within the confines of any official office of the Elves, except in the lowliest of capacities; normally, when the machinery of such offices was being used against them.’ The Thane reseated himself, waiting.
She swallowed, realizing the truth of his words, and suddenly realized that her own fear was a secondary matter; that she had a purpose here, which she could neither ignore, nor fail to meet. To the amazement of all, despite what had happened, despite her fear, Malina straightened her small shoulders, lifted her chin, glanced in Ralph’s direction as though trying to draw strength from his presence, and began to speak.