Kindly, yet firmly, Belloc said, "Nonsense! Whence came you by this tale?"
"I am no scholar, Sir! But as I told you, this knowledge comes to my people from our oldest legends," the girl told him.
Stung by the personal affront of the girl's accusations, Lily protested, "I am no threat to yourself or your people! I have little part in any of this!"
Baldric and Belloc exchanged a long, measured glance. Baldric decided then to settle the matter. He said to the guards, "Release her. Dorain, Julina, I leave her in your care. The rest of this meeting is postponed until further notice." Baldric left them, chewing the gristle of his own thoughts as though wondering if any value remained in them.
The guards, meanwhile, unshackled the young woman who stood unsteadily. Dorain and Julina presented themselves apologetically.
"What is your name?" Julina asked her.
"I am called Rhia," the girl replied.
"Please, come with us," said Dorain. "Let us tend to you and try to make amends for this . . . misunderstanding." She turned to Lily. "Please, join us. I think the two of you may have much to learn from each other."
Rhia considered Lily uncertainly, and it was plain from her wide-eyed, suffused stare that she was putting a brave face on her worst, deep-rooted fears. "Is it true that you have not come to destroy my people?"