Snippet #2386407

The children all spoke at once but Cordelia was quick to pick out a few words and answers flew to her lips.

"First off," Cordelia said, resting the pole of her halberd into the crook of her elbow. "The God-Queen adores all of her subjects, even the smallest of you all. And Sven? I know this name. This is your guardian?" she asked. When the child pointed, Cordelia's gaze followed and her suspicions were confirmed.

"Come with me. All of you," Cordelia demanded. She walked toward the recently denounced knight and stood before him with an air of righteousness. He had trained her in the barracks courtyard. They had known each other and were good acquaintances. Cordelia had once considered Sven to be a friend but now mere association tainted her progression with the knights. Being seen with him could jeopardize her chances at becoming a Dragoon; the most mysterious sect of knights in the army, the God-Queen's ghosts.

"Sven Khagal. There are your wards. They were left unattended. You should know better than to allow urchins to run without their guardian in the streets, especially when events are winding up toward a Sacrifice for the God-Queen." Cordelia's tone was guarded, as was her stance.