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. When a novice dies, I offer thanks to
Paladine that it happened here and not later. That is why" -
he lowered his voice slightly - "I give you every chance to
die that I can manufacture, before you are even squires."
Moran moved to the door at the back of the room. "I'll
be back. If any of you want to leave, do it now." He eyed
Saliak, who already had the look of a leader. "Don't shame
anyone into staying. That's a little like murder."
He walked out and went to reinspect the drill
equipment.
A short time later he walked back in and went straight
to the front. When he turned around, he saw a group of
frightened but determined novices, who had just learned
that honor could be fatal but were willing to be honorable.
Where Tarli had been, he saw an empty space.
He was relieved, both for the boy and for himself, but
he also felt a sudden, sharp disappointment that only the
Mask kept him from showing.
"Those of you who remain," he said, "may die for it.
Some in training, some in service, and some in combat -
yes, even in these times." The pain of this next story was
duller after all these years. "The knight I first squired for
was killed in combat. I have vowed, since then, to prepare
each novice well for an honorable life and a fitting death
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