With her arms being held gently but firmly, Lisell found herself being led across the moisture covered cobblestones between La'oid's horse, and the door from which the women had emerged. Despite the soothing words of her rescuer she was still very frightened. Was she going to put to work as a drudge in the kitchens, was she going to be given to someone, made a slave? These terrible thoughts raced thru her mind almost stumbling over each other in the rapidity with which they came. The sergeant was still in front of the door standing with his legs planted firmly. His black cape and uniform set off by the profile of some great dog's head embroidered in gold. His golden helmet with the flowing black plume was cradled in his right arm. As the women approached the door with their young charge he shifted position slightly to bar their way. With an aura of command he halted the women and as they stopped he said "Just a short minute if you please M'ladies." Much to Lisell's surprise, they let go of her arms and took a step back from the frightened child. The sergeant then knelt down and sat back upon his boot heals. This brought the two face to face and she stared in wonder at the hard used face of a real warrior for the first time in her life. She found herself awed by the number of scars that criss-crossed that face. He must be very old she thought, why he must be over 30! He looked her in the eyes for a moment before speaking. "You'll be fine little one, you will. We wouldn't put no child in 'arms way now would we?" "It's gonna seem strange here for a while I imagine, but ain't no-one 'ere what would do you bad." Lisell felt her eyes growing wider as the implication's of his statement sank in. "I...I..I mean....I won't be slave?" she stammered. A great grin lit up the man's disfigured face. "Ahh, me youngone, nah. Fer one thing, if we'd thought that was gonna happen, we wouldna brought ye 'ere" "Listen now child, an listen sharp, I'll reckon ye've 'ad a rough life so far, but all that changed tonite." With rapt attention she stared into his eyes. "Me 'n me men are here often, and you can bet your kit, that we'll be keepin a eye out fer ye." Fumbling at the edge of his cape, he took something off of it, and pressed it into the girl's hand. As her fist closed around the object she could tell that it was small and metallic, however she couldn't take her eye's from the sergeant to look at it. "This is a gift from me troop, keep it, an guard it well. It's to remember us by, and when you feel like you might need a friendly ear, you wear it, one or more of us will come to ye. Understood?" She nodded in awe. Giving her another great grin the sergeant leant forward and placed a tender kiss upon the child's forehead. Without another word he stood, turned and strode back towards his horse. Lisell found herself to stunned to even move, much less speak. Without a word her two wardens again took hold of her arms and led her to the door. That door that was at once both a portal of fright and hope. As soon as they passed through that portal and entered the long and brightly lit hall that lay beyond it, an old crone that had been standing there swung it shut and lowered a large bolt, sealing out the rest of the world. The hall seemed huge to the child, why it was as large as a dozen of the fish-mongers stalls. It must be 30 feet long! Bright flaring torches were ensconced every 10 feet or so, and the floor was of real stone. Once inside the hall with the door bolted the two chaperone's relaxed visibly. The tall one on the left, sighed, and relaxing her hold on the youngster smiled down at her and said, "Welcome home my dear." The round one on the right let go of Lisell completely while adding in a voice that reminded Lisell of the cooing of doves added "We are so pleased that you are here, and safe." Feeling more at ease every second, Lisell was almost able to smile at the two women. Upon reaching the doors at the far end of the hall, and just before knocking upon it, the tall one spoke once again. "Now, it is time for you to meet your groomer, the Sister Majjerit."