Page 76 of Lady Knight and the Thief
“Your Mother was a Duchess, ruling over the lands of Eobbaara. The lineage can be traced through all eleven of the Wyld Hunts,” Torren said, an undefinable look in his eye.
“And, somehow, you think that I come from that line?”
“Remember what I told you?” Torren said. His storm grey eyes bored into her from across the table.
“So I’m supposed to believe that I somehow come from a noble house within Faerie? Despite never showing even a hint of power, of anythingspecialblossoming in my veins?” Cypress shook her head and pushed her chair back to leave. “No, I don’t believe it.”
“Haven’t you always wondered why the trees seemed to whisper to you? Why you feel stronger, and more rested than you ever have–despite being on the road for some time?”
“Who said that?” Cypress demanded, eyes darting around the room for the source, whoever had been listening to their conversation.
“Well, have you wondered?” Again, the voice asked. It somehow sounded both young and old. It reverberated through her skull.
“It's an expression. When the wind blows, the leaves rattle and shift, making it seem as if the trees are whispering. That is all.”
They laughed, a low, deep chuckle that sounded as if it came from every corner of the room.
“And the reason for your strength?”
Cypress growled, “I am strong because I train. Nothing more.”
“Yes, you are strong in that regard, but you are also strong in other ways, Cypress of Eobbaara.”
“Enough of this! Who are you?”
“I know who I am, do you know whoyouare, Cypress?”
“I am a Knight. I am Captain,” Cypress began to say, but somehow the words got lodged in her throat. Saying I am Captain Cy seemed to ring untrue in her ears.
She wasn’t, really. Cypress and the persona of Captain Cy were entirely different, even if the person behind the helmet and armor was the same.
The sable-coated cat wandered out from beneath the table, iridescent wings fluttering and tail flicking back and forth. “And is that all you are?” It asked.
“I– what do you mean by that?” Cypress asked, bewildered. She was talking to a cat.
“Is all that you are? The result of what others have asked of you? Or… are you more than that?”
Cypress’s heart pounded in her chest while she gazed into the milky green eyes of the cat.
Was she more than just the mask of Captain Cy?
It took a few minutes for her to respond. Her thoughts needed time to catch up to the beating of her heart.
“More,” Cypress rasped. “I am more than just the mask of Captain Cy.”
“Then you already realize the truth of our words. You are Duchess of Eobbaara.”
The cat jumped back onto the table, silent feet dancing between cups.
“Even without power? Without magic?”
“Would you consider yourself powerless?” The cat asked and settled before Cypress with its tail wrapped around its feet.
“No.”
“Then understand that neither does Faerie. Many of us have small, passive magics. Not everything is a great display of power and a flare of light.”
“And we’re sure this isn’t some big mistake?”
