“First Mother,” the Head Sister said, “if it pleases you, I ask your leave as I have other business to attend to.”

“Okay,” Vytråna said without looking up.

The Head Sister stood up, bowed to Vytråna, and then turned around. She looked at Nalyata with no small amount of antipathy for a moment before marching away.

“You can get up,” Vytråna said, “I don’t like all the kneeling stuff.”

Nalyata got back to her feet and bowed the way the Head Sister had. This only seemed to make Vytråna even more uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry this happened to you,” Vytråna said, keeping her gaze on her fidgeting hands, “I really wanted you to get a go...

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