Both Rowan and Irna looked at Clint again, this time smiling wider, and Clint, though trying to smile back, felt a strange chill at how perfect and rehearsed their expressions looked.
It wasn't that they looked mean more like they were smiling because they had to.
"Welcome," Madam Irna said softly. "It's rare for someone to be introduced so directly by Lord Elric."
"You must have left quite the impression," Rowan added with a small laugh. "We'll take care of you."
Clint gave a nod, unsure how to respond, but kept his smile small and polite.
Elric then turned to them fully. "I'll leave him in your care for now. I need to take care of a few things with the Duke and review some matters from the Tower. Try not to break him too soon."
Madam Irna chuckled softly and said, "He's in good hands."
Rowan nodded as well. "We'll make sure he learns what he needs to. Don't worry, Lord Elric."
Clint blinked slowly and whispered under his breath, "That sounds like I'm about to be tortured…"
