Emory and Ingrid rushed to the front of the village where people were lining up in the center of the village. Keeping their heads down as all the others did, the two blended in with the crowd of ragged farmers and traders. In front of the villagers, a parade of horses stood patiently in their lines, standing between the villagers and the forest at the top of the U. There were soldiers in front of and behind the cavalry, who carried the tall green flags of Eden with pride.

An unfamiliar man in steel armor sat upon a horse before the villagers, his purple cape brandishing the False King Evander's seal on his chest. He was younger than a few, if not most of the soldiers, with trimmed dark hair and a shaved face to bare his dimples. He didn't say anything, but turned to the man on the horse next to him.

The second man, Linus, was known to all the villagers. Their vineyard belonged to Lord Talbert, who Linus was the commander of, meaning every check through and every search for Princess Shay was controlled by him. He wore the same cape with the same seal, but his wrinkles and sagging skin made clear his old age. Despite being older, he still lacked the fine armor that the younger soldier's armor bore. "For those of you just now joining us, this is Farren Cassius. The High Commander of Eden, and your King Evander's trusted military advisor." Linus sneered as he looked over the group of citizens before him. "He has come to watch over the process of our visits, to ensure no one acts out as they have in the past. Soldiers," Commander Linus's voice fell heavy on everyone, his narrow eyes piercing into each villager with hatred, "take call. Ensure that there are no new women. Men, step aside. Any interference will result in capital punishment."

Emory watched as all the men moved aside with bitter looks on their faces, not even daring to whisper to one another. The women lined up shoulder-to-shoulder, and any mother with a young daughter held her in their arms.

"Name," a soldier demanded as he looked over the list of women in the village.

One of the town's few farmers answered. "Valentina Turry. I'm twenty-five years old. This is my daughter, Eliza, and she's seven years old." The soldier nodded and moved on, making his way down the line of women. Most older women, such as Ingrid, were quickly dismissed, as were the children. Any woman with a young face, though, must wait in line.

"Name," the soldier looked to Emory with suspicion.

"Rowena," Emory lied. "Age unknown."

"Though we suspect twenty. She was only a baby when we found her, remember." Ingrid jabbed at the paper with annoyance. "Abandoned as a child. Just as it says on the paper here. I can see it from here with my nearly blind eyes. We go through this every time."

"And everytime we must confirm. Join the other old women. Miss Rowena can stay in line for further inspection." The soldier shoved Ingrid aside before moving further down the line. Ingrid spun away, and Emory moved over to where a few girls stood like statues. Biting her tongue, Emory grabbed the hand of the Blacksmith's apprentice, Talia. She was shaking, and her hands were clammy with fear. Although the Daughter of Rosalind description didn't fit her features, she must stay. The soldiers were known to take advantage of this process.

"Commander Linus," the High Commander began. "It would be much more effective if the town was able to do this on their own upon our arrival. As incentive we can bring more trade. Good behavior will be rewarded from now on."

"How do you expect them to do this on their own?" Commander Linus grimaced, looking out to all the villagers. "They're about as smart as children."

"Then we bring them books," the High Commander said simply. "We need to make certain our people do not turn against us. Treating them well will go a long way in helping us find what we need."

"We already know the girl is-"

"Commander Linus, please hurry the process along," The High Commander said with slight annoyance in his voice.

The soldiers ushered the remaining seven girls together, and looked them over. "You are dismissed." Commander Linus pointed to a girl who didn't look like Shay, because not only was her skin and hair too light, but she was larger than the other girls. Although Talia was much too dark to be Shay, no one said anything to her.

"We do move the girls elsewhere before we look them over for the Mark of Faith. You are welcome to join if you would like, High Commander Cassius." Linus removed himself from the horse and pointed the soldiers to the town hall.

As always, the girls filed toward the building, following behind a few of the soldiers. As they entered, Emory's heart pounded in her chest, and she found herself squeezing Talia's hand for her own benefit.

Don't speak.

"Against the wall," Commander Linus order with arrogance dripping from his voice. Emory obeyed, as well as most of the other girls. They stood, facing the stone wall with stern faces, but darting eyes. They closed their eyes, breathing in and out slowly to steady themselves. "Reveal your backs to us."

Emory, along with the older women of the group, had become familiar with the act. Emory's hands were steady as her fingers toyed with the cool brass circles on her vest, unbuttoning them from the leather and dropping the fabric onto the floor in front of herself. Most of the girls were only wearing dresses, so once they unlaced their tops, they were exposed to the hungry men.

They watched with glinting eyes, their mouths hanging ajar as they shifted and moved to make themselves more comfortable. Emory could feel them staring, their gaze falling heavy on her skin, and their breath becoming loud in the quiet air. Still, she removed her tunic, pulling it off over her head and bringing the blue fabric down over her cold chest.

"You," the commander addressed a soldier, "retrieve water from outside. We'll want to be sure they haven't tried to use any tricks to fool us." The soldier left, and as he opened the door leading out to the village, shouts greeted the ears of the lined up women. Emory turned, trying to peer out of the door as it fell shut. "Don't worry, they're only searching the houses. Now," Commander Linus moved to where Emory was standing, running his hand along her back.

His hands were warm. Moist with sweat. Emory ground her teeth together, but dared to meet the Commander's eyes. "You're cold," he breathed, his hot breath causing Emory's brown curls to brush against her face, tickling her skin. The Commander grabbed Emory's waist with his right hand, pulling her close to his body. "We might have to change that before we leave."

"Commander, the water."

"Perfect. Now, everyone," he spoke calmly, staying at Emory's side while he dipped his hands into the water. The sloshing of water met her ears, but she trained her fiery brown eyes on the wall. "if you haven't done this before, you must simply wash their back to make sure they haven't used creams that disguise the Mark. If you do find the Mark, do not hesitate to let me know. I'll make sure King Evander repays you for your service in finding this girl."

Commander Linus began rubbing Emory's back, the cold water dripping down her skin and pants. Emory could make out the sound of other soldiers wetting their own hands and moving onto the women, grabbing and rubbing with tough hands. After spending a few seconds around her shoulders, Linus slid his hands forward, making his way under the shirt Emory had bundled in front of her chest. Emory shook, gripping tightly to the fabric while the old man slowly massaged her breast.

Don't speak, Emory reminded herself. His hand slithered down underneath the fabric, and Emory tried to ignore the silent tears of other girls in line. His hand met the edge of her pants, and suddenly the voice inside her changed. Make him bleed.

Emory's elbow shot back, nailing the Commander in his nose. She watched as he stumbled backwards, letting out a barrage of insults. "You useless... ah! I'll show you." His hand grabbed Emory's hair, locking her pinned up curls in between his fingers as he dragged her to the door. "Finish the others! Bring them out when you are done!"

Emory let out a scream, but held her shirt across her chest as she stumbled in keeping up with the raging man. Light greeted her harshly, illuminating her for all to see as Linus dragged her partially bare body down the hard steps and across the grass and dirt where other villagers watched their homes get pillaged hopelessly. The High Commander watched from beside his horse as Linus threw the slender girl down in front of him, desperately trying to cover what she could from prying eyes.

"This woman has assaulted me, Cassius. I will not stand for her crimes. I ask she be brought with us for persecution." Linus grimaced as he made the request, and his High Commander continued to watch the girl.

"Why did she assault you?"

"I was doing my job, that's why." Emory listened to the Commander lie, and anger boiled her blood, making her glare at the coward. "She is violent and I suggest we punish her."

"Either way, this village is under the control of Lord Talbert in Eldlock. He must see to her punishment first. And I'm not riding all the way to his manor for something so trivial. Go back to your position. Leave the girl," High Commander Cassius replied with a droll voice.

"She assaulted the King's Commander!" Linus shouted, balling his hands into fists, and then froze. Everyone stared at him, and so he took a deep sigh. "She will pay, Cassius," Linus said through clenched teeth, lowering his voice. "You owe me this much."

Cassius set his mouth in a straight line, but nodded. "We'll bring her with us."