"And you two. You mock my lack of a House, yet yours has no legacy worth honoring. No tales of heroism. No history of sacrifice. Only a reputation for arrogance and coats lined with expensive stitching. You speak of what it means to be a Paladin when neither of you understands even the foundation of service."
Harris swallowed audibly.
Meredith's voice rose a little more.
"A Paladin does not belong to a noble House. A paladin belongs to Aspia. To the people. To the defenseless. To the ones who need someone to stand between them and the darkness. Nobility is not a prerequisite for courage. Titles do not manufacture compassion."
The room had fallen completely silent. Even the lantern flames flickered quieter, like they were listening too.
