Ustal

Ustal extended a hand, as if to offer Anna assistance, but Anna swung out of the saddle, easily, hoping that after the long ride her legs wouldn't cramp when her boots touched the stones of the courtyard.

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999

Ask about Fussen, about its prosperity, about the old lord, and only then about Ustal.

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999

She had entered the courtyard and almost reached the stable when Ustal appeared, bowing.

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999

Anna just smiled once more, aware that Ustal could out - "please" her.

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999

They see a Lord Dannel as a protective father, or a Farsenn as an avenging son, or a Bertmynn as an ambitious lord, or a Ustal as a proud young Lord-

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999

Jecks smiled and stopped speaking as he looked down the steps, where Ustal was waiting.

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999

Those words did bring a frown, but, again, Ustal seemed to push the expression away.

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999

While everything she'd seen and heard indicated that Ustal was generally pleasantly despicable, his actions were within what most Defalkans would have considered acceptable behavior for a lord - and certainly within the bounds of acceptability as defined by most members of the Thirty-three.

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999

Anna paused, wondering how she could end the discussion without conflict and get Ustal off her back.

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999

"You should also meet Falar," Ustal said politely.

Darksong Rising Modesitt, L. E. 1999