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“UmIs that wise?”

“What?” I follow her gaze “The robe? Eldest wore it ”

“Yes, but”

“What did you need me for?”

“I think everyone’s here now, sir,” she says, squaring her shoulders

For a hter and head to the door It zips open

A wave of silence washes over the entire crowd—those standing nearest the door cease talking immediately, then those behind the over two thousand people looked when they were all looking at you

Their eyes all follow me as I cross the short distance to the dais the Shippers have set up for me

“You chutz!” a voice bellows across the crowded room

The people in the rooh that path is Bartie

“What right do you have to wear that robe?” he shouts His face is red, even the tips of his ears

“I’m—” I stop I can’t say I’m Eldest—I never claimed that title And the robe is for an Eldest only

In the end, it doesn’twitty to say to Bartie, because once he gets close enough to ainst the wall

“The frex?” I say, but my words are drowned out by Bartie’s voice

“Are we going to put up with this?” Bartie roars, turning to the crowd “How can this child dare call us all together and parade in Eldest’s robe? He’s no Eldest—he’s no leader!”