Obedience

Obedience is one of the qualities that is required for Ismae to serve in the abbey of St. Mortain. During her first interview with the abbess, the Reverend Mother stresses that Ismae is not to question the orders given to her by the convent or by Mortain but only to follow these orders without question. It is this command for obedience that seems to trouble Ismae from the beginning since one of the first things that is asked of her when she is taken to the infirmary is for her to take off her clothes. Ismae pauses, not wanting the women, especially Annith, to see her scars. Later, Ismae realizes that her first assignment to kill a man is a test of her obedience, a test that she passes.

It is after Ismae becomes involved with the duchess, Duval and the workings of Anne's court that Ismae begins...