Free Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen (The Abhorsen Trilogy Book 4) by Garth Nix Page B

bellow orders, or take them for that matter. Or live among many, in a barracks.”
    “You would, of course, be an officer, and not live in barracks,” said Ader. “The Goldsmiths maintain a large company, and there would be a place for you. But if that was your intention, then I would send you there at once, for soldiering is a trade best learned young. So tell me, is there some path that you do wish to follow?”
    “Yes,” said Clariel reluctantly. She hesitated, sure that she was about to invite the scorn of this elegant, poised woman, then said, “I want to join the Borderers, and live in the Great Forest.”
    One painted eyebrow rose a fraction of an inch, but there was no other obvious reaction and no immediate outpouring of derision.
    “Curious,” said Ader, at last. “Perhaps I begin to understand more of your desire to be solitary.”
    “In the right place,” said Clariel. “The forest.”
    “Your parents, I presume, do not support you in this ambition?”
    “No.”
    “I am not overly familiar with the organization of the Borderers,” said Ader. “Their chief house is near Hafmet, is it not?”
    “Yes,” said Clariel, surprised that Ader knew even that. The Forest fort called Greenstilts was only a few leagues from the town of Hafmet, and it was there that the Borderers’ senior officers dwelled, the stores and records were kept, a hospital maintained, and most important as far as Clariel was concerned, recruits were trained.
    “But they do not take in anyone who has not already been a forester, wood-warden, or suchlike for some years,” said Ader. “Five years, if I remember aright.”
    “You do, Mistress,” said Clariel eagerly. “But I have worked as such, off and on, since I was thirteen. If I can only plead my case at Greenstilts, and show my skills, I think there might be a chance they will take me.”
    Ader looked at her for a moment, then slowly shook her head.
    “No. This is not achievable. Not now.”
    “Why not?” asked Clariel. “I am as good . . . almost as good a hunter and tracker as Sergeant Penreth, I have learned a great deal of herblore from my aunt Lemmin, I—”
    “Stop,” said Ader, without raising her voice or changing her tone. “It is not simply a matter of your skills. While it is very unlikely the Borderers would enlist someone so young in normal times, they simply could not enlist you now, no matter if you were half-beast yourself and the finest hunter ever seen.”
    Clariel opened her mouth to ask why not, but Ader held up one forceful finger and continued to speak.
    “They could not, because like all the royal institutions, they have no money, and their future is in doubt. In fact, if the King does not reassume his authority, or if the Guilds do not take over the Borderers as they have done the Royal Guard and the Wall Garrison, then the Borderers must eventually be disbanded, when they run out of whatever funds they still possess.”
    “But that would be madness!” said Clariel. “The Great Forest alone needs constant attention, lest it run totally wild, and there is the West Wood, Great Sickle Wood . . .”
    “Madness is unfortunately not incompatible with government,” said Ader. “So. You cannot join the Borderers, not now, perhaps not ever. What else might you do?”
    Clariel was unable to answer. She stood there, cold inside, part of her grappling with the idea that the Borderers might not be there to join, that her dream was even more foolish than she’d thought, while another part of her wanted to erupt in fury, to show this overcalm old woman that she would be a Borderer, that she would make the King pay them again, though she didn’t know how she would do that . . .
    “What else might you do?” repeated Ader.
    “I can still be a hunter,” said Clariel. “Live in, and off the Forest. Make what coin I need on top of that by guiding those from the town or the city who wish to hunt, but do not know the woods.”
    “You will need