Kelard Valtair turned back toward the cell, extending his hand.
"Mother."
Vivienne sat on the stone bench against the wall, her hands folded in her lap. She looked up at her eldest son and took his hand.
Her grip was weak, trembling.
He pulled her to her feet gently, steadying her when she swayed.
Vivienne stepped out of the cell and paused, looking down at her dress.
It was the same one she'd been wearing in the garden, now wrinkled and soiled. She smoothed it with shaking hands.
The guard led them through the corridor, up the stone steps.
At the side entrance, the guard stopped. He produced a small leather pouch from his belt and held it out.
"Your personal holdings were... confiscated. This is what the court allows."
Kelard took the pouch. It was light. He loosened the drawstring and looked inside. A handful of silver coins. Maybe enough for a week's lodging and food, if they were careful.
The guard pulled open the heavy wooden door.
They walked out into the darkness.
