Almost as if in answer to his own suggestion, the Record Keeper's arrival made Dex's chest tighten with excitement.  He'd honestly wondered if there would be something like this.  If anything could break the bitches resolve, it would surely be the imposing figure coming at her with a bucket of hot coals.  He sneered at the Record Keepers words and chuckled.<em>Yeah...'allowed to exempt'...but not obliged.</em>For his part, Dex hoped that Kriss would remain defiant right up until the searing iron was pressed to her flesh.  At least he'd get to hear her scream in anguish once before she was sent on her way.<br/><br/>He remained close by; he was determined to have an active hand in this, especially if it meant manhandling her and exposing a choice piece of flesh to be branded.