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I’D WRIGGLED out of some sticky situations in the past, but my luck had run out I was trapped, at the mercy of the boar, and I kneould show no more mercy towardsfor the end, eyes locked on the boar, somebody shouted loudly aboveclearly through the cavern: "NO!"

A shadow leapt into the pit, darted forward into the space between me and the boar, snatched up the spear I’d dropped, jaround, and ai boar The boar had no time to swerve or stop It ran heavily onto the spear and ied it to one side so that it wouldn’t fall on gled weakly to get back to its feet Lost control of its legs Grunted feebly Then died

As the dust cleared, strong hands seized the boar lying on top of me and hauled its carcass out of the way As the hands located my own and helped me to my feet, I squinted and finally realized who’d leapt to my aid - Harkat Mulds!

The Little Person examined me to make sure no bones were broken, then led me away from the dead boars Above, the vampires were speechless Then, as we made for the doors, a couple hissed Next, a few booed Soon the entire Hall was filled with the sound of jeers and catcalls "Foul!" they shouted "Disgraceful!" "Kill theazed around, astonished, at the furious vafor my blood!

Not all the vampires were in an uproar Mr Crepsley, Gavner, and Kurda didn’t raise their voices or de his head and turning away

As the vampires yelled at us, Vanez Blane stepped over the fence and cliradually got it "Sire!" he shouted to Mika Ver Leth, as standing stone-faced by the fence "I’m as appalled by this as any of you But this wasn’t planned and isn’t Darren’s doing The Little Person doesn’t know our ways and acted on his own Don’t hold this against us, I beg you"

Some of the vampires jeered when they heard that, but Mika Ver Leth waved sharply at them for quiet "Darren," the Prince said slowly, "did you plan this with the Little Person?"

I shook my head "I’rowled "Did you interfere on your own account - or were you obeying orders?"

"No orders," Harkat replied "Darren my friend Couldn’t stand by and watch him die"

"You have defied our rules," Mika warned him

"Your rules," Harkat retorted "Not le-featured Mika looked troubled and ran a black-gloved finger over his upper lip as he considered the situation

"We rily "We must take both to the Hall of Death and -"

"Would you be so quick to kill Deser?" Mr Crepsley interrupted softly The General who’d called for our heads lapsed into silence Mr Crepsley addressed the Hall "We must not act hastily This matter must be taken to the Hall of Princes, where it can be discussed reasonably Harkat is not a vaht to pass sentence on him"

"What about the half-vampire?" another General spoke up "He is subject to our laws He failed the Trial and must be executed"