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"Excuse uess Vikus didn't tell you, but I'm not the warrior Look, please, what I really need is for you guys to helpmy dad home"

Everyone at the table stared at hireater excite the words "follow his call"

Finally Vikus rapped on the table for order "Meor the Overlander Who counts him the warrior of 'The Prophecy of Gray'?"

Ten of the twelve raised their hands Luxa kept her hands on the table Either she didn't think he was the warrior or she wasn't allowed to vote Probably both

"We believe you to be the warrior," said Vikus "If you call us to help you regain your father, then we answer your call"

They were going to help hior "Whatever it takes! I mean, believe whatever you want That's fine"

"We in the journey with all haste," said Vikus

"I'et Boots and we can go"

"Ah, yes, the baby," said Solovet And another round of arguments ensued

"Wait!" shouted Vikus "This costs or, we do not know that the prophecy includes your sister"

"What?" said Gregor He couldn't remeet in the rooain

"The prophecy s Only two are described as Overlanders You and your father fill that number," said Solovet

"The prophecy also speaks of one lost That one may be your father, in which case Boots is the second Overlander But it may also be a rat," said Vikus "The journey will be difficult The prophecy warns that four of the twelve will lose life It may be wisest to leave Boots here"

Froeneral an to swialia with the Underlanders? He couldn't do that! It wasn't that he thought they'd mistreat her But she'd be so lonely, and what if he and his dad didn't et home Still, he kne vicious the rats were And they would be hunting him To the last rat

He didn't knohat to do He looked at the set faces and thought the Underlanders had already decided to split theether!" Wasn't that what his ether!"

Then he noticed Luxa was avoiding his gaze She had intertwined her fingers on the stone table before her and was staring at them tensely "What would you do if it were your sister, Luxa?" he asked The rooot very quiet He could tell the council didn't want to hear her opinion

"I have no sister, Overlander," said Luxa

Gregor felt disappointed He heard a murmur of approval from some of the council members Luxa's eyes flashed around the table and she scowled "But if I did, and I were you," she said passionately, "I would never take my eyes off her!"

He said, "Thank you," but he didn't think she could hear him in the loud round of objections that poured froo, I don't go!"

The rooh the doorway and crashed onto the table, silencing everyone A ghostly wo her hands to her chest to stes folded in, but the other extended at an aard angle, clearly broken

"Anchel is dead Daphne is dead The rats found Shed, Fangor King Gorger has launched his arasped the woht the woman as she collapsed "How many, Keeda?" he asked