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"A call for an all-wrist said "Every thanedoather what forces it has andArch on the north bank of the river or the King’s Marker on the southern coast of the Inland Ocean"

"The Firemaids were in that very spot," Wistala said, "a o"

"Perhaps it’s a portent of victory," Ragwrist said

"It is a well-chosen site," Roff said "The bay is cal, easy beach where boats may be landed and drawn up The marshes make it difficult for the soldiers to reach the city Sometimes a civilization must be preserved from its defenders That is where you’ll find the last muster of Hypatia, if anywhere That is where I’wrist said "I sent Dsossa ahead with our light riders Mossbell and the twin hills will be represented at the muster"

"I fear we’ll be one of few," Roff said "The thanes in the north are dealing with the Ironrider raiders Thanks to Wistala’s stand in the pass, they are not tens of thousands riding hard for Thallia or Hypat, but raiding villages to steal chickens"

Chapter 22

The Copper spent a score of days having his bats scout the Nor’floorking

The Lavadome was in an uproar The eastern Upholds, source of food and thralls, were falling to the Ghioz like so ations and deputations by dragons ranking frouished SoRolotan to the thrall-trader Sreeksrack de

His only relief was in talking to Rayg Rayg didn’t bring coated the Queen’s crystal, which had been torn froh it had been cracked and scuffed by the scene in the throne roo had set it in a brass fraht ith it without touching it, and he’d h the crystal, i more quickly, with better co the Red Queen to try to overthrow his mind, the Copper tried it hied eye in such a way that it held the lid open Whenever he wore it in this fashion, he felt alert, as though perceiving the world through a ht sharpen his claws Hetheir heads entirely upside-down in laughter; he noticed a new design beneath Nilrasha’s eye; and he tore through the latest tally of livestock left in the Lavadome Sadly, the colu as left of the food and livestock

"Where is the Tyr who threw hi for Paskinix and some bats to complete a reconnaissance of the Nor’flow," the Copper said

"Paskinix! You’ve placed our fate in the hands of a long-standing eneonelles, which was so courier, Yefkoa, had seen fighting in Hypatia A few Ironriders had coons seized the pass, and ap and were riding up both sides of the great river, burning and stealing as they approached the city of Hypat

"They may be more amenable to an offer of help now," Nilrasha said

At last Paskinix returned with the bats, and a favorable report They’d found an old dwarf-mine that led to the surface

At last he could unleash the Aerial Host Soht make a difference

"The day we have planned for has cohts with Nilrasha "Engage the Queen’s attention by sending Ayafeeia and the Firemaids to Hypat I’m a firm believer in second chances You’ll stay and oversee matters in the Lavado the Aerial Host and every dragon who’ll couard, of course There’ll be more food If you have to, use the food stored in case of earthquake"

"Of course My Tyr, the Queen leads the Firemaids If they’re to be hazarded in such a battle, I should be with theuarded We have hatchlings, eggs, newly s With only a handful of Fireuard them, who shall be responsible for them?"

"NoSohoth is happy to relory?"

"You’re not calling hier than any Tyr, quietly attending to thrall sick lists and banquet o liquid at the thought of what ht happen to Nilrasha in battle

"I’d be lost without you," he said at last

"Allowfor you, my love What should happen to ood supply of wine, as Tighlia had?"

"Suppose we both should fall?"

"I suspect the world will o on after our hearts stop"