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The White Face clans knew that the Domin would come for them, once Capustan fell There would, in truth, be war Yet the clans had never before been unified -- the ancient blood-feuds and rivalries ever gnawed from within Humbrall Taur needed those ancient holy reether -- all feuds forgotten

But Hetan is too late Even if she wins, here, now, she is too late Take the et theh rank upon rank of Pannion soldiers?

Rath’Queen of Dreahts ’Very well Hetan, daughter of Humbrall Taur, we accede to your request We return to you the estured to her Gidrath captain The soldier stepped close and she began whispering instructions After a h the door behind hihast ’So place With your permission, ould like to speak with Mortal Sword Brukhalian in theto the defence of this city’

Hetan scowled, then shrugged ’As you wish But our patience is short’

The Queen of Dreams mask shifted into a smile ’You shall be able to witness the extrication yourself, Hetan’

The Barghast woman stepped back from the Navel

’Approach, Mortal Sword,’ Rath’Hood rumbled ’Sword sheathed, this time’

Itkovian watched his coh priest’s ad cold smile

Rath’Shadowthrone leaned forward ’Know, Mortal Sword, that the Mask Council finally acknowledges as obvious to you and me from the very start -- the inevitable destruction of Capustan’

’You are mistaken,’ Brukhalian replied, his deep voice reverberating in the hall ’There is nothing inevitable about this ie, provided we each hold to a unified defence-’

’The outlying redoubts shall be held,’ Rath’Beru snapped, ’for as long as is possible’