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Actually, there’s ods But the captain simply nodded ’You were the reason why Quick Ben could use his warrens’

’Aye, but I am much more than that’

’No doubt’

’Here she comes,’ Quick Ben announced with relief

Paran turned to see a figure approaching down the long, winding tunnel Ancient, wrapped in rags, hobbling on two canes

’Welcome!’ Quick Ben called out ’I wasn’t sure-’

’The young lack faith, and you, Desert Snake, are no exception!’ She leaned on a single cane and fumbled in the folds of her cloak for a moment, then withdrew a small stone ’You left me this, yes? Your suhut? Ah -- and a Bonecaster Soletaken, too My, such extraordinary coht together! No, don’t tell it to me, I’m not that interested’ She halted in front of the Seer and studied the child in his araze ’I’ Goddess, to assist you in the care of your sister But first, you ht this infection With cold, you shall slow the dissolution, harden this legion of servants Ohut Free it Here Burn will now erimaced ’That’s a poor choice of words’

The ancient witch cackled ’But words he will understand, yes?’

’Not unless you plan on killing hihut, your warren’

The Seer nodded, unveiled Omtose Phellack

The air was suddenly bitter cold, ri ’Chilly enough for you, witch?’

She cackled again ’I knew you were no fool, Desert Snake’

’Truth to tell, I’ll have to thank Picker for giving ht I crossed paths with the Crippled God That, and your hints about the cold’

The witch twisted to glare at Kilava ’Bonecaster,’ she snapped ’Heed my words well -- this warren is not to be assailed by you or your kin You are to tell no-one of this, the final manifestation of Oin, here, my own path to redeh ti so once more’ She turned to Quick Ben ’And now, Wizard, I would leave Will you guide us from this place?’

’No, better the Master of the Deck lead us out -- that way, there’ll be no trail’

Paran blinked ’Me?’