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‘I’ve seen i man-’

‘Oh, yes, but reputedly very quick’

‘Reht of this sword’ He held it out ‘The blade pulls The line is a hair’s breadth outward This is a left-handed weapon’

‘Yes’

‘Well,’ Brys considered, ‘the stranger fights with both hands, and he specified two full swords, suggesting-’

‘A certain measure of ambidexterity Yes’

‘Investment?’

‘To make it shatter upon its wielder’s death’

‘But-’

‘Yes, another incompetent effort Thus, two formidable weapons in the Blue Style of Letherii steel Acceptable?’

Brys studied both weapons, the play of aquaht ‘Both beautiful and exquisitely crafted Yes, I think these will do’

‘When will you deliver therounds at night’ He thought of Kettle, and felt once more the clasp of her cold hand It did not occur to him then that he had not informed the Ceda of one particular detail from his encounter at the tower It was a matter that, outwardly at least, seemed of little relevance

Kettle was more than just a child

She was also dead

Thanks to this careless oreat as it should have been Indeed, as it needed to be Thanks to this omission, and in the last moments before the Finadd parted company with Kuru Qan, a crossroads was reached, and then, inexorably, a path was taken

The night air was pleasant, a ind stirring the rubbish in the gutters as Tehol and Bugg paused at the foot of the steps to Scale House

‘That was exhausting,’ Tehol said ‘I think I’ll go to bed’

‘Don’t you want to eat first, ?’

‘No’

‘So we have nothing to eat’