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‘We are done here,’ Nifadas said ‘There will be no arrests Prince Quillas, it is time’

‘Do we scurry at this ee ‘He asks for us, well enough Let the bastard wait’ He wheeled on Hull Beddict ‘Know that I intend to proclaim you an outlaw and traitor of Lether Your life is forfeit’

A weary smile was Hull’s only reply

Nifadas spoke to Seren ‘Acquitor, will you accompany us to our audience with the emperor?’

She was surprised by the offer, and more than a little alar Buruk is prepared to wait, of course I am certain he will be, and I will send soestured and one of his servants hurried off ‘Hull Beddict, I presume you are on your way to speak with Emperor Rhulad? At the very least, accompany us to the citadel I doubt there will be any confusion of purposes once we enter’

Seren could not deter the First Eunuch’s invitations She felt rattled, off balance

‘As you wish,’ Hull said, shrugging

Nifadas in the lead, the four Letherii left the guest house and made their way towards the citadel Seren drew Hull a pace behind the First Eunuch and Prince Quillas ‘I’m not sure I like this,’ she said under her breath

Hull grunted, and it was a h

‘What is funny about that?’

‘Your capacity for understatement, Acquitor I have always admired your ability to stay level’

‘Indecisiveness is generally held to be a flaw, Hull’

‘If it is certainty you want, Seren, then join me’

The offer was uttered low, barely audible She sighed ‘I do not want certainty,’ she replied ‘In fact, certainty is the one thing I fear the most’

‘I expected that sort of answer’

Two K’risnan met the party at the entrance and escorted them into the throne chamber

E at his side, on the left Apart froh Mayen’s face was fixed and without expression, soe a wo that was reflected in Rhulad’s dark eyes, a light of triumph and supreh voice, ‘blood brother to Binadas, you arrive in questionable company’