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‘I know – wait-’ He stepped past her, onto the track ‘Wait, so – quick!’ He ran into the yard, Shurq Elalle following

The Toblakai in the Tarthenal’s ar of ribs – a ods slipped past the Avowed and slammed the side of his wooden sword into the Tarthenal’s head The huge od in his arms

Stunned, the Tarthenal tried feebly to extricate himself froth, Iron Bars leapt over to position hi in time to deflect a sword-blow and counter with a slash that forced the attacker back a step Froed, then spun away of its own accord, wheeling towards a thunderous concussion froure strode into view through a cloud of steam, a sword in each hand

The Avowed, momentarily distracted, did not even see the sword-blade that slipped over his guard and, deflected at the lastthe hilt of his sword, sla everything it could The i down into the earth, weapon flying fro up through straggly black tree branches Too hurt to move Too tired to care

Fro bellow that sounded a lot like a death-cry A Toblakai staggered, al over Iron Bars, and the Avowed’s eyes widened upon seeing blood spurting fro on its left calf, being dragged along by its teeth, its taloned hands clawing up the god’s thigh

Well, he’d seen stranger things, he supposed – no, not a chance of that -

The ground shook as another body thuroan

Then footsteps slowly approached Iron Bars where he lay, staring up at the sky A shadow fell over hi up at a pallid, lean face, and two red, very red, eyes

‘You did passably well,’ the stranger said

‘And my Tarthenal friend?’

‘Struck in the skull He’ll be fine, since I doubt there’sthere?’

Dust and smoke drifted out from the dark corridor Turudal Brizad had drawn Brys back into the throne room, and the Champion now stood in the clear space before the dais

From the throne behind him came a weary voice, ‘Finadd? The Ceda…’

Brys si to push aside his grief