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Kel snorted "Never can we trust the Cursed Ones They sacrifice their hu them alive, and then they cut out their hearts and eat them!"

"Have you seen it done, Kel?" asked Alain quietly

"No! But everyone knows--"

Urtan broke in "Huainst the Cursed Ones, ever since they caht has grown ht theirfield"

"Noe have a chance to defeat the Cursed Ones," exclaierly "That’s why they tried to kidnap the Hallowed One They’ll try again We ht--"

"Hush, now, Kel," said Urtan quietly "You’ll wake the sleeping That’s e have to wait here for the Hallowed One to return froround In the old days, she would have walked to theher alone The Cursed Ones won’t give up"

"I’ll protect her," said Alain in that stubborn way he had, rouchy

"No one can protect her," said Kel, stung by Urtan’s words into speaking unwisely "She has a doom laid on her--"

Behind her, Pur hissed displeasure

"What do you mean?" asked Alain

Adica was suddenly aware of the grass stuck to her fingers An owl hooted There came a sudden splash, then silence