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The two ’s carnation lay crushed on the floor Gun s wore oppressively on Karigan, she did not drop it

"Now, Miss G’ladheon, I surot aill return with reinforcements, and the entire palace will be alerted to you There is no escape, no matter how is easier on yourself and Mr Harlowe by reappearing and giving yourself up?"

"Don’t do it," Cade said

Starling punched him in the shoulder, and Cade cried out in pain, ain, Karigan prepared to rush to his aid when a hulking figure arrived, silhouetted in the doorway and wreathed in smoke

"Ah," Silk said "Finally, our reinforcean rotated the club in her grip and turned to face the new threat

"Welcootten unruly, and your aid is most welcome"

She let out a relieved breath, but Fastion’s countenance in his inhu presence, left her uncertain, wary Was he truly on her side, or had his earlier words been an act to win her trust, even in the face of his betrayal of king and country?

He said nothing, did not move, which reassured her not at all Then he stepped into the chaun out of his hand, and tossed it aside

Even as Silk sputtered in shock, Karigan took another easing breath She dropped her fading, staggering from all that its use had taken out of her

"How dare you?" Silk shouted at Fastion

Ignoring hiht deftly Her bonewood! She shook it froth and discarded the club

"You are the emperor’s , so Karigan spoke "The Eternal Guardian is an old friend of mine"

"What is this you say?" Silk looked desperately between Karigan and Fastion

"I a’schuckled "Oh, my And here I feared this would be just another dull day"

"You’re a traitor, is what you are," Silk told Fastion

"He is anything but," Karigan said

"Do you wishhis sword

She did, and it was iestion, but she said, "Wait They ht be useful"

She went to the doorway and peered out The cruuard who’d tried to escape lay on the floor His unfortunate encounter with the Guardian had prevented hi reinforce who had heard all the gunshots, although at the moment, it appeared they hadn’t drawn anyone Perhaps they were far enough underground that the noise had not penetrated other levels

Cade an’s side "You know the Eternal Guardian?" he whispered