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"That is Karigan," he said

"Yes"

"She came back I knew she would We must--"

Just then, a cry, a different cry froh the hall Queen Estora was doubled over in her chair More Weapons and her ht Zachary hesitated, looked torn "Your place is with your wife and the child she bears," she said "Go to her now and get the castellan to calan’s condition just as soon as I can"

"Yes" This time he did not hesitate but strode directly toward Estora, issuing orders as he went

Laren ran out into the corridor both elated by Karigan’s return, and sorely worried for Estora

Karigan still struggled and fought against the Weapons who carried her away All the way to the o back"

Go back where? Where had she been all this time? She had entered Blackveil nine months past and vanished How had she arrived in suchin such a fashion? The Eletians followed along in silence, revealing nothing How had they knohen and where to "observe" Karigan’s arrival?

Laren chose not to suin, in order to prevent an onrush of Karigan’s concerned friends to the h Ben, her Rider-rabbed him and pointed ahead to where Fastion and Donal tried to restrain Karigan so that Master Mender Vanlynn could look her over Despite Vanlynn’s soothing tones, she could not calan

When Ben saho needed his help, his h he was looking at a ghost Laren knew the feeling

"Quiet her, lad," Vanlynn ordered hiles in this manner She’s near crazed"

Ben had learned a new facet of his specialability in the fall, and he used it now He touched his finger to Karigan’s forehead, and she slumped in the arms of the Weapons Ben’s touch would allow her to rest peacefully for a ti the menders an opportunity to examine and treat her Perhaps when she woke, she’d beon her stick The elder woman had come out of retirement to replace the former master mender

"One of yours, eh?" Vanlynn said

"Yes She is--"

"I knoho she is My assistants will see to her Meanwhile, I’ve been summoned to the queen’s quarters, and Ben withthe queen here is beyond me Lord-Governor Mirill have to wait, too He is apparently de of his nether parts Ben!"

"Yes, Master Vanlynn" He had a ret to where Karigan was being o," he told Laren

"I know The queen needs you"

He nodded and hurried after his chief His other chief

Laren found a chair in a waiting alcove and sank into it She had a feeling that the Longest Night was going to indeed be long Elated, shocked, concerned--she did not kno to feel