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To his surprise, Arunika rose andher are?" Alegni asked

"It’s the most beautiful and impressive structure in Neverwinter," she replied "It’s hard to believe it carried any nani turned on the wo over her

She didn’t back away, but tilted her head back, slightly parted her lips, and closed her eyes, inviting hini did not resist

Arunika left Alegni’s roo She didn’t reveal her true for

Nor did she tell hinty, or of her relationship with Sylora Saliven the Netherese lord pause in his decision to couple with her

Or in his decision not to kill her

"A new pet?" Valindra asked when she caught up to Sylora just outside the peri so its ared little hellion whose s, but seeer fro with the Sovereignty ambassador ell"

"You assu to the irinned wider still, that pointy-toothed s in its batlike ears It flapped its leathery wings and flipped over backward, landing easily back in place

"I’ve been told that my champion is well prepared for the trials ahead"

Valindra nodded "And you have heard that the ambassador plans to support our cause with a strike at Neverwinter?"

"It pleases Arunika greatly," Sylora explained with a wry smile "Apparently the Netherese have now claimed a leadership role in the city They’ll fill the role as the great protectors of Neverwinter, so they say The new citizens are even na landmarks after theht after these Netherese proclaim themselves as protectors, the city would be battered to its core

"They will find their city is built upon less than solid ground," Sylora said

"Will we join in this attack?"

"Only as a diversion," Sylora replied, "to lure the Netherese from within the city"

She turned away fro She whispered a feords, then bent low, reaching into the ashen circle When she turned back around, she held one of the Ashmadai scepters, a spear-staff, except that this one was h with red steaks that appeared like living veins

"An enchanted weapon?" Valindra asked

"It draer fro," Sylora answered

"For your champion"

"Of course A little added pain for Jestry’s opponents"

Jestry appeared, hulking toward her He wore a cape and a kilt, but hisas aardly as before The wrappings had htness and stiffness of the treated hide gave way to a ht up to Sylora and stared at her, unblinking, those parts of his face that were visible betraying no emotion

"Does it hurt?" Sylora asked him, and she sounded compassionate Jestry shook his head

"Do you understand hoerful you have become?" Sylora asked

The mummified champion smiled

"You will kill her," Sylora assured hireat champion All will fall before us--the Netherese will be driven from the forest Szass Tam will know of your exploits, I assure you"

"When we are done, will you restorewith each word as if the wrappings on his face had not loosened enough for him to properly formulate the words

"I’ently stroked Jestry’s face "You will grow fully into your new skin All of the sensations will return"

Jestry’s hand snapped up to catch Sylora by the wrist, and he held her hand against his face for a long while

"I have another gift for you" Sylora held up the enchanted staff-spear