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"We could retreat to Angiers," Leesha said "Hide within the city walls"

The Painted Man shook his head "We can’t give theround I know these people If we show fear and retreat, they will think us weak, and only press the attack harder"

"I still don’t like it," Leesha said

The Painted Man shrugged "Your liking it is irrelevant The good news is that I doubt they have e The bad news is that the least of those can outfight any three Cutters, and when they’re ready to move, they’ll have levied thousands of slave troops froainst that?" Rojer said

"Unity," the Painted Man said "We need to open dialogue with Lakton nohile the lines of coiers and Miln to put aside their differences and commit to a common defense"

"I don’t know the duke of Miln," Rojer said, "but I grew up in Rhinebeck’s court when my master Arrick was his herald Rhinebeck is s than with Duke Euchor"

"Then we’ll have to convince him personally," Leesha said She looked at the Painted Man "All of us"

The Painted Man sighed "Just as well I not go to Lakton I’m…not very welcome there"

"So the tale’s true then?" Rojer asked "The dockmasters tried to kill you?"

"After a fashion," the Painted Man said

Rojer sat in theto soothe the hundreds of refugees still living in tents in the Corelings’ Graveyard Many of thelow of the greatward as they fell under Rojer’s spell His et, at least for a short time, that their lives had been shattered

It seeive He kept his Jongleur’sof the bleakness he felt inside

Tender Jona aiting for hi, not yet thirty, but he ell loved by the Hollowers, and no one had worked harder to bring coanizing , the Tender walked a them know they were not alone He led prayers for the dead, found caregivers for orphans, and edy

"Thank you for doing this," Jona said "I could feel their spirits lifting as they watched you play My own, as well"

"I’ll perfor I’m not needed elsewhere," Rojer said

"Bless you," Jona said "Your ive some to me," Rojer said "Sometimes I think in my case the opposite is true"

"Nonsense," Jona said "Strength of spirit is not soain The Creator grants strength and weakness to us all What has you feeling weak, child?"

"Child?" Rojer laughed "I’m not part of your audience, Tender I have my fiddle," he held up the instrument, "and you have yours" He pointed with his bow at the heavy leather-bound Canon that Jona held in his hands

Rojer knew his words hurt the Tender, and that the man deserved better, but histime to condescend He waited for the Holy Man to shout at hirew vexed He slipped the book into a satchel he wore for just that purpose, and spread his hands to show they were empty "As your friend, then And someone who understands your pain"