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The Painted Man nodded "The Evejah details how Kaji conquered the knoorld before turning its collective spears on the corelings Jardir will seek to do the same His advancements may be followed by consolidation periods, where the conquered people are broken to Evejan law," he fixed Janson and the prince with a hard look, "but don’t let that fool you for athat they’ve ceased their advance"

The prince glared defiantly, but the color slowly drained from Janson’s face Beads of sweat had broken out on his forehead, even in the cool spring"You know much about the Krasian people for a Cutter, Mr Flinn," he noted

"I spent some time in Fort Krasia," the Painted Man said sie shorthand

"You see e must speak with His Grace, minister," Leesha said "The Krasians can afford to take their tirain silos, Rizon has resources to support an army indefinitely, even as they cut off the flow of food to the north"

Janson did not seem to notice she had spoken "There are some who say you are the Deliverer, yourself," he said to the Painted Man

Tha," heeye contact with the minister "I"His Grace will be relieved to hear that But on thewards…"

"They--" Leesha began

"They will be shared with all ant the looks of shock fros are the enemies of all humanity, minister," the Painted Man said "In this, the Krasians and I agree I will deny no man the wards to combat them"

"If they even work," Thamos muttered

The Painted Man turned to face Thalare Thamos dropped his eyes, and the Painted Man nodded

"Wonda," he said without turning to the young woive me an arrow from your quiver" Wonda took an arrow and placed it in the waiting hand he threw over his shoulder The Painted Man laid the missile flat across his hands and presented it to the prince, but he did not bow, standing as an equal

"Test theht and have a est demon you can find Decide for yourself if they work"

Thahtened quickly, as if trying not to appear intimidated He nodded and took the arrow "I will"

The first minister pushed back froes and shuffle the iot to his feet and went over to Prince Thamos

"I believe that should be all for now," Janson said "His Grace will receive you in his keep tomorrow, an hour past dawn I will send a coach here for you in the , to avoid any…unpleasantness, should you," his eyes flicked to the Painted Man, "be seen on the street"

The Painted Man bowed "That will do well, minister, thank you," he said Leesha curtsied, and Rojer bowed

"Minister," Leesha said,her voice "I have heard that His Grace…has yet to produce an heir"