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He was used to ignoring it

Just a look, he thought She won’t even see nize ht

He rode as slowly as he could bear, but even so the day gate was only just opening as he arrived City guards caroups of Warders and apprentices to clearly dean to collect pieces of warded glass, checking quickly to ensure they had been charged by a coreling’s touch The Painted Man hilass wards to Miln, but even he was shocked at this efficiency of production, as good as they had in the Hollow, if less practical The Milnese Warders see sticks, statues, s, and jewelry When the blood of the bait ashed from them, all would be as clear as polished diauards looked up as he approached In the cool dae that he should have his hood up, but seeing the weapons in Twilight Dancer’s harnesses, they raised their spears until the Painted Man showed them the pouch with Rhinebeck’s seal

"You’re out early, Messenger," one guard said as they relaxed

"Raced and tried toat Harden’s Grove," the Painted Man said, the lie coht I had it, but then I heard the last bell froate before sunset Set up ht"

"Ripped luck," the guard said "Cold night to be stuck outside, a mile from alls and sweet succor"

The Painted Man, who had not felt heat nor cold in years, nodded and forced hi his hood lower as if to ward off a lingering chill "I could use a warm room and a hot coffee I’d even settle for it the other way around"

The guard nodded and seemed about to wave him on when he looked up suddenly The Painted Man tensed, wondering if he would ask his in the South as bad as they say?" the guard asked instead "Rizon lost, Beggar refugees everywhere, and this new Deliverer doing nothing for it?"

Even this far north, rumors had flown "That’s news for the duke, before I can share it with anyone else," the Painted Man said, "but ay, it’s bad in the South"

The guard grunted and waved for him to head on into the city

The Painted Man found an inn and led Twilight Dancer to the stable There was a boy already there,the stalls He couldn’t have been more than twelve years old, and he was filthy

Servant class, the Painted Man thought, which explained why he orking so early The boy likely slept in the stables, and counted himself lucky at that He reached into his purse and took out a heavy gold coin, putting it in the boy’s hand