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He knelt before the girl, not sure if it was si to the child, or to allow her to strike him if she wished He alht her soently "Sos they ht not be happy to hear"

As if on cue, Elissa looked up at hiether with a deep breath, drying her tears with a lace cuff and eht Take your brother into the back a spell, if you please"

Marya shot the Painted Man one last dark glance, then nodded, gathering up her little brother and leaving the roo wretched He should never have come, should have sent an interh there were none he trusted like Cob

"I’ you pain"

"I know," Elissa said "I’s easier in soreed He fu forth a handful of letters, and a grimoire of battle wards, wrapped in oilcloth and tied with stout cord "These are for you Arlen meant for you to have them"

Elissa took the bundle and nodded "Thank you Do you plan to stay in Miln long? My husband is out, but he will surely have questions for you Arlen was like a son to him"

"I a no part of a conversation with Ragen The man would press for details where there were none "I have a e for the duke, and a few others to pay respects to, and then I ae was done, and his next words came unbidden "Tell me…does Mery still live at the house of Tender Ronnell?"

Elissa shook her head "Not for many years She--"

"Noto hear reat surprise, and he had no right to feel stung by the news

"What about the boy, Jaik?" he asked "I’ve a letter for hi at hi eyes "He’s a e"

The Painted Man nodded "Then, with your permission, I’ll take my leave"

"You may not like what you find there," Elissa warned

The Painted Man looked up at her, trying to read her , but it was lost in her wet puffy eyes She looked tired and guileless He turned to go

"How did you know hter’s name?" Elissa asked

The question surprised him He hesitated "You introduced her when she came over" The moment he said it, he cursed silently, for of course, Elissa had been cut off before she could introduce the girl, and he could have claie careed, surprising him He took it as a stroke of luck andon the latch when she spoke again

"I’ve e to turn and run back, crushing her in his ar shop without another word

The Painted Man cursed hinized hi out he had likely hurt her more deeply than news of his death ever could have Elissa had been as amust have seemed the ultimate rejection of her love But what could he have done? Shown her what he had done to himself? Shown her the monster her adopted son had become?

No Better she think he had turned his back on her Better any lie than that truth