Page 130 (1/2)

"A princely gift," Ashan noted in Krasian "They are respectful, at least" Jardir nodded

"Our peoples could learn ht," Leesha said

"I agree," Jardir said, staring into her eyes "Let us discuss that, as, at our tea"

"Did you see his crown?" Leesha asked

Rojer nodded "And his metal spear He’s the one Marick and the Painted Man were talking about"

"Obviously," Leesha said "I meant the crown itself The Painted Man has the same wards on his own forehead"

"Really?" Rojer asked in surprise

Leesha nodded, dropping her voice for only hi he knows about that man"

"Can’t believe you invited him to tea," Wonda said

"Should I have spat in his eye instead?" Leesha asked

Wonda nodded "Or had me shoot him He’s killed half the men in Rizon, and had his men force themselves on every flowered woman in the duchy!"

Wonda stopped short, then turned to Leesha suddenly, leaning in close "You’re going to drug hi "Take hi," Leesha said "Everything we know about that man is hearsay All we know for sure is that he and his uest until his actions show he should be treated otherwise"

"Not totheir Deliverer is the surest way under the sun to bring the Krasian arht down on the Hollow," Rojer added

"There’s that, as well," Leesha agreed "Ask Smitt to clear his taprooe this supposed demon of the desert for themselves"

"He’s not what I expected, at all," Tender Jona said

"Polite, like," Gared agreed "All falsefaced, like the servants in the duke’s palace"

"It’s called manners, Gared," Leesha said "You and the other men could use a few lessons in them yourselves"

"He has a point," Rojer said "I expected a h his oiled beard"

"I knohat you mean," Leesha said "I certainly didn’t expect him to be so handsome"

Jona, Rojer, and Gared all stopped short Leesha walked severalpace She looked back to find theat her Even Wonda had a surprised look on her face

"What?" she asked