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Jardir was there in an instant, breaking away froless

"What have you said to offend our host, khaffit?" he demanded

Abban bowed as low as his crutch would allow "It seems I owe her father some money, Deliverer, for paper she and her father o that I was not able to clai hiround "You will pay him triple what you owe, i blood

Leesha shoved Jardir aside, running to Abban’s side and kneeling beside him He tried to pull away, but she took his head fir him His lip was split, but she didn’t think it would require stitching

She rose quickly and glared at Jardir "Just what in the Core is the matter with you?!"

A shocked look carown horns "He is only khaffit," he explained "A weakling without honor"

"I don’t care what he is!" Leesha snapped, stor up to Jardir so their noses practically touched, her eyes ablaze like blue flauest under our roof, as are you, and if you wish to re manners and keep your hands to yourself!"

Jardir stood there, stunned, and his councilors looked equally shocked All turned to their leader for a cue on how to react The warriors flexed their hands, as if readying the over their shoulders, and Leesha’s fingers itched to reach into one of thepowder in case they did

But Jardir broke the stare and stepped back, bowing deeply "You are right, of course I apologize for bringing violence to your table" He turned to Abban "I will purchase the pages from you at triple what youto eye Leesha "Anything so precious to Mistress Leesha must be a treasure indeed"

Abban touched his forehead to the floor, and then braced hih the sreat bulk

Jardir turned and sht he could impress her any more with a display of wealth than he had with one of violence

"Handsome or no, he’s a pompous ass," Leesha reed, "but an ass who can crush the Hollow like a bug if he wishes"

Leesha scowled "Don’t go betting on that"

"The Northern women have steel in them," Hasik observed in Krasian as they were ushered to one of the tall greenland tables with its hard benches

"Ours do as well," Jardir replied, "they simply hide it beneath their robes" All of theree

Tea was served by children, along with plates of hard biscuit The Northern Holy Man cleared his throat, and all eyes turned to hi a rodent The greenland cleric paled under the daaze, but he pressed on

"It is our custolared at her Jardir ignored the woh he was shocked at her rudeness "That is our custoive thanks to Everahtly at the name Jardir attached to the Creator, but he nodded, mollified for theup his teacup in both hands like an offering, "we thank you for the food and drink before us, a syiven We pray for the strength to better serve you, and ask your blessings for ourselves, and all those who have no table to gather at this night"

"Not so fruitful a bounty this year," Elonaup one of the hard biscuits, her nose crinkling with distaste The wolared at Leesha that her daughter had kicked her under the table