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"And the people living in those villages?" Leesha asked "What beca genuinely hurt "Youthe innocent"

"There are such rumors in the North, I’m afraid," Leesha said

"Well they are untrue," Abban said "The conquered people are taxed, yes, and the boys and ai’sharak, but their lives are otherwise unchanged And in return, they have pride in the night"

Again Leesha studied Abban’s face for a hint of where exaggerationboys and men to as a horror, but at least she could tell the distraught refugees back in the Hollow that their captured husbands, brothers, and sons were likely still alive

There was a buzz through the ranks of warriors at the sight of Leesha and the others, but their white-veiled leaders barked, and the Sharum fell silent and stood for inspection At their forefront stood two men, one in a white turban above warrior black, the other clad in dama white

"Mythe warrior, "and his second, A some" He pointed to the cleric

Jardir strode out before the men, and the power he radiated was palpable The warriors looked at hileam in their eyes Leesha was surprised to find that after only teeks of instruction, she understood most of what he said

"Sharuht we are honored to be joined in alagai’sharak by Sharuht" He gestured to Leesha’s group, and a shocked ht?" Jayan demanded

"Father, the Evejah states clearly that women are barred from sharak," Asome protested

"The Evejah ritten by the Deliverer," Jardir said "I aht"

Jayan shook his head "I will not fight alongside a woman"

Jardir struck like a lion, his hand a blur as he seized his son by the throat Jayan gasped and pulled at his father’s arrip was like iron, and he could not break it His feet left the ground, toes barely scraping the dirt, as Jardir flexed his arasped and started forward, but Abban blocked her with his crutch, applying surprising strength

"Don’t be a fool," he whispered harshly Soency of his voice checked Leesha, and she eased back, watching helplessly as Jardir choked the life from his son She drew a relieved breath as the boy was cast to the ground, gasping and thrashing but very much alive

"What kind of anihast