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Abban grinned "You have my fullest attention What does the Da," Inevera said

"Eh?" Abban started

"I can heal your leg," Inevera said "Right now, if you wish A simple matter You could throw your crutch on the fire and walk out on two firh if I know sly Abban, you would limp out the way you ca so"

A doubtful look crossed the khaffit’s face "If such a si heal me when it was first shattered? Why cost the Kaji a warrior by leaving ics," Inevera said "At the ti us an endless supply of alagai bones to power our spells Even now, they must be rendered and treated, a difficult process" She circled a finger around her teacup "We cast the dice for you, all those years ago, to see if it orth the price Do you knohat they said?"

Abban sighed "That I was no warrior, and would provide little return on the investment"

Inevera nodded

Abban shook his head, disappointed but unsurprised "It is true you have found so ed for"

"Then you accept?" Inevera asked

Abban drew a deep breath as if to speak, but held it instead After ato deflate as he did "My father used to say, Love nothing so h of the ancient tales to know that her than it appears I have leaned on my crutch for twenty-five years It is a part of me Thank you for your offer, but I fear Ivexed and saw no reason to hide it "You tryyou want, be out with it"

The triumphant smile that came over Abban’s facefor "A few sis only, Da is simple where you are concerned"

Abban inclined his head "Fro First, the protection you offer ents, as well"

Inevera nodded "Of course So long as they are not working counter to ainst Everam"

"And it must include protection from you," Abban went on

"I am to protect you froether," Inevera noticed he did not say that he would work for her, "then Ifor s you wish to hear Especially then"

She will tell you truths you do not wish to hear, the dice had once told Inevera of her mother There was value in an advisor like that In truth, there was little value in any other kind

"Done," she said, "but if I choose not to act on your advice, you will support my decisions in any event"

"The Damajah is wise," Abban said "I trust she would not act wastefully once I have given her the costs"

"Is that all?" Inevera asked, knowing it was not

Abban chuckled again, refilling their teacups He took a flask from the inner pocket of his vest and added a splash of couzi to the drink It was a test, Inevera knew, for the drink was forbidden by the Evejah She ignored the ht it led the tiny bottles under their robes

Abban sipped at his drink "At times I may have questions" His eyes flicked to the hora pouch at her waist "Questions only your dice can answer"

Inevera clutched the pouch protectively "The alagai hora are not for the questions of men, khaffit"