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Inevera began to wonder how much control she could keep if Aleverak ascended to the throne

But again Ashan surprised her, taking a si his efforts on defense His feet beat rapidly on thebut always stopping short of full attacks that ain and again Aleverak struck at hi up the dance Aleverak’s kicks were dodged, or blocked shs, shins, and forearms

He kept it up, his aura calan to tire Whatever reserves of energy the ancient Daan to slow

When he next stepped forward, he was not quick enough to stop Ashan froht hand in, but Ashan caught the wrist, holding it as he snapped his hips around to add torque to a devastating punch to the chest with his now recovered right arasped and stumbled, but Ashan locked his arm and added severalsharp knuckles into the shoulder joint of the Damaji’s one arm He swept Aleverak’s feet from him and put him down hard on his back The retort as he struck the hout the chamber

Aleverak looked up at Ashan, his eyes hard "Well done, Andrah Finish me with honor and take your place atop the steps"

Ashan looked at the ancient Damaji sadly "It was an honor to face you, Da the masters of sharusahk is well earned But tradition does not dean to turn away, but Aleverak’s aura flared, as close to a loss of control as Inevera had ever seen He clutched the heers

"Maji is still in his bido!" Aleverak coughed "Kill me and let Aleveran have the black turban No harlanced up to Inevera at this It was a te offer Maji would be safe froe the Majah would have a younger Daht shake of her head

"Apologies, Darasp, "but the Deliverer still has need of you in this world It is not yet your time to walk the lonely path And should any harm coe in court on the hour of your natural death,your entirefor the seven steps leading to the Skull Throne

Aso the path

Inevera hissed What was the fool boy doing?

"Apologies, Uncle" Asoave a formal sharusahk bow "I trust you understand this is not personal You have been as a father to me, but I aht as any asseenuinely taken aback, but he did not dispute the claim He bowed in return "Of course, nephew Your honor is boundless But I would not leave randson without his father I ask this once that you step aside"

Asome shook his head sadly "Nor would I leave my cousin and ithout a father My aunt without a husband Renounce your claim and allow me to ascend"

Jayan leapt to his feet "What is this?! I demand … !"

"Silence!" Inevera shouted There was no need to enhance her voice this ti around the roo the steps swiftly to stand before Inevera’s bed of pillows There was a flare in his aura as he passed by the throne Was it covetousness? Inevera filed the information away in her mind as she manipulated polished stones on a s others She could use the stones to control a number of effects, powered by hora placed around the room, and now placed a wall of silence around her pillows, that none save her son should hear her words