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"Perhaps," Ashan said This tilance at Inevera "But it is not here yet The dama will reether, and again, Abban was re he was Jayan cast a hint of s hard to his pride and pretending not to see

"It is decided," Inevera said "On the first dawn following Waning, Jayan and his warriors will depart to strike a crushing blow in Everaain "Docktoill the ours and Lakton in a submission hold before they even knoe are close"

Inevera nodded "Of that I have no doubt We will need a strict accounting of all your expenses, however, and of the captured harvest"

"Eh?" Jayan asked "Aers and lattices whenblood?"

"Of course not," Inevera said "That is why Abban will acco his stomach drop into his balls

CHAPTER 11

DOCKTOWN

333 AR WINTER

"Damajah, there must be some mistake," Abban said "My duties here--"

"Can wait," Inevera’s voice in his ear cut hi only to speak via hora ring, said more than any words about the finality of the decision

"You have made your case too well, khaffit," the Damajah continued "We , and we both know Jayan is rain for spite than he is to tally and ship it back to Everam’s Bounty You must see to that"

"Damajah, your son hates me," Abban said "Out beyond your reach …"

"It may be you who catches a stray arrow and does not return?" Inevera asked "Yes, that is true You will need to take care, but so long as you handle the aspects of war he does not wish to, Jayan will see the value in letting you live"

"And his bodyguard Hasik, who my own men castrated?" Abban asked

"It was you let out that djinn, khaffit," Inevera replied "It is up to you to find a way to close it Hasik’s passing would fill no tear bottles"

Abban sighed With Qeran and Earless at his side at all times, Hasik was unlikely to strike at hiratiate for a short time Undoubtedly, there was a fortune to be made in Lakton Many fortunes, for one with a sharp eye

"So I may return with the tithe?" he asked He could last a feeeks, surely

"You , and not before," Inevera said "The dice say wisdo, and of that, uide theive orders to the Deliverer’s son? These things are above hed at that "Khaffit, please Do not insult us both"