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Hours after dark, they cas the duke’s herald had ees--Rizonan, by the look of the at the approach of the caravan Their wardposts were haphazard, and those painted on the ragged carts were giant, clu to ed furs, fires extinguished lest they attract more deathering belongings as if ready to flee into the naked night

But then Thaood folk! I aiers and Lord of Hollow County You are under my protection Please remain behind your wards No harm will cothen your wards before we pass If you have wounded, bring them for our Gatherers to tend All of you are welcome to shelter in the Hollow, should you wish it"

The folk started chattering at that Soed cheer, but others looked on with e Leesha could not blame them

As the caravan called halt, Leesha and the others Gatherers were out before the drovers could ready the steps The sight of their pocketed aprons put folk at ease Several of theh, came forith a hopeful look in their eyes

"I’ll need to see to the warding," Leesha said to Jizell

"Of course," the woirls and I can handle a few scratches and sniffles"

But as they drew closer, more and more heads poked out from the cart beds, and under thees What appeared to be a small camp held close to a hundred people, more than the entire caravan

Leesha turned as Wonda appeared at her side "I want you patrolling the perimeter with your bow until I’in’ yur pardon, mistress, but I should stay with ya Don’t know these folk, and said yurself the wards ent safe"

Leesha gave her a patient look "I can take care of myself for a few minutes, dear I still know a trick or two"

"Ay," Wonda shifted, "but …"

Leesha put a hand on the girl’s shoulder "You’ll be protecting ed, hungry, afraid "These people haven’t felt safe in months, Wonda Give theave one of her aard bows andthe sleeves to uncover her blackstetheir protector pummel a demon to death with bare hands

Jasin ith Count Thamos as Leesha approached the head of the caravan "What do you e of e is arded, more than I can say for these folk You’ve run them out once, and now I’ll thank you to keep back before you do even e to the reputation of the ivy throne"

The herald slunk back to his carriage, and for a brief o to him, but noas not the time She didn’t even knohat she would say if she did She just wanted hiain

But there ork to be done Jizell and Vika had their apprentices triaging those in need, and Rojer was already tu firelight as sos at the feet of children who had likely not had cause to sht

The refugees looked at A the way for the Krasian princesses Soon they had a group of wo of protection

Leesha walked the peri the wardnet It was as she feared The Warders in this group were not entirely inco wards for a circle on an ovoid caround Wards for an oval needed to be shaped differently, a trick beyond ht holes in the net, but theweak points that a powerful deht breach

She focused on the warding, and for a time the other worries left hera few degrees She took her brush and paint to others, fixing wards or replacing the debris froic’s flow as she worked Soon the entire net was glowing brightly to her warded eyes

Another bright glow caught her attention, this one far outside the ca a rock demon, but instead she saw Arlen Bales

Leesha blinked She was tired, and blessedly alone for the first tihts wandered?