Page 136 (1/2)

A time Then she turned her eyes to Leesha "Is this true?"

Leesha glanced at Araine, then back to Aierian law, but it is certainly possible"

"I can produce the necessary docuetting to her feet "That will not be necessary I will cast on this"

"Do it here, if you wish," Araine said, though it sounded ic at work"

Amanvah considered a moment, then nodded She looked to Leesha, who set down her tea and went to pull the heavy curtains as Amanvah knelt on the hardwood floor between lush carpets, spreading out her pristine white casting cloth

Leesha was forced to drag carpets to plug the light seeping in under the doors, but soon the only light caai hora in Amanvah’s hands Leesha and the Duchess Mum paid rapt attention, but Amanvah muttered her prayers in Krasian, and neither of them could make out much with her lips hidden behind her veil

She produced a small stoppered vial--presuly over the dice before she shook and cast It was eerie, watching the wards flare as the dice were yanked from their natural trajectories to forin to read what they said, but after staring for some time, Amanvah nodded and sat back on her heels Leesha took a che it to cast thelow

"I will require three things," Ae for one," Araine said

Ale if you wish" Her tone made it clear the effort would be pointless

"What three things?" Araine asked

"You will pardon my husband, myself, and my sister wives, the moment the trial is done," Amanvah said "Without equivocation or addenduranted your protection until we are back in the Hollow"

Araine nodded "Done"

"You will grant hts with ive you an hour a day with him, until the trial," Araine said

Amanvah nodded "That is acceptable"

"And last?" Araine asked

Amanvah turned to Leesha "A drop of Mistress Leesha’s blood"

Leesha crossed her ar what le drop It was an insult si in her tone

"You don’t understand what she’s asking," Leesha said "Giving a da theree to that?"

"Because the fate of my duchy may rest upon it!" Araine hissed "Give it to her, or I will have it taken from you"

Leesha bared her teeth "Don’t threaten me, Araine I will defend uards sothis palace down around your ears"

Araine’s eyes flashed, but Leesha meant every word, and the old woman knew it She held the Duchess Mum’s eyes for a moment, then looked to Amanvah "Two conditions"

Aain "And those are?"

"You use the drop here and now, speaking your question aloud in Thesan," Leesha began