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"We can ride a bit farther with you then," Ce'Nedra said quickly "My relatives live on an estate to the south of the city"

Jeebers stared at her in amazeirl with a raised eyebrow "This seeood a place as any for us to have a little talk," she said

Silk looked quickly at her and then nodded

"I believe, little lady," Aunt Pol told the girl when they had all dismounted, "that the time has come for you to tell us the truth"

"But I have," Ce'Nedra protested

"Oh, come now, child," Aunt Pol said "Those stories of yours have been very entertaining, but you don't actually think anyone believed them, do you? Some of us already knoho you are, but I really think we should get it out in the open"

"You know?" Ce'Nedra faltered

"Of course, dear," Aunt Pol said "Would you like to tell them, or shall I?"

Ce'Nedra's little shoulders drooped "Tell them who I am, Master Jeebers," she ordered quietly

"Do you really think that's wise, your Ladyship?" Jeebers asked nervously

"They already knoay," she said "If they were going to do anything to us, they'd have done it a long tio We can trust them"

Jeebers drew in a deep breath and then spoke rather forhness, the Princess Ce'Nedra, daughter to his Imperial Majesty, Ran Borune XXIII, and the jewel of the House of Borune"

Silk whistled, and his eyes widened ns of amazement

"The political situation in Tol Honeth had becohness to remain safely in the capital," Jeebers went on "The Ehter secretly here to Tol Borune where the members of the Borune family can protect her from the plots and machinations of the Vordues, the Honeths, and the Horbites I'ed to execute my commission rather brilliantly - with your help, of course I'll mention your assistance in my report - a footnote, perhaps, or maybe even an appendix"

Barak pulled at his beard, his eyes thoughtful "An Imperial Princess travels across half of Tolnedra with only a schoolmaster for protection?" he questioned "At a ti each other in the streets?"

"It does seereed

"Did throe Ee thee with this task in person?" Mandorallen asked Jeebers

"It wasn't necessary," Jeebers said stiffly, "His Highness has a great deal of respect for ment and discretion He knew that I'd be able to devise a safe disguise and a secure mode of travel The princess assured me of his absolute confidence in me It all had to be done in utmost secrecy, of course That's why she caht to advise me of his instructions and e left the palace without telling anyone ere-" His voice trailed off, and he stared at Ce'Nedra in horror

"You ht as well tell him the truth, dear," Aunt Pol advised the little princess "I think he's guessed already"