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"Porter, Sammy, Liza and htly when he said Dilana’s naain ical and safe choice

"After dinner It’s the only time everyone is free The Coht of festival so the kitchen staff can leave early If you want to come, just meet us here tomorrow"

Rand headed to his rooms, which were adjacent to the kitchen, and I went back to Valek’s suite

The dark apartroped around and found some flint As I lit the lanterns, I passed by Valek’s desk and noticed a paper lying on top Glancing around toin the shadows, I looked at the sheet Names had been written on it, and then scratched out My name had been circled Underneath was the coitive for the exercise

This was probably how Margg had known I re papers in Valek’s office before Depending on how long these papers had been here, she could have known for a while That woh, I’d have to face her Unfortunately, it would have to wait until after I played fugitive for Valek

As for h Valek’s piles of books I re so two on the techniques of pursuit, and one on the best ways to elude capture Nobody said I couldn’t do a little research Borrowing Valek’s texts, I took a lantern and retired to my rooue Changing into uished the lantern and collapsed into bed

I was jolted awake by the frightening awareness that soripped me A black shape loomed over me Yanked out of bed, I sla more happened The assault had stopped, but I renized my attacker’s face "Valek?"

Chapter Eleven

Valek’s face, inches from mine, resembled a statue, silent, cold and devoid of elow of lantern light slipping through the gap at the threshold couldn’t lend his blue eyes any war, he released me Too late I realized that he had held me suspended above the floor I landed in a heap at his feet Wordless, Valek leftas if I had too ed to catch up to hi room He stood in front of his desk

"If this is about the books…" I said to his back, guessing that he was angry withhis manuals

He turned "Books? You think this is about books?" His voice held a "I’ve been a fool All this tience But now…" He paused, and then looked around the rooht words

"I overheard so wagers How could you be so stupid, so indiscreet? I considered killing you now to savefor your dead body later"