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"Bet you’re as glad as we are to see the sword on the fence, he rubbed the sweat off his face with the botto toward the east gate, the three of us stood in coe disappear through the gate

"We want to thank you, Yelena," Ari said

"What for?"

"The Coood report," Janco said

Surprised and pleased that the Commander would heed my words, I smiled at them I could see Ari and Janco shared a loyalty to one another, an obvious bond of friendship and trust Three years ago, I had felt that kind of kinship with May and Carra at the orphanage, but Reyad had torn iven ed to connect with someone Unfortunately, my life as the food tasterwith h the next year were little to none?

"We’re scouting for the Couard now," Janco said with pride in his voice

"We owe you one Anytime you need help, just let us know," Ari said

His words gave one, but he was still a threat I thought fast, searching for reasons why my plan wouldn’t be to my benefit

"I need help," I said

Surprise flashed over their faces Ari recovered first "With what?" he asked warily

"I need to learn how to defend myself Can you teach me self-defense and how to use a weapon?" I heldtooAt least I had tried

Ari and Janco looked at each other Eyebroitched, heads tilted, lips pursed and hands made small movements I watched their silent conversation in amazement as they discussed ain that hesitation evident in his voice

My h to hide withinI’d have to return Rand’s to the kitchen

More facial expressions were exchanged I thought Ari , but Janco looked queasy, as if the idea didn’t sit ith him

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore "Look," I said "I’ll understand if you refuse I don’t want to get you into trouble, and I kno Janco feels about me I believe his exact words were: ‘She’s a criminal’ So, if the answer is no, that’s fine with me"

They stared at me in astonishment

"How did you--" Janco started to say, but Ari punched him on the arm

"She overheard us in the forest, you dope How close were you?"

"Fifteen feet"