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Valek’s words made me uncoin of the pods and beans The idea of failing the Coed the subject "Where did the caravan go?"

Valek paused, undecided Finally, he said, "Brazell’s new factory" If Valek had been surprised by his discovery, it didn’t show on his face

It occurred to me that despite all the discussion about Brazell’s per to make "What’s the product?"

"It’s supposed to be a feed mill" Valek handed the book back to me "And I don’t knohy he would need those pods and beans Maybe they’re a secret ingredient Maybe they’re added to the feed to enhance the cow’s milk supply Then every far his own Or so that line Or maybe not I’m not an expert" Valek pulled at his hair "I’ll have to study his perned some of my corps to stake out the route and infiltrate the factory At this point I need more information"

"Brazell left the castle this afternoon"

"I passed his retinue onto worry about"

Valek crossed to his desk and began sorting through his papers I watched his back for a while, waiting He didn’tout I finally worked up the nerve to ask "Should I return to one?" I berated myself for my choice of words I should have been firmer, but it was too late

Valek stopped I held ician hasn’t been dealt with yet" His pen resuherous, illogical, and, by every argument I could ic was still hidden in my backpack, which ith me everywhere because I feared Valek would pull one of his stunts and surprise ry at h to worry about I shouldn’t ure out the bean puzzle; I should sabotage it I shouldn’t admire and respect him; I should vilify him Shouldn’t, should, shouldn’t, should So easy to say but so hard to believe

"Exactly how do you deal with a ician?" I asked

He turned around in his seat and looked at me "I’ve told you before"

"But their powers…"

"Have no effect onand vibrating on h thick syrup It takes effort, but I alin in the end Always"