Page 51 (1/2)

"Why do you do it?" Maren asked

"What?"

"Run till you’re sick"

"Five circuits were assigned I don’t like to fail" I received anotherout as huffs, I kneouldn’t be able to ht Valek I’ve heard you’re the best with a boant to learn to use one"

Her pace slowed "Who told you that?"

"Ari and Janco"

Maren snorted as if she thought a con artist had duped me "Friends of yours?"

"Yes"

Her mouth formed a small o as she made a mental connection "They found you in the forest It’s ruht but you quit Are they foisting you off on me?"

"The proble the truth fro to donate my time?"

I had anticipated this question "Inforht?"

Her gray eyes focused on ainst my skin

With the last of my breath, I wheezed out, "Come to the east entrance of the castle this afternoon at two and I’ll tell you" Unable to keep up with her any longer, I slowed down She pulled ahead I lost sight of her in the press of soldiers

Throughout the rest of the uess her response as I tasted the Commander’s meals At two o’clock, I waited in the castle’s east doorway, chewing onhad stopped I’d taken a considerable risk by indicating to Maren that thists heading in my direction, my anxiety eased a little

Maren paused when she entered the corridor She spotted ainst the wall

Before she could comment, I said, "Follow me" I led her to a deserted hallhere Janco and Ari waited

"I guess gossip is not to be trusted," Maren said to Ari

"No But there are certain ruuised threat laced Ari’s words

Maren ignored hiood or I’"

Ari’s face reddened and I could see that he bit back a rerinned in anticipation