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I did as she instructed, and heard a distinct tone as each brick was laid A wall formed in my mind

"Stop," she ordered "Open your eyes"

My wall disappeared

"Now blockine your wall," Irys shouted

My brick defense flashed coood I suggest you finish your business and escape south With that kind of strength, if you don’t achieve corab it and use it, leaving you a mindless slave" Annoyance quirked her face as she spun on her heel and left the training room

The moment the door clicked into place, Ari and Janco ended their conversation and blinked as if they had just woken from a deep sleep

"Done already? How hed and put ation left three days later, I had a sudden panic attack What the hell was I doing? My one perfect opportunity for escape had slipped away to the south, while I re to leave for Brazell’s ht; I was crazy My breath hitched every tiht of the trip The Co

I rushed around the castle, packing my own special provisions for the journey Dilana’s sorrowful face greetedclothes Rand’s paperwork had been finalized, she said He was co with us

"I requested a transfer, but I doubt it’ll be approved," Dilana said as she searched through her piles of clothing "If only the lout had married me, then ouldn’t be in this predicament"

"There’s still time to submit the application If it’s approved, you can travel to MD-5 for the wedding"

"He doesn’t want to let anyone kno ht be used as leverage against hi to be cheered even when I told her that the new trade treaty with Sitia would allow silk to be ioods Specific items were listed Only merchants with the proper permits and licenses would be able to buy and sell these items at a fixed price All caravans would be subject to inspection when crossing the Ixian border at the approved locations Rand’s cup of coffee was only a few months away, but I doubted he would brew souet hi of our departure was gray and overcast, hinting at snow The cold season was beginning, which usually indicated the end of travel, not the onset of it The snoould most likely keep the Co season I shuddered at the thought

Valek stopped erous trip for you Maintain a low profile and keep your eyes open Question thoughts in your ht not be your own" He handed me a silver flask "The Coets to give it to you, here’s a backup supply Tell no one that you have it, and keep it hidden"

For the first time, Valek trusted me The metal flask felt warm in my hands "Thanks"

A feather of fear brushed my stoer I hadn’t recognized What else had I " Valek’s ely stiff and formal "I want you to have this" He extended his hand On his palm sat the beautiful butterfly he had carved Silver spots on the wings glinted in the sunlight, and a silver chain hung from a small hole drilled into its body

Valek looped the necklace aroundabout you Delicate in appearance, but with a strength unnoticed at first glance" His eyes ht Valek acted as if he would never see enuine But was he worried about ht

Coe consisted of nearly fifty soldiers frouard Some led the way, others walked beside the Commander and his advisers atop their horses Guards also bracketed the s soldiers followed behind Ari and Janco scouted the Commander’s planned route and were hours ahead of the procession

We advanced at a brisk pace in the crispsince drained froray-hued simplicity I had tucked Valek’s butterfly underneaththe luift had caused ured hi a pack, I also held a walking staff that was a thinly disguised bow A few of the guards cast suspicious glances aze He stared straight ahead in stony silence It wasn’t long before he lagged behind; his leg prevented hi the pace

After a stop for lunch, we continued until an hour before sunset Major Granten, the official leader of the expedition, wanted to set up caht Spacious tents were raised for the Commander and his advisers, and smaller two-man tents were erected for the servants I found I would share space with a woman named Bria, who ran errands and served the Commander’s advisers