Page 83 (2/2)

"There’s an arrest warrant out for her Did you even consider taking her to the Commander?"

"No"

"Why not?" Valek didn’t try to hide his disbelief "Killing isn’t the only solution to a problem Or has that been your forh as I remember my history lessons on how to deal with a tyrannicalhierous look

I was on the edge Changing tactics, I said, "My actions were based on what I thought you would do if you were ambushed"

He considered th of tilanced around as if planning her escape

"You really don’t know me at all," Valek said

"Think about it, Valek, if I took her to the Commander and explained the details, ould happen to e in his face said it all I would be arrested for killing Star’s men, the food taster’s job would pass on to the next prisoner awaiting execution and I would spend eon

"Well, then, it was fortunate for both of you that I arrived," Valek said He whistled a strange birdcall just as Star made her escape

She dashed down the trail I ray forms materialized frorabbed Star She yelped in surprise and anger

"Take her back to the castle," Valek ordered "I’ll deal with her when I get back Oh, and send a cleanup crew I don’t want anyone stuan to pull Star away

"Wait," she said "I have information If you release me, I’ll tell you who plotted to ruin the Sitian treaty"

"Don’t worry" Valek’s blue eyes held an icy glare "You’ll tell me" He was about to walk past her, when he paused "However, if you want to reveal your patron now, then we can skip a painful interrogation later"

Star’s nose twitched as she considered his offer Even in this situation, she was still the shrewd businesswoman