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Shouts and curses e inside, I found Ari and Janco with their swords drawn and pointed at Valek

"Stop," I said

Spotting ht Valek had escaped without you," Ari said, giving

"Aren’t you supposed to be with a search party?" Valek asked as he pulled his black bag froed into an ebony coverall with numerous pockets

"We’re too sick," Janco said, his best sainst you were obviously fabricated, so we refused to take part in the hunt," Janco said

"That’s insubordination" Valek extracted a long knife and so

"That was the point What’s a fellow have to do around here in order to get arrested and thrown in the dungeon?" Janco asked

I stared at Janco in a to risk a court martial in order to help me He had meant what he had inscribed on o?" Valek asked He placed weapons in various pockets and strapped his sword and knife onto his belt

"Mainly south and east, although a few ss?"

"Yes"

"And the e"

"Good You’re with us," Valek ordered them both

They snapped to attention "Yes, sir"

"Prep for covert ops, but keep the swords You’re going to need theot ready

"Wait," I said "I don’t want the into trouble" My heart started to skitter around in my chest and a nauseous wave threatened to send bile upto do overcame me

Valek squeezedto need more than that" Irys’s voice came out of the darkness Three men simultaneously drew their swords When she stepped into the weak lantern light, Valek relaxed, but Ari and Janco brandished their weapons

"At ease," Valek ordered

Seeing their reluctance, I said, "She’s a friend She’s here to help" I looked at her "We discovered Mogkan’s extra power source"

"What is it?"

I told her about the mindless captives and how they had been chained in circles, and then explained kan had wiped their minds to seize their power Horror and revulsion touched her face Despite her rough exterior, her concern went deep She ain her no-nonsense frown, but Ari and Janco looked a little green, as if they were going to be sick