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"I know, but I’ to repair my relationship with the Commander" He stepped close and cupped my cheek with his hand "It’ll never be the same as before, but I don’t wish to destroy any chance I have to retire on a positive note"

"Retire?" That was new

"So the world, love"

My heart ness to retire for me and the baby "Me? Save the world? So you’re a coer Wow, did I hook a keeper or what?"

He bowed "You have the total package"

"I’d swoon, except I’ I don’t have time"

"No The boys will be here soon to escort us to the stables" Valek pointed to the clothes I held "You’ll need to change into an Ixian adviser’s uniform in order to blend in once we’re away froh the contents

As I added the solid black pants and shirt with two red diamonds stitched onto the collar to my pack, I mulled over our conversation "What will I do then? I can’t return to the castle and I’

Valek didn’t answer And I realized why he remained quiet

"You don’t really need me at the coast It makes more sense for me to travel to Sitia Then I can experierous"

"It’s dangerous to give Owen time to set his plans in motion"

"We have time"

"How do you know?"

Valek folded his black sneak suit "We have until the fire festival" Gathering an impressive number of knives, Valek slid them into various pockets in his uniform and into hidden places in his knapsack "It’s not like the Co the h of a deterrent Neould eventually spread to even the remotest post"

A tendril of unease snaked around my heart "You think the Co all his soldiers to be at the fire festival?"

He aze "Yes"

"And this reason includes Owen?"

"Yes"

When I considered how close Castletoas to the Sitian Citadel, the tendril thickened and squeezed "They’re going to invade Sitia!"

14

VALEK