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Satisfied Onyx would be taken care of, Valek allowed the garrison’s com rooer lieutenants joined the’s soldiers had switched their loyalties to the Co the takeover It hadn’t been hard to convince thees and receive better benefits and respect, as long as they followed the Commander’s Code of Behavior

Froured a few of the older men had been stationed here when Valek had caused such panic over the mysterious deaths

Once they were seated around an oval-shaped table, servers poured thelasses of wine and placed plates filled with steae s you to this remote corner of Ixia, Adviser Valek?"

Conversation ceased as the others waited for Valek’s answer

"I’ve been getting reports about a gang of thieves that strike when it storms," he said

Ransley scoffed, "It’s just a bunch of kids, stealing for kicks"

"Yet you haven’t stopped them" Valek studied their expressions

"The local security forces can handle it," an older major said "Besides, they’ve only stolen petty stuff When the fleet goes out, the incidents will stop"

"Petty?" Valek asked "I don’t think the weapons taken fronificant"

The lanced at Ransley, who covered his surprise Ransley cleared his throat "Are you sure this information is accurate?"

Valek’s tone turned icy "Do you think I’d journey all this way for a mere rumor?"

"No, sir," Ransley was quick to reply "It’s just we hadn’t heard about the hit on Gandrel"

"The thieves arrison," Valek said