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Valek aze, and his sone, leaving behind a cloud of dust The rest of the world returned, appearing duller

"Yelena," Onora said

I focused on her "Yes?"

She held out a roll of parcha picture of a tree draith charcoal Each oval leaf had been carefully detailed, along with the precise lines and shading of the bark I half expected it to sway in the breeze

Why would she-- I gasped "It’s the Harman tree, isn’t it?"

"Yes" Onora’s tone was one into Owen’s suite and sketched one of the saplings, despite the danger Iht after I talked to you"

"Did anyone see you?"

"No And I didn’t touch the trees or go near theical alar such a risk, but" I waved the picture "This is perfect You are a talented artist"

She shrugged away the compliment "Will it help your father identify the tree?"

"Yes He’ll be ecstatic And then he’ll bug o on an expedition with him and draw plants To him, that’s the ultimate experience, and he doesn’t understand why others aren’t juhed It was a sht self-control "I ht actually like that"

"When all this mess with Owen is resolved, consider yourself invited"

"Thank you"

I tucked the picture intotheir horses

The Stable Master gave Ari’s horse a pat on the neck "His name’s Diamond Whiskey, ’cause of that diamond-shaped blaze on his forehead But we all call hiood care of him and make sure he returns with you The Commander’s partial to him"

Ari paused in midmount "Why did you pick hiest ofyou’re fat, Ari," Janco said

Ari and the Stable Master ignored him