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Cahil sent Hanni If she ive any indication We continued on to the stables at a slower pace When we entered the official governnized or anyone who paid particular attention tospotted with me? No He appeared calm

We arrived at the stables without any dra a saddle with Cahil, but I was looking forward to seeing Topaz again The fae barn and rows of stalls eased my anxieties The Council’s stables could house over fifty horses--enough room to accommodate each Councilor, his or her aides, and various military personnel’s horses A srooht intoTopaz’s stall I hugged her, drinking in her earthy scent and soaking in her warmth Kiki endured edmy pockets for treats

"She showed up yesterday afternoon," one of the stable hands said The young boy gestured to the bench next to the stall

My saddle, bags, bo staff and tack were piled on the wooden seat Only one person could have sent her Perhaps Valek wasn’t quite as furious with ht off," the boy said "Miss Kiki’s not the type to du sometiave ured it ain’t none of their business"

"Thanks" I slipped him a silver coin "Miss Kiki and I were never here" I added another silver

He mocked a confused expression "Who?" He hooked a thuet her ready?"

"No, thank you" Spending tis Maybe Valek left ht up to uess he doesn’t like the thought of us sharing a saddle"

I didn’t bother to correct hiht be overly protective, he was never jealous Sorting through s, I found s, three books, weapons and a medical kit, but no note Disappointed avehay-scented slobber froo by the tie

"Report," Cahil ordered

"As soon as I arrived in the market, Fisk appeared He had only seven pendants, but he said one of his ive us the rest," Hanni said

"His kidsan eye on us," Cahil said, but he stared at arrison" He shrugged "And thanks to Yelena, I’ents will have left If not, it won’t be hard to find theh me Would that be a violation of our accord? Probably

Cahil handed out the pendants to the seven closest to hiave me sour looks as they looped the them underneath their uniforms

We mounted and left the stables Fourteen of us on horseback ht Even Fisk’s newest recruits wouldn’t have any trouble following us, not to mention any bounty hunters I kept my face hidden, and the other horses surrounded Kiki Hopefully she wouldn’t be recognized, even though sootten up close and personal with her back hooves

Exiting the Citadel via the north gate, we headed northeast toward the Featherstone garrison It would take us two days to reach it

The rain started soon after we left, and it continued for the entire trip Cahil’s crew nored me, but I enticed Hanni and Kyrie with offers of tea the firstinvited We encountered few travelers on the road A handful of Helper’s Guildthe afternoon of the second day and handed Cahil five more pendants without a word Then they headed southwest, back toward the Citadel

We neared the garrison that evening Cahil slowed Topaz so he rode besidehis lecture about arrison and why I’d spend the next seven days locked in the stockade

"I’," he said

Surprised, I gaped at hi about it And noto recognize you in the garrison Even if you’re locked in a cell, one of the guards will eventually figure it out" He sobered "Plus, if the cook is using Theobro suspicions With you in Starling’s Egg, I can join you for all ood idea, as long as the chef at the inn isn’t using Theobroma, as well," I said

"You and your sensitive palate will have to let me know If that’s the case, then we’ll purchase food from the market stalls"