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"Marcus," Octavia said, "e need is to get the boy to forget about his brother Get hi immediately Keep his mind occupied so he doesn’t have tis have done it for years here without issue!"

Mr Today’s eyes narrowed sharply He glanced at Claire, then back at Octavia When he spoke, it was in a most serious and hushed tone "You must understand, my dear lady, that it is very, very different with twins There’s a connection A loyalty that exceeds all others"

Claire stared at her hands in her lap

Octavia closed her lips over her teeth, folded several arms across her chest and frowned "So it’s inevitable, you’re saying The connection between twins is that strong that he’ll never give up?"

"That is what I believe"

"He’s capable of figuring spells out on his own eventually, with or without the training," Octavia ins?"

"I can’t say," Mr Today said "But I’ else is brewing Sigfried told me of some suspicious behavior on the part of a few of his actors Costu on"

"What?"

"I don’t yet know But I’ cautious for Artimé We rily "Then we are doing Alex a great disservice by forcing him to be vulnerable, unable to protect hiarded Octavia for a"Claire?"

Claire, who had been biting her lip anxiously throughout the conversation, closed her eyes and opened theet about Aaron," she said quietly

"You knoon’t do that"

"Well, then … I agree with Octavia," she said finally

Mr Today dropped his head in his hands, took a deep breath, and then looked up His eyes eary again "It is decided, then Octavia, begin the boy’s training at once And Claire …"

"Yes?"

A look of sorrowful understanding passed between them

"I’m afraid it’s come It’s time Prepare our warriors for battle"