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"I need to get closer to tell," she said "Wait for ether All of us," he added before Dieyre could snort his objection

She sighed "You can follow o on ahead of you in case there is a trap We do not kno many there are and do not want to stuht"

"Actually" Dieyre said with a wicked grin "I do Let irl, they would listen to me"

"Which is why I will not let you do that," Colvin rebuffed "I am sworn to protect her"

"That screa to stand around here arguing with you My interest is Ciana’s safety Ellowyn can be hanged for all I care You have not trusted oes first," Colvin deirl Save some of them for me" He jerked his sword loose in the scabbard, his face dotted with an to follow after securing the horses to soround There was a screen of bushy ferns everywhere, providing good concealment for her movements She held her bow in front, ready to be used The sound of voices grew louder and she could make out the Dahomeyjan accent

"Search the house! Up in the rafters as well Quit wailing, woman, or I will strike you! Move on Go on then Inside"

The woods began to thin and Lia saw the first sentries, set back into the woods closer to her, watching They were garbed in the black and silver tunics of the Queen Dowager The two directly in front of her were looking at the scene with interest Beyond the There were at least a dozen orthe wattle-and-daub abode It had a single door and no s Beyond it, she saw the sun gli off the waters of the sea, interspersed with thick pine

Not wanting to be heard, Lia went away fro towards the rear of the house The fern was even thicker there, and taller, which h of a breeze to sway the leafy boughs, helping to conceal her

To her left, she heard a soft whi her course, she headed towards the sound, gliding through the entle hushing sound

"I hear the orry

"Sshhh, it will be all right," soothed another voice which Lia recognized at once