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She parted the first bough of green hazel leaves and found Marciana crouched with three sether She realized that the children had been speaking Pry-rian

Marciana started when Lia appeared, her eyes ith fear and then gaped with recognition "You found us!" she gasped

"The badat Marciana’s gown and pointing back towards the house "The bad !"

Lia risked a look and it was confir the trae chunk of thatch washole on that side Someone had obviously seen it

"Where is Ellowyn?" Lia whispered, clutching Marciana’s shoulder and squeezing her firmly "In the house?"

Marciana shook her head violently "No, she left by boat thisEdmon is in the house! If they search the rafters, they will find hily "Behind me Take the children and flee deeper into the woods Find a place to hide I will corateful…"

"Go!" Lia said, cutting her off The soldiers were so near, she did not want theet herShe clutched a s his ht and they looked at Lia with surprise and wonder

"You will be safe," Lia rins

"Here he is!" bellowed a voice fro in the thatch!"

"Bring hi hiirl?"