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I stared back at him "Yes, Sir Master Conner" I understood him perfectly now

There was much more to say, but we both quieted when the doors opened behind us and Vargan slithered in with Kippenger and several other attendants on his heels Conner left his post and bowed to Vargan, who acknowledged hian held Conner in roughly the saotten everything he wanted froan’s face wrinkled as he studied me "That’s a terrible cut on your head"

"Blaer for that I think it makes ret "You’ll obviously have to delay this ’s activities until I’m healed"

"And disappoint your audience?" he countered "I think not Why is there a bandage around your ankle?"

In all the cootten it was there "Oh, that? My foot got cold in the night"

"Only your foot?"

"It’s always been extra sensitive Like es fall to the floor

"You’ve been playing gauilt in playing games with yours"

My eyes narrowed "Playing ga into dust"

Vargan chuckled "I’ood joke And I know you’ll like this as er, who opened the door and exited He returned only seconds later with another prisoner, his hands tied behind hi heavily His head was dohen he entered, and he raised it as if ashamed to be here Only when he was forced to kneel beside Roden did his eyes meet mine

"Tobias," I breathed "Not you too"

"Here, at the end, the three orphan boys together?" Making no attempt to hide his pleasure, Conner clasped his hands and turned to Vargan "Your Majesty, ift to an said tersely Then to an the exodus fro e for you, he would surrender himself and provide medical care to all ofa king for a young physician, but we do give hilied helplessly

"Little did he know, you were already on your way here, and besides, we didn’t need his help Kippenger’s orders were to kill all our wounded They’re a drain on our resources"

My eyes passed fro very hard not to betray his true feelings about having disposed of his oounded ard for his own armies, but that order seeahted with hi over icked excite, but only two nooses I will give you the opportunity to save one of you three Who will it be? The captain of your guard, perhaps? He is strong and courageous With so many losses to your armies, he would be vital for Carthya’s continued protection Or will you save your scholar? He claiht before he surrendered, including a servant he says never leaves your side"

So Mott was safe, then I had been desperate for news about hiain "Or will you save yourself? Surely no one is e crowd is already gathering in front of Farthenwood Let theain for all our lands Choose yourself to survive, and I’ll allow you to serve me"

"Are those my only options?" I asked

"Did you have another one inat your neck, and Conner’s"

His eyes darkened "Choose now, or I will order the up a third rope"

"Let me die," Tobias said "I did what I could for your wounded Carthya doesn’t need er"