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“I don’t know” I study his face for signs of improvement but find none

The olves are ha the other door with axes I direct ic into the wood and walls to keep out the intruders I also mute the sounds, so we can focus on Dervish and

“Can you look after him by yourself for a while?” Meera asks

“Yes”

She s out her mobile phone and presses buttons “Hellfire! I don’t have a signal”

I consider the problem, then mutter a short spell “Try now”

Meera smiles her thanks, then makes several calls She doesn’t bother with the police This is a job for beings of ic—the Disciples

Meera’s on the phone for half an hour I keep a close watch on Dervish He looks terrible, o I’ll be surprised if he h the next few days

Meera finally puts her phone away and returns to my side “How is he?”

“Alive For now”

“Can you use ic to keep him healthy?”

“I can help There’s more power here than in the house, but it’s still limited If he has another attack…” I shake my head

“Do your best,” Meera says, giving my arm a squeeze “Disciples are on their way They’ll be here within twenty-four hours We can transfer him to a hospital then”

“In his state, that will be a long time,” I tell her “You should prepare for the worst”

She chuckles weakly “I’m a Disciple, Bec We always expect the worst”