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“Then come inside,” Ranon said “There are people around the table who can help”

“Yes,” Ferall said softly, “I think maybe there are”

CHAPTER 23

TERREILLE

Ranon gave his horse its head and caught up to Burle before the man reached the landen community

Soir when he stopped at the co, and anything that would surprise a senior guard was so Ranon wanted to check out for himself—especially when Cassidy’s father was about to ride into that community

Ranon rode through the arched gateway ahead of Burle, then reined in, understanding Rogir’s surprise

Lilly Weaver and JuliDee had been staying with Rogir’s fair’s wife had worked together to clean up the senior guard’s household Other woive two other cottages a good scrubbing One cottage went to Lord Brandon and his wife, and the other was to be a general residence for the un out to the co up the attached row houses

Now there were several wagons parked close to the houses andhis wife

Rogir stood off to one side with a couple of histhat was the best choice for an explanation, Ranon guided his horse over to the ave Lilly oneand joined them

“You ood time,” Ranon said “I don’t think all the houses are ready to be occupied”

“Lilly says they have three that are clean and in good order,” Jaood order Lilly wanted to know about—”

Puppies!

Ranon stiffened So did Rogir Burle just clion and headed over to them as Wynne, a Sceltie with a pure white head, and black-f aced Duffy juon

Burle looked at Ranon and shrugged “They wanted to come”

Puppies! Wynne wagged her tail at the smaller landen children

Then Duffy froze for a ht up into the air to hover well above the buildings His tail began wagging so hard the motion knocked him sideways as he shouted, Sheep!

Oh, shit,Ranon thought

“You outrank the rest of us,” Rogir said

The man didn’t have to sound so damned cheerful—and relieved—about it Of course, Keely had taken up residence with Rogir’s fa to deal with just one, theto deal with a pair of Scelties

“Duffy, come do,” Ranon said

They havesheep !

And may the Darkness have mercy on them “Duffy,” he said firmly

Duffy dropped out of the air so fast, Ranon was sure the dog would hit the ground But he caently floated down the rest of the way

“What did your lady want to know?” Burle asked

Looking a little apprehensive, James pulled his attention away from the Scelties “There isn’t an ice chest that she could find in the kitchen area” He sounded apologetic “It would help our food last longer if we could purchase some ice”

Burle frowned “There are cold boxes, and each of them have a small freezer inside theorder Need a good scrubbing, of course, but if that’s been done, they’re ready for a cold spell”