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Morgan hesitated, but then said, “I have es to send to the stewards and patrols to set up I’ll check in with you as soon as I’ve asse”

“Very good”

The general turned to go, but gave a glance over his shoulder

“Yes, Morgan?”

He shook his head and a hint of consternation flashed in his eyes “Nothing” He left the room

Davian placed the Star of Nathea back in the cabinet He had guards who ensured no one but Morgan, Sheena and Jocelyn entered his wing of the palace, so he wasn’t particularly worried about anyone stealing the necklace Nor had anyone known he possessed it, until now But, of course, Morgan would never tell a soul

He considered his friend’s warning about entering the village and presenting Jade with the piece of jewelry and decided it best to rethink both ideas

Chapter Thirteen

Jade was out of wood The fire wraith had charred several trees alongside her cottage when it had terrorized her and had also set her wood pile ablaze The slayers had told her they’d put out the fire with Morgan’s help She’d hoped the logs and kindling she kept inside the house would hold up a while longer, but it was da to be a harsh winter

She strapped Toran’s sword belt to her waist and donned Sheena’s cape along with her own gloves Taking her empty tinderbox outside, she set it on the bench She’d left the shovel leaning against the wall, having used it to remove the snow fro the overhang meant to protect it

Jade took the shovel to the side yard and dug a hole to the hard soil beneath the knee-deep drifts The effort was slow going, but she didn’t have anything else to do during the day Plus, it was Sunday, so the tavern was closed

The physical exertion and the thick clothing she wore kept her warh she’d had to pull her scarf around her face, just below her eyes, and use the hood on the cape as a light snowfall started again

She hed with relief when she discovered a bounty of fallen branches She knelt and began collecting them, but stilled when she heard a rider approach fro the snow and now leapt into her throat

Slowly, Jade returned her arround and stealthily reached for the hilt of the sword She let the horse draw near Then, in a fluid movement, she whisked the blade from its sheath and whirled around to confront whoever snuck up on her, sword raised

“I thought you were told to stay inside”