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"Mostly that you're as secretive as an oyster" Mada with arms, secrecy is not a dirty word However, I prefer to use the word discreet" She angled her head in thought then rose fro that will tell you more about the Fauchards than a thousand words"

She guided the the corridor to a set of tall arched doors ele emblem in black steel

"This is the chateau's arh the doorway "It is the heart and soul of the Fauchard empire"

They were in an is The room seemed to be laid out in the shape of a cathedral They were standing in a long, column-lined nave that was crossed by a transept, with the altar section behind it The nave was lined with alcoves, but instead of statues of saints, the niches contained weapons apparently grouped according to time period More armor and weapons could be seen on a second level that wrapped around the perimeter of the room

Directly in front of thehts and their huge stuffedthe armory from interlopers

Skye surveyed the array with a professional eye "The scope and extent of this collection is breathtaking"

Madahts "These were the arine yourself as a poor infantry down on you at full gallop" She s the prospect

"Formidable," Skye said, "but not invincible as weapons and tactics advanced The longbow had arrows that could puncture soe A halberd could penetrate ar sword of war could dispatch a knight if he could be

pulled off his horse All their arainst firearms"

"You have hit upon the heart of our family's success Every development in weaponry would eventually be overcome with more advanced weaponry Made about," Mada a finely arched brow

"My brotherfrom him"

"You learned well Every piece in here was produced by the Fauchard family What do you think of our family's artistry?"

Skye examined the display in the nearest alcove and shook her head "These helmets are primitive but extremely well made Perhaps more than two thousand years old"

"Bravo! They were produced in pre-Roman times"

"I didn't know the Fauchards went back that far," Austin said