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The cat licked her lips and purred contentedly She knehat to

do Liadan winked at her faround

“Bring her to me” She didn’t need to add the admonition to be

careful Ain was always careful She would work her ic and lead

little Bri to the proper place at the proper time No one would suspect

that Liadan had anything to do with it

If asked later, a few of the villagers would remember that she had

been at the festivities all night long She had been sweet and friendly,

but a little sad They would shake their heads and feel sorry for the

woman who had lost her husband to an accident and her lover to the

Queen

She hated their pity, but it was a useful thing

Liadan withdrew to the woods as Ain curled herself around Bri’s

ankles It wouldn’t be long, and Liadan had to be ready

Bound