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“So a free lance Like a hest bidder”

“Yes,” Herald said, his eyes lighting up, like he hadn’t expected me to knohat a freelancer was I tried not to sho pleased I was at his reaction Like I said, I read a lot Also I ame, but hush “Perhaps the sword retained some of its previous owners’ personalities, or even their abilities I’ll have to look into it”

“Keep me posted,” I said, which elicited another cocked eyebrow Herald, it see an interest in his work It struck me then that few people probably did

“I will,” he said, the corner of hisinto the tiniest smile But the dimple in his cheek disappeared His eyebrows crooked, and his face darkened “What you did out there was enorh”

“I – I’m sorry?”

“You could have jeopardized the artifact’s retrieval You could have hurt yourself, or worse, lost the sword”

Ouch I guess the Gallery valued objects more than the Lorica’s people I tried not to flinch too hard at his remark

“If you’re going to be a Hound, you’re going to have to learn to take orders No gallivanting around with a precious artifact tucked under your ar from your directives”

All fine points I couldn’tabout Herald’s deer

“Take it as friendly advice,” Herald said, his s as he said the word “friendly” The hostility ain I had no co out any time I’d be happy to show you the Gallery”

“Hey, I’d love to And I guess I get to drop by and visit Vanitas, too”

Herald restrained a tiny snort “Sure, why not” I eyed Vanitas in his case, wondering at his extensive silence The criht in the Meathook had taken so out of him

“You’d best get going I hear Thea wants to see you, and considering your position, I really wouldn’t want to keep her waiting”

Before I could answer, a voice lilted froht have been described asIt raised my hackles

“That’s right, Dusty,” Bastion called out in his infuriating singsong Prudence trailed along behind hi her head “I knee’d find you here”