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Mara headed for the stable, leaving the far the farmer kill himself, maybe even burn down his own farli and in pain, for the rest of his days

Strange whispers floated through Mara’sa word He knew they were part of him now, here to help and protect hiain

He unhitched the skinny, grey-flecked, brown horse and patted its nose “We’re going to the Shadow Castle You just take me as far as you can”

Silas felt like he’d been trampled by fifty horses HisHe headed for the farnments in Talon He’d built up a decent relationship with the farh, pick, carry, or whatever else needed doing on a visit

Jaive Silas a ing eyebrow He could see the farm in the distance, underneath a blue sky A complete contrast to the smoke-filled sky behind him He hoped he’d left Mara behind in the city He needed to beat him to the Shadow Castle, to warn them of Mara’s intent James will lend me his horse He has to

James stared at the floor in front of the barn

“It’s been a while, James,” Silas said

James sloisted his neck to look at Silas “My boy,” he whispered

Silas could see a wet patch on James’s crotch Has he pissed himself? “What’s the matter, James?”

Tears dripped from James’s chin “My boy, I can see my boy In pain, but I cannot help him”

His boy? He died years ago “Jaone It is all in your mind You miss him is all Come sit”

Silas led Ja andto himself Silas fetched water, wine, and a dry pair of trousers He held aof wine out to James “Drink”

Ja but didn’t take it “The boy, he showed me He knew I’d lost him”

“You’re notany sense, James”

“I found him by the barn His eyes” Ja him”