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"Yes, I airl "Then let me prove it to you Come with me"

She stepped back as if I had brandished a weapon "Why should I trust you?"

"Because you don’t have anyone else left to trust," I guessed "And you came to me Why?"

"You were the only one…" She sed "My brother pushed everyone out Even lassy sheen coated her eyes "No one could get into the building Except you" Stabbing an accusatory finger at me, she asked, "What did you do to hiht touch of power brushed ic, let alone be able to control it I glanced around No one ithin sight Perhaps it ca the truth Can I see my brother?"

"One condition"

Instantly wary, she checked the street as if planning her escape route "What is it?"

"You tell rinned "All right, then on two conditions"

"What do I get in return for the extra condition?" she asked

"My name"

My offer didn’t produce much enthusiasm from her

"And a bowl of soup," I added "Do we have a deal, Miss…?" I extended htest of hesitations, she clasped it for one quick shake "Reeers had felt brittle in mine She would need more than one bowl of soup

"And your brother?" I asked

"Teegan"

I led her past the Keep’s guards and to the infiran’s room Concern creased his face as he whispered to Irys The words null shield filled me with an icy dread An automatic reaction Reema sensed my unease and slowed her pace

A null shield would be necessary to keep Teegan alive Waking in an unfamiliar place surrounded by unfaain

Irys and Hayes ceased their conversation as we neared No surprise touched the Master Magician’s face, but Hayes stepped toward , Opal?" he asked "Are you ill?"

"I’ht a visitor"

He raised his eyebrows and I realized Reema hid behind me I moved aside

"Ah… It’s a little late for visitors"

"She’s Teegan’s sister" I introduced her