Kar came back and sat on the adjacent ordinate chair, fiddling with his fingers. So at odds with how he was, but an hour before.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA5n27ivgRT3
"I know you aren't all that pleased with me at the moment." He pulled his shoulders back a fraction.
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"That's an understatement, care to try again?" She said, with a monotone pitch.
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"I'm to sit and listen to some blather about why you did all of this?"
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Shifting in the chair she crossed her legs. A large window was on the far side of the room behind him. Hopefully, it wasn't too high up.
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"Everything you've been told is a lie." He held up his hand palm facing her.
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"Let me finish before you reply."
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She nodded stiffly. Can't do anything else right now, not while he's watching me.
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"You and your people have been lied to. Unnamed is not what you think he is. He wasn't always like he is now, I'll explain that later."
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"He didn't cause your people to lose their immortality, becoming barbarians gone berserk, the Undergods did."
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He shifted in the chair positioning his hands on his legs.
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Several minutes of quiet passed.
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Her brows crinkled and she pinched the bridge of her nose.
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"Hogwash! If you knew of the pure evil that radiates from him you wouldn't say that. And—the awful things he says."
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Before he could reply there was shouting from below.
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"Merryn!"
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A roaring.
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"Merryn!"
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"Stay here." Kar left the room, the door slamming behind.
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She stood following him, the noises were louder down the stairwell back to were the scorpo-rats were and the vats of glop.
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"Begone pest!" Kar shouted.
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She padded down the stairs, hiding in the shadowed side. The stairwell shook beneath the smooth walls offered noting to grasp as the stairwell tilted. What the hells name was going on down there?
952Please respect copyright.PENANAw9saiX93Zf
Kar shouted below: "-down here now, remember your vow."
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She stumbled down the stairs, stopping on the landing.
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A grotesque dusk-rat was between the doorway and the others. It stood on its hind legs. Its wrinkled hairless skin an off gray, the color of rotted meat. Its claws clicked on the stone tiles, sniffing while it elongated its neck. From its twisted maw putrid strands of saliva dribbled.
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Kar side stepped it.
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He flicked his wrist, making a rolling hand motion. "After you. Dispose of it."
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The Dusk rat tried to stomp on Han, who rolled out of the way.
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Parcival sat propped up by a cage. The rat whipped its tail at him. He scooted on his butt backward. The tail cut into the floor like a hot poker, it bumped into an unlit chandelier, candles rolled across the tiles.
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"Why are you standing there?"
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Kar came over and sat on the steps, he reached into his robe through the side taking out two daggers, he held them out.
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"Go on bodyguard, kill it."
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The rat brushed up against the wall, several torches snuffed out. The room darkened; the only light a faint glow from upstairs. She muttered several Elvin curses under her breath.
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"Such naughty things you say, keep that up and I'll to come a courting," He giggled.
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"Another good one." He slapped his leg.
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Han was behind the rat; near the ceiling some chains dangled on pegs. To the left the way outside. To the right Parcival pinned between two cages.
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She went around it and over to Han.
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"If I boost you—reach the chains?" Talking was hard, each thought was slow to form; each moment unsteady.
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The rat kept after Parcival gouging chunks out of the brick wall trying to reach him.
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He looked at it for a moment.
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"I'll try."
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He hopped up landing on her shoulders. She held her hands, palms up. He climbed up them and strained to reach for a length that dangled down.
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She stood on her tiptoes.
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"Stretch, come on!"
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The ground shook, she pitched backward into a support beam, something poked her leg. Did all this matter, or would Kar just pull something else, stretching up she touched the chains with her fingers, Olenus willing they'd go free.
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Han jumped taking hold of the chain.
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"I'll get it loose, help Parcival."
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The rat dropped down on all fours. It moved over to the stairwell behind her; snapping at Kar.
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"Save me, bodyguard. Or your life be mine." His eyes twinkled with mischief.
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What was with that man? Olentan it! She bolted at the rat. Or would have if a barbed hook had not caught on her jerkins.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAyPPM6TcXIA
Kar's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "Take them off if you must, but I advise you hurry."
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He stood still, even when the rat opened its mouth, fangs not an inch from his face.
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The fabric ripped when she leaned forward. She tore the last stuck piece down and tossed it.
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The rat turned its head and growled. She smacked it on the bridge of its nose.
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Growling louder it swatted her into an empty container. The glass shattered spraying shards in a radius. A few scratched her arm, but other then that, no real injuries. Good, have some of Olentan's luck for a change.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA0rFb7cbM7E
Han dropped down the chain in his hands. "What do you want me to do with this?"
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The rat came straight in her face, leaping to the left as it hot dripping jaws passed over her head.
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"Give it ... me." She crouched down over to him.
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Her head was so heavy, it was hard to hold it up. She held a hand out.
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Han heaved it over. She caught the end. Now to go around. It was still busy trying to get at Parcival, she crept under it's head pulling the chain with.
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Kar picked his teeth, looking at nothing.
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Hot breath warmed the back of her neck. Turning the rat snapped at her, she rolled, got up and finished going around it with the chain.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAw00YcxFH1z
The rusty chandelier squeaked as it swung on its chain. If this didn't work ... She ran for the stairwell, chain in tow; clanking.
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The rat roared again is footfalls thudded behind, it's stench filled the basement. Merryn breathed through her mouth. As to what it had been eating for breath like that—never mind.
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She skidded on the dry dirt and hopped on the control box of the container.
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The rat pitched forward toward the stairwell. Kar craned his neck, holding his palms up. The look on his face would have been comical in another situation. She bit the inside of her cheek and bolted for Kar. A quick vision of strangling the man started—as did a head pain.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAJGMeSHyK7j
She slid under the rat, stuck out her arm, pulling Kar out of the way.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAxwzskaa7NU
The rat squeaked an all too human sound of surprise; it wedged its head in the stairwell. Ha! Take that, you overgrown furred pouch! It clawed at the wall and roared so loud that the ceiling beams shook.
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Kar had sat down on a stool next to the stairwell. She went over to him, shaking her fist. It was too hard to talk.
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His eyes gleamed at her. He stood up pinching her cheek, then sat back down.
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She stared at him for a moment before going back to the cages. It took that long caught between wanting to smack him and trying not to.
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"Damn this vow, and damn you!"
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Kar made motions with a hand like a person taking while mouthing the words back, in a mocking tone.
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"Arrg!"
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"Come on ignore him and get over here!" Han said.
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She climbed onto some cages that leaned against the wall; working up to the chandelier. A good toss would do it. Several attempts later she wrapped the chain around the rim. It looked like there were two of them. She tilted her head back and closed her eyes. Please, not now body, not yet.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA5jabwIk7KN
The rat had worked its head almost free. Big pieces of stone dropped off the sides as it clawed at them with it's hind legs.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAXqVxc10RnR
Tugging on the chain a few times before she climbed higher on the chandelier. Now the tricky part, she dropped one end down towards the cage, then tossed the other end over the other side where it dangled near the ground.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAvYS6M9fiEI
She dropped down, and spilled on her side. Nothing wanted to move.
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"Rid me of this problem and I'll consider neutralizing the weakness potion," Kar said.
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Han scooted over.
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"What next?"
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"I was thinking of ..." She said the rest close to his ear.
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"Alright, we need to be quick."
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"Follow me."
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She climbed up the cages, yanked the chain down, and threaded it in the bars. Whistling at Han while pointing to the other chain.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAHqsGfv9cWT
He bounded up on the cages, worked over to the other end of the chain hanging from it.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAg2y84b4hd6
She went to the edge of the cage on top leaping just above Han; reached up, grabbed the chain too. Their weight lifted the cage up a little. Great, this might work.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAYlIKpCSOHH
Parcival pulled his leg out and scooted out from under the cages, he was still trapped behind them.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAUV8STSuvhq
The rat clawed at the stairwell pulling its head out.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA8vwDuHFUhX
It zeroed in on her.
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Whipping its tail about, the dirt sprayed where it struck.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAVVtj8MELy7
She hopped back, then ran close to the wall cut away from it, toward Han. She scrambled back up the chandelier wrapping her legs around the main chain that held it up. She bounced, jiggled and pulled on it. Come on ...
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The Dusk rat tilted its head and just stood there.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAoid6kB5VFK
She pointed to Han and then back at Parcival. He made a face, but jumped down and went over to Parcival.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAvU52nET71V
The rat moved a step closer. What was its problem?
952Please respect copyright.PENANA5om1XA40Zv
Humm. She dangled off of the edge waving her arms. That did it, the rat licked its lips and went below her.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA7DwjsEk2a5
She sat up, swung around kicking at the cage.
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It shuttered, but did not fall.
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She kicked it again until it unwrapped. The cage struck the rat on it's back, it fell; screeching, then its eyes rolled in the back of its head.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAWqcE75ulos
Kar stood up clapping.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA736BSoTqBP
"Wonderful. Very entertaining. Next time doesn't toss my pets into any open vats." He winked.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAyyJafnrJMV
He looked at Han and Parcival. "Go."
952Please respect copyright.PENANAWTe8pLigKC
Han pounced at Kar his saber held out in front of him.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAoOafjvQPOH
"Stop him. Now." Kar said.
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She ran in front of him with her arms held out shaking her head.
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"What are you doing?"
952Please respect copyright.PENANACk1MgtCRfi
"Just go." She turned around following behind Kar.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAoIuRTALbHw
Upstairs, he pointed to a bench near the doorway.
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She huffed, and sat. It was hard to stay angry. Sleep, let me sleep. I'll get angry later. Was that his plan, exhaust me?
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"I may have embellished on the truth some." He stood there with his hands held behind his back.
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"On what?"
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"Mmmm. The potion in the vial. It won't kill you." He giggled, a low sort that sent a prickle on her arms.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAOSBgSdYyg2
"You sick son of a basnar." She slammed the bench with a fist.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA2A8UAVgdf2
"Ooh, you have some energy left yet. Good. No more talking now, I tire of it." He draged a line with his finger across his throat. "Understand?"
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She snorted at him.
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"Good."
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Uneven footsteps behind, that grew louder. Her ears swiveled towards it.
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Parcival limped up the stairs and pointed his sword at Kar.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAhXl6XtDXAq
Kar tilted his chin up. "Cut me. Watch what happens."
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She stood, pushing down on it.
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"Go home." Jaw clenched, she pushed away an ocean, a dark rolling ocean of tears. Now wasn't the time, come on, stop it.
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"I will not. I don't know why you are acting like this. I Intend to find out, and will not leave until I do." He stood rigidly, looking at Kar without blinking.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAan5B8ansLw
Oh, gods. She straightened and looked him in the eyes. Her legs shook as she pushed within.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA0lp5KZ4fzs
Han came up soon after. He padded over to her and sat down on the bench. "I'm not going anywhere."
952Please respect copyright.PENANAaXOpUdvvwD
"Choices. Each one determines a different outcome." Kar traced a finger along the sword, as he came closer the pointed nail grew in length.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAgX6XPgucp6
"What choice will you make, Palitan?"
952Please respect copyright.PENANAc9WjptEyln
Parcival startled.
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"That's right I know. Have you-"
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Parcival lunged forward, pushing on the handle end with with his palm, while holding the handle with his right.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAoM3YVsnPsy
Palitan? No. No. No. Kar started to look less sinister and ... No snap out of it, it's a lie! It has to be! If he was one he'd have sealed me away by now ...
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If I could just move.
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I can free you. The cost being most of your energy. It'll come back by next week. Deal? Unamed said.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAIx0hdUDFpr
Why do you ask, what kind of a weak god are you?
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Fool! Do not anger me! It would work against my best interests to just outright drain your energy, as you'd die.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAaTFycQ7p4q
Ah, you need me. If I could smile I would.
952Please respect copyright.PENANACHqmwlNRP2
As do you. Choose, they aren't going to wait.
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Parcival had already broken through Kar's fear rune magics inscribed on his robe. I think it may work out.
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She could almost feel Unnamed shrugging. Too bad the energy boost would have speed things up.
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Such as?
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Unnamed didn't answer. It felt like he had fallen asleep? Did talking tire him?
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Kar leapt back.
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"Kill him."
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A sharp pain crossed her left side on her chest. She grimaced taking in shallow breaths through her nose. No. No. No!
952Please respect copyright.PENANAW19gxyDBY7
She caught his blade between her hands yanking him forward.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAGhrerbNwo7
"Are you possessed woman?" Parcival pulled the sword back.
952Please respect copyright.PENANATJiK15Jr2R
Yes, you idiot, I am. The spell clamped her jaw shut befor she cold say anything. So damn frustrating. She released it before it cut a hand. There, an opening. She kneed him in the stomach dropped down on the pads of her feet, stuck a leg out tripping him. Come on hero fight back!
952Please respect copyright.PENANANDLzPNY6aZ
He crashed down and the sword slid behind him teetering on the top of the stairs.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAOedaF920Up
Kar came up beside, he had a strange glow to him that wasn't there before.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAGmZimUvagg
"That should be enough, blood is so messy. You may go." Kar poked Parcival with a foot.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA0XIrWeT7Xi
Kar shrunk down, his youthful features became wrinkled, his hair white and his fingers bony. Then this reversed and he changed back.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAoSGZ8jNMb5
She saw it, but it didn't register for another minute.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAtOF3qgkv50
"The merchant."
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He simply nodded.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAJ75ngZ2RlI
Kar became youthful again, then went behind, wrapping his arms around her neck.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAtvjDE83oTq
"Get off!" She tried to shake him off but couldn't move.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA5SiPpPkEhS
"She does what I say. leave now and she will be set free soon after." He patted the side of her face.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAWYtAQ82Hgg
I hate you. A flash of a day dream cane of cutting his head off with crossed daggers.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAvrCy0tL0f2
Han came over and tapped Parcival on the leg. "let's go."
952Please respect copyright.PENANAE2Vg1k0i55
They both turned around and started to walk away.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA3Ylt700NiT
It's good they were going. They shouldn't be mixed-don't leave me with him! She trembled all over, sweat drenched her under shirt.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAp9nIiwb1GX
Tich. The Dentree's have gotten soft.
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Shut it.
952Please respect copyright.PENANApygO54LFS1
Unnamed scratched inside ... the truth is hard to take.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAIor6gqxTm7
Kar separated from her and followed behind them to close the wooden door.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAIKlcJMlhCn
Han slid under Kar's legs, jumped up and grappled hers.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAykYw8t0V1d
She dropped a dagger it bounced across the floor out of sight. Damn it! The air surged out of her chest.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAIspCwBJQcS
"Ooof."
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"Don't." Parcival had Kar at bay with a small sparkling light ball.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAN1mQ05MHy2
"Tisk-Tisk. If she doesn't get the antidote, she'll continue to try to kill you. This might last all day or all week. There is really no need for this."
952Please respect copyright.PENANAOgWaTdbXAl
He faded, then vanished. Seconds later he whispered behind her.
952Please respect copyright.PENANA8pCG3qyYTc
"You will come back and finish our talk."
952Please respect copyright.PENANAuPldCofdZw
He placed his hands on her shoulders. A hot sensation spiked through her and she gasped.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAxVtCc77pYr
"I forbid-"
952Please respect copyright.PENANAv1PaD4fG4n
Parcival never finished as Kar stood before him a pointed nail inches from his eye.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAor60mNMlf3
Parcival blanched; his eyes crossed at the nail end.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAy3r6eMlrDR
"You are all very fortunate I've transformed for the day. Tomorrow, however, when I find you I will not hesitate to annihilate you both."
952Please respect copyright.PENANArHqQGxSBWL
The look he gave her changed from cold to something softer almost, pleading?
952Please respect copyright.PENANAwZAUDsSmuB
Kar-it was as if-no he's just nuts. The further away they all got from him the better.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAIcgKKciwXF
Parcival picked her up and she hit and kicked him full strength. He slammed into wall.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAptfYoGnCi4
Han was on her back; a flash of silver, then a poke.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAVxwGwilpYF
"This was meant for Kar. Sorry lass."
952Please respect copyright.PENANAOwNVF3nEXV
Parcival grunted and shook his arms out and rubbed his chest where the kick landed.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAdT2K1KYu3p
"Remind me to stand away when you're kicking someone."
952Please respect copyright.PENANAWoPC0lwGUU
She toppled back and slid against the banister.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAeCsVgD2sxG
Parcival pulled her back up and carried her, tight. Her knees almost touched her nose, all muscles refused to cooperate.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAPziZ4vcKGU
"Quickly now," he said to Han. They leaped down the stairs using the wall for balance.
952Please respect copyright.PENANAQDONx6ClrM
Kar stood at the top of the stairway watching. His green eyes flared blue covering the whites. Emptiness and loss filled her core, such a strange thing considering what he did. 952Please respect copyright.PENANAw0ka5Y0R1U
952Please respect copyright.PENANAAgizSYPFMI
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