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He shivered. Weren’t they supposed to cure people in here?
wanted to. And no matter how enjoyable you found cloud-watching, it could only hold your attention for so long.
Do you still aspire to be a hero, Luke Nixus?
I am in possession of Cyrus Alder.
Meet me in Cherima, alone, before the sun sets on the eighteenth.
I will be clear.
If you do not come, or if you bring this matter to the Ulciscor Guard’s attention, you will never see the boy again.
It is imperative that you listen to what I say.
There are words that must be said to you in person.
A simple indirect letter like this won’t suffice.
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James. There was no signature, but the opening question was unmistakably that of his older brother. James was alive.
James. He remembered little of his parents, but the times with his brother were vivid, always so vivid.
Then I’ll work your son twice as hard, the would-be Elite had said.
I wonder if Dad is with him. He didn’t remember much about the man. His parents had done their best, always. He could remember his father’s levelheaded advice that sometimes went right over his head, could picture his mother’s warm smiles, ever reassuring and encouraging.
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ten times the distance.
could he do? Was there no way to get there in time? Neither train nor ship ran through central Asundria in a way that worked for him. Was he seriously going to lose his one chance at this?
how to drive, and cross three hundred miles in three days. Also, he was pretty sure the nurse said something about Pruinan military patrols around the perimeter of the triangle.
I can do it, he thought stubbornly. He sat up, and though his legs did protest, he was able to stand steadily. Before Snare, every day was like this.
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Magenta, that faraway voice said.
You were protecting me all this time, he thought in wonder. Thank you.
would see James again, no matter who or what tried to get in the way. With this light, he could do it. He could do anything.