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    “That’s a lie,” Ruari said in Rian’s mind.


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    “Run!” Ruari said in Rian’s mind.


    “Trivius cannot take our will,” Ruari said in his mind. “If he could, the part of him that was in you before would have taken over and freed himself from the Bone Garden. Even fully free, Trivius does not control us.”


    “I do not know.” Ruari sounded worried. “His plans for Halbert can’t be good. You must stay out of Quidvis’s reach, so that he can’t do the same to you. With Trivius’s help, we could easily rescue Halbert from Quidvis.”


    “We’ll find another way,” Rian thought.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    “They’re far off yet,” Ruari said. “You can still escape.”


    “It is,” Ruari said.


    “At least you have the sense to be wary of Quidvis,” Ruari said. “Take us to the Bone Garden and free Trivius.”


    “No,” Rian thought.


    “Then stop running,” Ruari said in Rian’s mind, his voice more gentle than usual. “Go to the Bone Garden and free our god.”


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    “I wouldn’t have to try if you would go to the Bone Garden,” Ruari said quietly in Rian’s mind.


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