Chapter 9
His heavy eyes fluttered open to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TnooXB9no
stare up at a very familiar ceiling. He was back in his childhood bedroom; he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki8ALaAEIR
recognized it due to the glow in the dark stars that covered it. Back then he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaMvU0ODi1
was obsessed with the deities and now he wanted nothing to do with them. At9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmRsadWaOT
least this time he woke up next to Shea who was snoring peacefully next to him.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnsLjMky3J
His grandfather must have gone to collect her while he was out. He groaned then9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpQEnWIX2E
shifted slightly causing her to awaken.
“About time you woke up”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdiGnEkWHJ
she yawned, causing him to breathe in the smell of rancid meat. He pushed her9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9DuvtCWZL
face away from his.
“Do you ever brush your teeth?” he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjz9j1ltwY3
asked.
“You know for a fact I do not.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS5WdUV5qu
She jumped off the bed and shook herself off. “People were worried about9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyRk0TCMZR
you. You were out for two days.” That explained the hunger pains in his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeMqL09olt
stomach. He slid his feet over towards the side of the bed just to step down9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplSw6YGVqW
and nearly fell on the ground. He caught the side of his old nightstand, but9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3a6iEPpiFR
that caused the lamp to tip over and hit the ground. The resulting noise caused9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7FUKnaQ8n
the door to slam open, and Alex stood there with his sword in his hand. Upon9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqllObFlwE
seeing Vander, his face softened.
“You’re awake.” He sighed,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwrD2wOAtP
sheathing his sword. “It’s been two days; we weren’t sure when you’d wake up.”
“Care to explain what happened?”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YnY5XPCwS
Vander asked. Alex walked over to help him back up onto the bed.
“Let me get the doctor and your9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFYBrpLjsZ
grandfather. I’m sure they have a lot of questions for you.” He went to leave,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hBsb2f1wp
but Vander stopped him.
“Could you grab something from the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUVQgsXLfG
kitchens?” He grinned. “I’m starving.” Laughing, Alex disappeared. Once his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWHiEg8Yxs
friend was gone, he sat cross legged on the ground and closed his eyes. He took9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3if296VMcB
a deep breath in, held it for a moment, then let it out. While Alex went to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw66KSg6aCk
collect, he wanted to take some time to go over what he knew to see where he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJR7ZbLvqC
should go from here in terms of the investigation.
The King was poisoned a couple of9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9LGFiDtvd
weeks ago by a new servant named Nigel. Applewood was normally a quick acting9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhR6E7a24dQ
poison once it had been mixed, but it hadn’t shown until at least a day later.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G2j47sZ6T
It was likely diluted because if the taste tester keeled over as soon as he9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9RfEM1dIu
tried the meal, the King would have known something was up, as would Bernard. According9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4J622yJbOp
to Bernard’s sister, Ulysses hadn’t been seen in weeks and based on the stench9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJNWg9sw0z
coming from inside the room, he had been dead for roughly a week, but why was Nigel9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDoIfkNYtz
still here until Vander and Charles had gone looking for him? And why did the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrROEUbL1bL
assassin show up right as Vander had cornered him? There were likely more spies9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdymLUK81f
within the castle that he would have to rat out.
Vander’s eyes fluttered open once9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyLizaGPgN
he heard Charles running towards his room. Moments later the door slammed open9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvBSVLvaG7
to reveal the red eyed older man standing staring down at him. “Oh, good your9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAdIQiYcNl
alive.” A collective breath of air poured out of him. “You almost gave this old9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZmXBinf7p
man a heart attack.”
“It was just a smoke bomb.” Vander9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWOdMop3bV
shrugged. “I didn’t think it would cause you worry.” Charles turned to look at9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pM6qVtlHG
Alex.
“Did you not tell him?” Alex shook9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQz0vejxksb
his head.
“Tell me what?”
“That wasn’t a smoke bomb.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKhkmZX1Bt
Charles said. “It was laced with poison. Anyone who got near got so sick we had9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv0tggtC0W
to quarantine them. It’s a miracle you made it out alive.”
“You can thank the blessing for9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yuvl3bXgM
that.” Vander rubbed the back of his head. “How many are sick?”
“Three servants and one Blade.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccLQDUtLSH
Charles explained. “They are being well taken care of and should make a full9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvVdN56LwX
recovery if given time. We will just need to keep this mess under wraps at9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDF3EIfc3GE
least until after the wedding.”
“I would like to keep9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCipzX9VUa
investigating this.” Vander said. “Something about this just doesn’t sit right9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5cQpqQ5kWs
with me.”
“Same here Commander.” Both looked9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePUnckvcf2
over towards Alex. “The fact the King was poisoned under our very noses and an9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbc6uq1EKD7
assassin killed a witness and nearly killed Vander then left all without being9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH2BALXgQe
seen reeks of an inside job.”
“I cannot spare anyone to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCh6AqjEf5V
investigate this.” Charles folded his arms over his chest. “We will have our9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMU9UbSKR3h
hands full guarding our guests.”
“With all due respect Commander,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnX4jFrwlk
but we are getting many of our forces back who left to retrieve the wardens and9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gc9wkGJj4
with the added boost of whoever the princess is bringing, we will have enough9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpK3bQaXCbo
people in investigate and protect our important guests.”
“Let us see what the King has to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbfDJSE3lS
say about this.” Charles sighed. Both Vander and Alex looked up at him stunned.
“He’s awake?” they both asked.
“About a half hour ago.” Charles9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLx1pgsGgEW
beamed. “Your remedy worked, but he is still quite weak. I was on my way down9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmnkVZcTAF
to check on you when Alex bumped into me. Come on, he wanted to talk to you as9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrmUmeMpcN
soon as you woke up.”
“What about my stew?” Vander9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIB7SmI717
looked at his friend. Alex looked down as if he had just realized he had it for9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNs1jxVVfZ
the first time. Blushing, he handed it over. Charles tapped his foot9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTdL3oJqKCa
impatiently as Vander scarfed down the burning hot stew. He thoroughly enjoyed9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkHlphtSJ0
the chunks of meat that just melted in your mouth but did his best to ignore9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyjbKzChru
the vegetables until it was one of the last things left inside.
“Are you going to finish that?”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCzT3aPAyb
Vander looked over to see Shea practically drooling on his shoulder. Shaking9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCPrdHT6Pa
his head he placed it down on the ground the promptly got out of the way so she9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcVFK4T76H
could tear into it with gusto.
“Stay here.” He said. “I’ll be9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJs5PH9NttI
back soon.” She didn’t acknowledge him as he left with the other two men.
The castle was quiet. He couldn’t9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVetjhO5vZ
see much from his room on account he had just woken up and the blinds had been9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpKHji1G5F
drawn, but he guessed it was the middle of the night. Lanterns were lit and9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLR2mNvnCL
servants walked around in pairs to tend to them. Things were quiet.
Charles brought them to the room9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu0yYluQy9
they were in before when Vander looked over Malcolm only now there were four9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp0if57Iz7
more Blades standing guard. With a curt nod to the commander, they knocked once9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4lZ87se7l
then opened the door.
Unlike the last time, Malcolm Elan9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXeuZcSjeZ
was sitting up in bed with a candle burning on the nightstand. He had his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyVM917OaZ
glasses down over his nose and it appeared as though he was reading a report of9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5FkVJxIDd
some kind. Both Peyton and Visc were standing next to him, silently, waiting9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor9UkTuKlf
for him to speak. His ordeal aged him considerably. His hair had streaks of9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUdWoIOS4n
white and there were age marks gathering along the corner of his eyes. He9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu70Jgu2Sm6
looked up when the small group entered.
“Ah, I see you have finally woken9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiD3Y1FbGI
up Vander.” Malcolm smiled. His voice was filled with warmth as he spoke his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmfVnFLNqZ
name, a feeling he wasn’t used to. “I trust the good doctor took very good care9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1Ja1STGNO
of you while you were out?”
“I feel good.” Vander nodded.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcMXoTo879
“Glad to see you are awake as well.”
“All thanks to you I hear.” He9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFmEpFStyQ
turned to face Peyton and Visc. “Will you all excuse us? I have something I9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO2u3MGd8w
would like to discuss with the captain, alone.”
“But sir, I don’t think-“ Peyton9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqp8C3uDvzj
placed his hand on Visc’s shoulder.
“No arguing.” He hissed. “Just9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTF7ysrQaD
go.” He practically strong armed the Warden away from the King. Charles and9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC5EJmEW47
Alex bowed their heads before following the other two men.
“Sorry about that.” Malcolm9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRYle7zvUB
removed his glasses then placed the paper on the bed. “Visc came to give me a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsHtYWu5NU
report about the Kingdom’s affairs since my… sickness. Do you think there is9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6yrDIsMCh
anything amiss from the report?”
“I wouldn’t know.” Vander9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbr1QOuLvrt
admitted. “I was gone for half a year. I only came back maybe a week or so ago.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzizTDzDoT
I’m sure Peyton or my grandfather would have more insight than I.” Malcolm9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9MjYhoJIT
nodded as if he expected that answer.
“And where is Shea?” he asked.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrjpfdXOEB
“Normally you two are inseparable.”
“I left her downstairs eating what9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQg2qhesYf
was left of my dinner.” He explained. “She likely hadn’t eaten while I was9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7OxpHk8bD
unconscious and needed something.” Malcolm laughed.
“The bond you two share is a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3QbfZZ3bk
special one, never take that for granted.” 9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0LDLp7plJA
The two of them fell silent as they became lost with their thoughts. “I9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBW7YwpbCBn
guess I should get on with the reason I wanted to talk to you alone.” Vander9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4qME0xY9F
waited for the older man to gather his thoughts. “My time as King is about to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWqPvofxbv
run its course.” He held up his hand to keep Vander from interrupting. “Humjir9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrUgENGtMF
spoke to me while I was out telling me as such. He also told me that there are9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLa0rssnjd
big things at play and my death is unavoidable. I’ve accepted that, but what I9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZOBS6FvVD
need from you is something far more important.”
“What’s that?”
“I want you to protect my son.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAP6QiIOia
Malcolm sighed. “Help him become a good and kind ruler in my absence. No one is9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeroAugyzm
ready to lose their parents, especially not a prince who is ill prepared for9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAG7V1fec1
the challenges of the throne. He will have his new wife, but she is a stranger9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJEZgOjiqr
here. She will not be able to help him in the way that he needs, at least not9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9szRxQXYfI
yet. So, I want you to fill those shoes, the same way your grandfather has done9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVc8u9FZfj
for me.”
“You want me to become Commander?”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnp7fdhLuO
Malcolm nodded.
“Once your grandfather is ready to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl7xxU1jEv
retire, I want you to take his place.” He explained. “Peyton filled me in on9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMIOQn2wYDU
your duel with Leon and I know your pride is on the line. If you are9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YZrIb45lv
successful, just know your future is already secured.”
“I understand.” Vander wrung his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMYwNSC8Ov
hands together.
“Something is bothering you?”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm99sWQ5eOq
Malcolm asked. “What is it?”
“It’s just I don’t think the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8Y9jrJn4w
business with the assassins is over.” Vander sighed. “They were a little too9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QtqiCxSHf
organized and if I hadn’t come along and discovered what I did, there is a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0psInVfeG
chance you would have died without seeing Cuvera again.”
“And I’m sure that business with9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8yp3lKrQi
the masked assassin who almost killed you isn’t finished.” Malcolm nodded at9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJSVMgWWAR
Vander’s shocked expression. “Yes, I heard about it. While an assassin on the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb88CjyfUXT
loose isn’t my main priority since guards will be doubled and the head chef9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCYcseUkru
will be making and serving my food personally from now on, it’s not something I9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMD2MiDq5h5
can overlook. What do you want from me?”
It wasn’t very much truthfully.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3zcme4wAb
All Vander needed was the ability to come and go as he pleased and a way to get9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JrrOZELMA
out of trouble if something happened. Malcolm didn’t want too many details so9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrM0OWTav1W
he could have plausible deniability, but he gave Vander what he asked for: a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHZTcxdgUG
golden sigil with the king’s seal emblazoned on it. All he had to do was show9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQFWZjgdry
it to a guard then be let go. It also allowed him to withdraw money from his9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6ujLAPS7k
personal expense account for items he might require. He was given the freedom9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleRhzHHnZf
he needed to investigate the matter, but he had to make sure it was okay with9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJvF2QUzmg
Charles before anything.
“I wish you the best of luck,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZvsv1SVq8
Vander.” The king smiled. “And thank you again for saving my life. You will9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfqcXiZ8CW
forever have my gratitude and the gratitude of the entire kingdom for as long9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJihL5ZkxCn
as you live.”
“I was just doing my job.” Vander9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQlvUhQnPJ
turned his head towards the door. “Sounds like Lord Cranton and Lord Visc are9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVOUNxBL9u
chomping at the bit to get in here.”
“Send them in.” Malcolm sighed.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5VcinK6O5
“And discuss our conversation with no one unless you absolutely trust them. The9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwP7g1j7dIa
fact they were able to get their claws into those I vet myself tells me they9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYFvshxG7t
are not to be underestimated.”
Vander walked over to the door9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFaXn7KzF8
then pulled it open. Visc stumbled in with a disapproving shake from Peyton as9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtug0Acv7lY
he walked in behind him. “I told you not to stand so close to the door.”
“You did that on purpose didn’t9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJDdzwpvHT
you?” Visc got to his feet growling at Vander.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZJpcdCiP9
about.” Vander did his best to hide his laughter. “If you’ll excuse me9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00vS6Sq7IB
gentlemen, I am tired and need some rest.” Then he walked out of the room.
He found Alexander waiting down9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqKsQshSw0
the hall, but his grandfather was nowhere to be seen. Alex told him that9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XVu2vWpNL
Charles, after knowing he was safe, had gone to bed to pass out. It had been a9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtbXjjbwQ7
long couple of days for him and he needed the rest.
“What do you have planned9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJFaOtlWff
tonight?” Vander asked.
“I was going to spent time with my9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0G06wKfEQ
husband.” Alex explained. “But I think he’s asleep now, so, what do you have in9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx0n9DVPqe
mind?”
“Get dressed in something nice.”9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZfPFQvYOa
Vander smiled. “We are going clubbing. Meet me at the Inn in an hour.”
“Clubbing? At this hour?” The look9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUpEI1zAT0
on Vander’s face gave it away. Alex let out a loud sigh but agreed. With that,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99bRIyKce7
the two of them split.
Vander picked Shea up from the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xAKjxqO1F
room. She was snoring with her head inside of the food bowl. When he startled9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcEmUtDrB2
her the bowl flew and broke against the wall. The two of them looked at each9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwzE7l8oza
other, swore they would blame Alex, then quickly fled the castle. Vander knew9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPGgnMAKX2
he hadn’t completely regained all his strength, yet which was why he was9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztp6N32LYC
bringing Alex along, but where they were going was only for the toughest of the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVlbvipFUU
toughest in Eluvia. If they didn’t keep their wits about them they could end up9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOGb1LGj1j
with a knife in their ribs or worse. It was a place to gather information, but9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3DYZzrM47
also filled with murderers, rapists, drug addicts and politicians. He had to be9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaliqpqTrvD
careful.
Julianna was awake when he walked9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RFZpRS9gH
through the door. She greeted him with a flying hug and quick peck on the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkydL6fp8Ap
cheek. She said that she had been worried about him when he hadn’t returned,9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns6T9HUusQ
and it took ten minutes for him to calm her down enough to untangle himself. She9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOQ3MlL2eF
asked if he had eaten. He told her that he had, but he didn’t have time for9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJCnZKaTs9
more, he had something he needed to do tonight. Reluctantly she let him go but9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVV0WznKrw
made him promise he would return as soon as he could.
He quickly showered and got9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYF4Lb4fKF
dressed in a white shirt, black pants, and dress jacket that he wore only on9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfItyKOKj61
special occasions. You didn’t go to where they were headed wearing a Blade9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV59weutU5w
uniform or dressed in rags. The clientele was elite, and you had to dress the9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BHXQPc1lU
part to get in the door. He left his sword at home; he couldn’t take it where9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S4dpgtq2w
he was going. There was strict no weapons policy, but many hired guards to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJUMnuGp4c
protect them. People chose intimidating figures who could scare off any9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8tEqVAfLs
potential issues, but between Alex and himself, they could take on anyone. He9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBCY8Pdu72
said goodbye to Julianna then headed outside with Shea in tow. Alex was waiting9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MJc2Addt2
for him.
“Where are we headed?” Alex asked.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpCrj5LrIP
He wisely didn’t bring his sword, but Vander noticed the many rings glittering9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYl3cuROyh
on his hand.
“The one place that can get any9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xxli0xCb7
information we want, at a price.” Vander said cryptically. You never knew who9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyydkmwsKdj
was listening.
“I can’t stand that place.” Alex9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPvLNgDsol
sighed. It was the one place everyone hated going, but sometimes you had to9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu3G1S9asa
make a deal with the devil in order to find the answers.
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8YWkDOybW
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ5jTbV8hh
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZuECK4PJf
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheuM1QDEwC
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzmYXKpte3
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltJAkW9ThJ
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy8j0KcCto
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW4KFeHPzV
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoW4l46tHu
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqGc9lH09z
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr3BWWOtli
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIyiwuncoBR
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqYsRXnOYi
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIDQCVtVNm
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKlpGWTNud
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEC2AljoxHk
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ0A69do8Q
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDG6e4pFv60
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk4GHKnocA
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1oiJBFykq
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rjijyhJDY
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDQqH4XVjD
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsNyjvQRSt
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6k34dlr28
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGasPtKdDg
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JcYZfgGaO
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqv98iiH30r
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaolS9rPuI
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsalKedUn5x
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywfo5K974T
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57UlCCmb6n
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0SAZ7kNag
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkda5J2TBe
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTKRU9zsaZ
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VJUMQrJn7
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZethcXK6J4
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvvhWUPZCmV
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CIW7jPs1J
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ10pe9vXJ3
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM0O0xKtx0
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL3aexQTJK
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3t2TcuxRH
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8q1t4eiMaV
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Nz7IC9on
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fpFrT3GDq
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLZz6vIQBg
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14GCG8pz83
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FHTOTGILY
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyXrQiXtPv
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ChgImdBHs
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYkIBQzIaU
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXjZo1MMk5
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIB4jd5aFYb
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0a68raQYAs
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv1HS0bCfY
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEiMox3cnR
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYBkE2I86I
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8hyRxM47y
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7fpYIvVvP
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUqoWe2rhP
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAWMVznB9j
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQC6nxtw6zT
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrBQl58wou
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKL9FDpCtV
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDoMc6rh40
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgN7wQvJ8r
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mfHEKrrM7
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAc3f3Y0skL
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhlx883AB5
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NCoW6UI4A
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2DHQkMfPq
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfC9BmCiU8H
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV83PcX4lY
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcCjLdilSW
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGRqwUQg1Q
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJl50ihp92
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeDS76AU2G
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVGBOLC6Ft
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6R7I6DPU2
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqgHoJVicd
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTWoe4HBGx
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5soea5aeP
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZvqTZcTmM
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8T6RtqxAfp
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUy8tuRynD
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyu5k4IVjVD
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JYGnJRQQl
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8FBEnIt1l
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOl4riCdNq
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xNkWeFGfG
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUdYr5v63w
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuDYjNKPDb
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIcnxhk5s7
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdMoaGpJAI
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUm3KNKc58
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdirJ0HymDK
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrk0wQ7Z7t
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQUArKzlDq
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwYoagWzYd
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KtXMgc64U
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRONvhyJ7oM
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG65v04D8Q
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJKXA5V0VE
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv30mhsGy0K
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusRYv7M8mm
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRuadpfwZJ
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW84ETYJXMZ
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLtMscoOdm
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfD79PkckP3
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2lLIczfU0
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXj3S4Dfwzw
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYZXwqU30Ik
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtCA9yNUPI
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsEhJTDtgn
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwDPpBok6A
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduo00sQV9J
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfv1iIZC0Vt
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGNqFrv2am
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡal5Cu3tqRE
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡirHK9i1JDn
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqlSQJWgLC
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxwpeSZvCx
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmXBbSfeB7
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjd1MLpYLH
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodCITBtt9B
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVFDaC3tur
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxW8mFMLjV
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qC5Qewd4d
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZOtI4jkMH
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfS5vgwCiR
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpkjj12jn1
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7JjPAuRvL
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDCJDYeWFq
9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOWKAQnU4B
“Let’s go meet Ross.” The two of9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcLJ445WIm
them walked down the dark road and towards the slums.
