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CHAPTER XIX

“We’re close,” Nemed said, slapping Starn on the back. He’d arrived from Tahsman with his group of mortal knights, alive with the power of wystria . His scar bent oddly where he beamed at Starn as he dismounted his black gelding—an expression Starn would remember, filling him with pride. His hands eager for more fae blood when the reward was his father’s approval.

“We’ve thought that on a few occasions now,” Starn replied, careful not to get the fire hand’s hopes up.

“We’ve done it considerable damage,” Nemed said. “Surely it’s only a matter of time.”

“Perhaps,” Starn said. “Once we stop it, we’ll gut it or break it…but it still remains to open it.”

Nemed nodded his head, understanding.

“Can you not request the Lady’s aid once more?” Nemed asked. “She favors you and her goals are aligned with our own. I cannot see a reason ? —”

“No,” Starn said. “I will take aid when necessary. The rest of Aisling’s justice will be served by my hand alone.”

Nemed’s lips thinned into a line.

“The end is near,” the fire hand said. “Fae territories are falling each day as we apply pressure on their kingdoms. The gateway is within our reach. We’re close. Don’t forget that.”