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."What the blazes are you doing?" he demanded."We were almost to the gate!""I could smell these two hiding in here," the druid replied."And I suspected they were doing something untoward."Horial had to clench his hands together to keep from reaching up to grab the druid by his collar."First of all, it's none of our business why they are hiding in here.We were hiding in the bushes a few moments ago, too, remember?" When the druid merely scowled, Horial continued."And second of all, even if they are up to no good, it's not our fight tonight.We have more important things to deal with.""Horial?" the young priest asked, startling the sergeant out of his admonition.The mercenary looked down, surprised."Do I know you?"The Abreeant shook his head."No, but I'm in contact with someone who knows you, and she's very glad to see you.You know Hetta Matrell?"Horial nearly choked, then he sank down and pressed his finger against his mouth, signaling for the younger man to speak quietly."Gods and demons, boy! How in the Nine Hells do you know Hetta Matrell?" he asked in a near-whisper.The young man might have smiled, though it was hard for Horial to be sure in the dim light."That's a very long story, but suffice it to say that we're on the same side tonight."Horial's eyes narrowed."How do I know you're speaking straight with me?" he demanded.The Abreeant didn't reply for a long moment, and he said, "Hetta tells me to remind you of all the times she had to swat your fanny for crushing her hoplilies when you, Adyan, and Vambran would use her garden wall as a shortcut."Horial stood there for a long moment, stunned.No one but Hetta, Adyan, and Vambran himself would have remembered something from his childhood.He threw his head back then and just laughed, and Adyan was chortling too, right beside him.He tried to keep his laughter quiet, and for the most part he succeeded, but the whole situation was too comical for him to control his mirth.Finally, wiping a tear from his cheek, Horial caught his breath."You sold me," he said, still chuckling."Where is darling Hetta?"At that question, the Abreeant seemed to wilt slightly.He held out his hand, offering something to Horial.The sergeant caught a glint of red, and he reached out and clutched at a jeweled ring., Well, you're a fine sight, Horial Rohden.Where is Vambran?Horial nearly dropped the ring.Grandmother Hetta? he asked, unsure of where the voice was coming from.Are you at House Matrell? Vambran said you were in trouble.Yes, trouble is the short way to sum it up, Hetta's voice replied.And no, I'm not at the house.I'm in here.Now where's Vambran?Horial stared at the ring in the moonlight, aghast.He is still in Reth, trying to save the rest of the men, the sergeant answered.He sent us back to help Emriana after she called to him.Well, good, Hetta said, and relief radiated from the disembodied voice.Pilos and Quill need your help.There's too much to explain right now, but Emriana and Xaphira are in trouble.We all have to get out of the Generon, and quickly, before Junce and the palace guards catch us.Can you help them?Horial nodded, then thought, That's why Vambran sent us back here, Grandmother Hetta.Just tell us what you need.Pilos will explain it all to you.For now, just pass me back to him.Oh, and Horial?Yes?Thank you for coming.You and Adyan are both good men, and Vambran is lucky to have you as friends.Horial grinned as he handed the ring back to the young priest."All right," he said, turning to look at everyone in turn."Hetta says we've got to get out of here.Pilos?" he said, looking at the priest.When the Abreeant nodded, Horial said, "Tonight we're at your disposal." He made quick introductions and they set out, and he noted that the first pink light of morning was beginning to brighten the eastern sky.Their intentions were to proceed as before, strolling toward the front gates and out as though they didn't have a care in the world.That plan lasted for perhaps ten paces before someone began to shout from a distance
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