Janius remained evidently uncomfortable about their safety. The tightness in his shoulders he thought he left behind in Thorantilth's hut returned to him in full.

However, Juran had not come off as anything less than patient, realistic, and certain. Janius retained his deferential tone. [i]"I am grateful that you would allow this. It means a lot to us. I understand what you ask of us; we shall pay proper respect in the village."[/i] He turned to Julan. [i]"Is there anything else you want to ask about the rite?"[/i]

[hr]
"A shielding spell would be great, please," Rhazii whispered. "The only other magic I know that could be useful here is a basic healing spell."

After receiving the stoneflesh spell from Ahnasha, Rhazii followed along behind her to the letter of her instructions. He was not as habitually stealthy as Ahnasha, but his previous experience was sufficient for their approach.

Rhazii's heart raced in his chest. Picking out someone to kill was unnerving. If Ahnasha was not right there beside him, he felt he would turn around and never return. He answered without thinking too hard about it. "The Imperial. The one on the right, with the armour on." His grip on the bound sword behind his back grew tighter.