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She turned to Harald slowly. "We regretfully decline your kind
offer of hospitality," she began. "My . . . that is ... friends wait for
us." Coughing, she cleared her throat. There was a note of pain in
her voice. "And we have an important mission to fulfill before we
can join them," she explained.
"I'm afraid you misunderstood me, princess," Harald said, his
friendly tone gone. "It was not an offer, but a demand. You see, we
Ice Folk are at war-we cannot afford to trust anyone." He gave a
tight-lipped smile. "You will return with us." Accustomed to being
obeyed, Harald turned to leave. He did not, therefore, see Derek
draw his sword or Laurana grip the knight's arm, forcing him to
put the sword back to its sheath.
"What can I do to convince you we mean you no harm, that we
are not spies?" she demanded of Harald's back. "Our mission is
vital-it cannot wait!"
Harald swung around slowly, irritation turning his face even
redder than its normal shade. He did not like complications-and
this maiden was proving stubborn. Suddenly, his expression
brightened as an idea struck him.
"You have my leave to go on this 'mission' of yours, then," he
said. "But leave several of your number here as-"
"As hostages?" Laurana finished for him coolly.
"No, I prefer to think of them as a sign of good faith." Harald
smiled slightly. "And as a sign of our good faith, I vow to spare
their lives for the seven days I give you to return, as long as we
meet with no harm during that time
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